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The history of Quico Cuggiano & The Chiggers began with the musical partnership of bassist Zachariah Jones and guitarist/vocalist Franklin Caggiano. The members met in the summer of 1996 in Columbia, South Carolina with the formation of the instrumental, improvisational unit The Medulla Peltor Extravaganza. Performing improvised “jams” which included jazz, rock and funk flavors for three years honed Zack and Franklin’s musical rapport to a phenomenal level, which remains today. Medulla Peltor went through various line-up changes, but its rhythmic, melodic core of Jones/Caggiano always remained until Caggiano parted for work and study in Idaho and California. Caggiano returned in the summer of 1999 with his newly founded vocal style, a few structured tunes, and a new wanderlust that would take him throughout Europe as a street performer. In next three years, Caggiano succeeded in forming a powerful vocal style and composing about fifteen truly original compositions. During this time, Jones kept busy while studying the mandolin, twelve- string guitar, and bass as well as subbing in various musical projects. In the spring of 2001, Zack journeyed to India with the Indian classical/ jazz fusion group, Time Travil, touring intensely with the quartet for two months. Upon returning, Zack resumed his work as a &ee lance musician. In December 2001, Franklin returned to Columbia ready to re-form an electric trio with Zack. While performing for weeks as an acoustic duo, they searched for a percussionist as original as the music they wished to perform. Upon a chance meeting in a supermarket, the duo met up with an old acquaintance, percussionist Andrew Hoose. As a music major at USC, Hoose studied Malinke and Susu music in Guinea, West Africa with the world famous ensemble “Les Percussions de Guine” and performed with Djoliba Don, a West African ballet company. He is also well versed in Cuban and Brazilian percussion traditions. With Hoose at the drumming helm, the Chiggers were complete and poised tosucceed. Quico Caggiano & the Chiggers have a bright future ahead of them, and are looking forward to breaking the boundaries of the current trends in the popular music via their own brand of beautiful, fiery, soul inspired compositions. The band extends their warmest appreciation and gratitude to those they may work with and entertain in the years to come.... |