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MARIO
MARIO |
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| | Reviews: 39 |
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| Average Rating: 7.85 |
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Mario
by David Ogletree "Music Lover" Macon, Georgia
Reviewed on December 7th, 2004
Teen-age singing prodigy Mario, whose debut album will be released on July 9, 2002, began life as a big dreamer. In fact, he knew he wanted to be an entertainer when he was only 4 years old. Recalling the day he'd answered the career question, the 16 year old says, " I was downstairs in my house barely dressed wearing mismatching shoes. My mother heard me singing and at first she thought it was the radio playing loud. When she came downstairs she was shocked when she realized that it was me."
Every artist needs tools for his trade so upon discovering her son's expressive yet smooth, unconstrained, completely honest vocal ability she provided Mario with a karaoke machine and a piano which she played quite well herself. The result was simple. "I played with the tools that she had given me and went for broke! From that experience I have learned to create and develop harmonies by just listening to the melodies."
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Mario now resides in Northern New Jersey where he is a sophomore in high school. The former frequent talent show contestant remembers when not so long ago, he would enter more singing competitions than he could count. Fortunately for Mario the end result would have him fulfilling his dream of becoming the entertainer he was born to be.
Forging ahead, within months Mario - whose musical influences are Usher, Brian McKnight, Joe and Stevie Wonder - went into the studio to record his debut album for J Records. The albums first single "Just A Friend 2002" was written and produced by musical veteran Warryn Campbell and pays tribute to the 80's hip-hop hit "Just A Friend" by legendary rapper Biz Markie. Markie is featured in the video clip of "Just A Friend 2002" which was shot on location in Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.
In addition to Campbell's contributions, Mario's debut features production by Harvey Mason (Brandy, Babyface, Tyrese), Gerald Isaac (Mary J. Blige, Angie Stone) and five-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys who contributes two stand-out cuts " Put Me On" and "2 Train." "Not only is he full of personality" says Alicia, "he has one of the most beautiful and original voices I've ever heard from such a young man. He doesn't sound like anyone else and he already knows what he wants to do vocally. With time, he will only master this even more. That's my lil' man and I'm watchin' over him."
When time permits Mario plays video games and football with his friends. "I have a thing for Playstation and I'm really competitive. When I'm not doing that I'm getting together with my friends and talking or playing football," says Mario. But since his free time is now far and few between, Mario will focus on preparing for his debut album to top the charts. "Maybe after I jump start my music career, I'll get into acting. Starring in a movie with Jada Pinkett-Smith," says Mario with a wide grin, "but until then, my main concern is making big things happen with this album."
More "Mario" reviews:
[2004-12-07] Mario (10)
[2004-11-15] Usher and R. Kelly move out da way (10)
[2004-06-26] baby girl 2004 (10)
[2004-06-17] GREAT VOICE...MEDIOCRE ALBUM! (6)
[2004-04-09] he's the bomb (2)
[2004-03-22] Mario!! (8)
[2003-06-26] I would've expected more (4)
[2003-04-13] WHOOOO (10)
[2003-03-06] Surprisingly amazing... (10)
[2003-01-23] Talented (10)
[2003-01-20] NICE. (8)
[2002-12-06] The New Mario (10)
[2002-11-27] Mario - Mario (10)
[2002-11-23] Solid debut from a youngster, good old fashion R&B/Soul (10)
[2002-11-19] Great Debut Album! (10)
[2002-11-16] Mario's hot (10)
[2002-10-25] Good Debut (10)
[2002-10-15] They keep getting younger and younger!!! (10)
[2002-10-03] OhMyGod he is like so good!! (2)
[2002-09-29] The boi has skills (10)
[2002-09-25] See above (8)
[2002-09-08] Lil Man Put The Mojo On Me (10)
[2002-08-30] not just a one hit wonder! (8)
[2002-08-22] This CD is awesome! Don't listen to dumb 11 year olds! (10)
[2002-08-18] i like Mario very much!! (10)
[2002-08-15] This shucks! (2)
[2002-08-09] Could've been better... (8)
[2002-08-08] This shucks! (2)
[2002-08-03] Good Start (8)
[2002-08-02] Mario- the new guy (8)
[2002-08-01] Give The Playa His Props (4. 8 Stars) (The True R&B CD) (10)
[2002-07-31] the next thriller no way (4)
[2002-07-30] This CD is Really Good (8)
[2002-07-27] Chris Rock Looking Cat with FLuffy Music (2)
[2002-07-26] I LOVE MARIO (10)
[2002-07-26] THE NEW MUSICAL MESSIAH (2)
[2002-07-25] i like this album (10)
[2002-07-24] Bubble Gum Pop with an RnB Edge (6)
[2002-07-23] A good debuet (10)
Displaying reviews from 1 to 39
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