LOU CORIO:
“Ace of Hearts”
By Marc Gambino (November 10, 2019)
Lou Corio is a masterful drummer with a wide scope of experience in many styles, and a resume of driving everything from the biggest of bands (to this small trio).
First off, it should be known that this band probably wouldn’t even EXIST if it wasn’t for my cousin Lou.
After 9-1/2 years in CONCRETE JUNGLE (fka SACRIFICE) left me wondering if I could ever devote the same time and energy into playing music in a band again, he enlisted me in ‘97 to play for the first time with him in SAVING GRACE (later known as HIGHWAY JONES). I am forever grateful for his diligence in making that happen.
Along with guitarist/vocalist Frank Silver, we played together for the next 3-1/2 years, opening for such diverse acts as THE TOM TOM CLUB, ERIC JOHNSON and QUIET RIOT.
I refer to Lou as “Cuz’n Cozy” because of his command of the intricate details necessary to provide a flawless groove, reminiscent of one of my all-time favorites (Cozy Powell).
When Joseph D’Aqui left the band in September of 2017 to pursue heavier things In PIERCED, it was a moment that made my head spin wondering where this band would go. As my co-founder of the band, Joseph was an integral part of developing the band’s sound from day one.
I was SO happy when Lou jumped right in, and said he wanted to play with me again in THIS band.
Lou’s love of the drums emanated from growing up in the same Jersey City house with HIS cousin Louie, who he would watch practicing for hours on end.
Louie Corio is pictured above with his brilliant long-time blues bandmates in THE DETONATORS in 2005. Unfortunately, Louie passed away four days after this Bio was published on Thursday, November 14, 2019. His bandmates are pictured left to right after him (Martin E. Martin, Sean Aumack and Pat Gustoso)
Before we played together in Saving Grace, Lou played in MANY bands... Cutting his teeth while learning to support the various musicians he played with (in front of many different crowd sizes and types).
Among the bands he has been in are COACHWHIP, SPECTRUM, THE DYNAMIC BELLTONES, PRIME, SIZZLE, PUNCFUSION, FAST FREIGHT, NON-SEQUITOR, NOT JUST ANOTHER COVER BAND, and PRIMITIVE COOL.
He also spent twenty one years between 1995 and 2016 driving the extremely successful show band, GOTHAM... For many years, THE top grossing show band on the east coast. I worked with him for 6-1/2 years in that band doing over 300 shows together, and gained an infinite amount of respect for him as a drummer and friend during that time. I was the sound-man for that band, and Lou had me constantly banging to the beat on the edge of the sound board. His spark behind the kit fueled a band that flexed from the usual nine pieces all the way up to the occasional sixteen.
Along with band leader Dave Scott, we convoyed to most gigs together in our three vehicles. Most shows were in Manhattan, Long Island and the Philadelphia area. We each had CB radios and talked the whole way to and from the shows, which would average one per week over that 6-1/2 years. Those conversations were interesting and funny, vital to staying awake on long drives home in the middle of the night, and galvanized a bond between us that can never be broken.
There were weeks during off times that there were no gigs, but there were weekends during busy times we would do up to five shows. We also did multiple shows in Connecticut, Delaware and Florida.
Perhaps most poignant to me is that Lou also played in bands known as CONSPIRACY OF HEARTS and STREETHEARTS, so destiny may have been that my cousin (a true ACE of hearts) would wind up with me again here in LION-HEARTED.
There is no doubt in my mind that Lou’s life desire is that he leaves a legacy of how he has fostered a love of music in his family, and how it has spread out into the communities around him.
His cousin Louie inspired HIM, and HE has inspired countless others to pursue music — including his daughters Alyssa (piano) and Maria (drums), his son Louis (drums), and now his grandson Gavin (drums).
For over a decade, Lou and his wife (my beautiful, “real” cousin Kathy) host the annual “CorFest” event at least once every summer in their large Middletown backyard with a full stage and PA system. With more than a dozen performers (all ages, and solo to all sizes of bands) participating every time at this event — it is a true celebration of Rock Music for all generations. It cannot be understated how Instrumental Kathy was in instilling (and is at nurturing) Lou’s motivations.
There is NOTHING more important to a bassist than playing with a great drummer, and I have played with some exceptional ones over the years. That list includes my brother Michael, and (of course, my BFAM) Joseph. And now that list includes my beloved cousin Lou AGAIN!
I cannot wait for you to hear the first album with his playing on it when it’s released next year... He will bring his signature playing to our band, and that style is a groove that will make you want to move.
Sometimes life comes “full circle”! And I am so glad it has done that in THIS case!!!