In his early twenties, John began playing bars in and around Manhattan:Exclusively an acoustic player,his music has been described as “Blue folk.” Erik Hage for "Metroland", placed Scarpulla's "dazzling Poetical chops and deep soulful voice in the greater john Hiatt neighborhood." His melodies, metaphors and images of hard-edged city life are interwoven with soulful testimonials of hope and redemption.John’s live performances take audiences on a journey through blue-black city streets and bar rooms of New York City to autumn brown country roads paved with gratitude. Josh hathaway of BC Magazine writes," I still like a lot of major label artists, but more and more I'm convinced the best of what music has to offer is happening off the beaten path. Last week's case in point was The Bittersweets' brilliant new album. This week, it's New York-based singer/songwriter John Scarpulla and his new album Blue Ruin. The songs on Blue Ruin have roots in the blues but there are colors and landscapes in these songs, revealing a wider angle view of the world. They are rootsy, rustic, and filled with so many elements of classic Americana music. The compositions are spare, built around Scarpulla's acoustic guitar. There are no drums here, just guitar, bass, and an occasional fiddle (A shoutout of sorts is required as BC Magazine's own Jon Sobel provides some of the electric and fretless bass heard on this record). I'm not a particularly visual thinker but I see these songs when I listen to them, or at least have images float through my mind. Blue Ruin sounds like a partly cloudy day, or a partly sunny day. You can still feel warmth from the sun, but might not be able to see it in all its glory. There's something very comfortable and comforting in these songs. They are also versatile. These songs would be great company in the morning, sipping coffee on the front porch as the sun comes up. They'd also be great in a dark coffeehouse. Beyond that singer/songwriter vibe, these songs would also go nice with something a little harder than coffee on a lonesome Saturday night. This isn't a record for beer drinking and hell raising, but it could be a soundtrack for one of those quiet, contemplative, dark nights of the soul. Jazz bassist Joe Fonda refers to John's lyrics as "true poetry. His guitar playing is rooted in the blues and has a deep groove. Lstening to john is an experience you won't forget for a long time. I am living proof of that."