With a trademark deep voice reminiscent of Barry White, Isaac Hayes, and Lou Rawls, singer and composer Mario Biondi makes music passionately, while at the same time lighthearted and ironic. Biondi puts a new spin on jazz—his Italian heritage and love of soul music shaping his unique style.
Biondi worked as a session singer for years before he had the opportunity to be Ray Charles’s supporting act, but his first big break came in 2004 with the single “This Is What You Are.” Originally planned for release only in Japan, the song garnered the attention of well-known European DJ Norman Jay and received acclaim worldwide. In 2006, Biondi released his platinum debut album Handful Of Soul, recorded with the High Five Quintet. In 2010, Mario clocked-in thousands of miles for a sold-out winter and summer tour where he performed with his 15 piece orchestra to thrilled audiences of all ages.
This program is part of Unexpected Italy, the Festival organized by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Washington DC and the Italian Cultural Institute.
LOCATION
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Terrace Theater
2700 F St NW
Washington, DC 20566
PREVIEW (via Youtube)
Unexpected Italy
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, together with the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, and in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Washington DC and the Italian Cultural Institute, are proud to present Unexpected Italy, a celebration of Italy’s extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Throughout May 2019, the Center will present a variety of art forms that reflect Italy’s diverse arts and culture.
Mario Biondi is a singer and composer, born in Catania, Italy on January 28,1971. His father Stefano Biondi was also a singer. Mario´s passion for music began at the early age of twelve when he sang in his church choir. His many musical experiences over time in Italy saw him develop more and more into an artist whose scope was destined to be of an international level. For a while he worked as a session singer – then in 1988 he had an important opportunity as support act to Ray Charles Italian dates. His love for soul music helped shape his particular vocal styling that takes its cue from great vocalists like Lou Rawls, Al Jarreau and Isacc Hayes. His first big break came in 2004 with the release of the single “This Is What You Are”. Originally planned for release only in Japan, the cool and irresistible song gets noticed by European radio. Well-known DJ, Norman Jay begins to feature the song on his BBC1 show playlist and Mario´s incredible voice crosses the European continent ahead of the artist himself. The British Consulate honors him with an award during the ceremony for Best Artist representing the Uk-Italy Business Association. In 2006 Mario releases his debut album “Handful of Soul”, recorded with the High Five Quintet. In less than three months it goes platinum.
2007 sees the release of the single “No Matter” teamed -up with famed Italian DJ Mario Fargetta. During this time, Mario also records some inspired covers like Billy Joel´s “Just the Way You Are”. In November 2007 Mario releases a double album with the Duke Orchestra, called “I Love You More” recorded entirely live at the Smeraldo Theatre in Milano. Mario accepts an invitation from The Walt Disney Company to record the Italian versions of “Everybody Wants to Be A Cat” and “Thomas O´Malley” from the classic animated film “The Aristocats”.
2008 saw some great collaborations with artists such as Chaka Kahn, Michael Bolton, Incognito and The Crusaders. In 2009 Mario is once again on the San Remo Festival stage duetting with Karima Ammar in the song “Come in Ogni Ora”.
The song´s producer and co-writer, none other than Burt Bacharach was also on stage conducting the orchestra and playing piano. Mario went on to yet another magical duet performance with premier Italian artist Renato Zero on “Non Smettere Più” included in Renato´s album ´Presente´. In November 2009 Mario Biondi released “If” and the first single “Be Lonely” on the Tattica label. The album shot up the charts and went triple – platinum. With a voice that references greats like Barry White, Issac Hayes and Lou Rawls while at the same time giving his own spin to the soul and jazz genres, Mario makes music passionately while at the same time, lighthearted and ironic. In 2010, Mario clocked -in thousands of miles for an all sold-out winter and summer tour that saw him performing with his 15-piece orchestra to thrilled audiences of all ages. A live cd, “Yes You” capturing that tour was released in November 2010.
This program is part of the 7th annual European Month of Culture.
Find more events at: EUintheUS.org/EUMoC