Mario Biondi [2022] - Romantic [Beyond Srl] (Full Album)

Two tracks from the latest Marion Biondi album, "Romantic" have already been released in recent weeks with luke warm reception, an original song "Romantic Song" and a cover of Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine".

The full album was released yesterday (18 Mar 2022) and of the fifteen tracks, eight are covers:

"The Creator Has A Master Plan" (Leon Thomas 1971), 

"Going Out Of My Head" (Bacharach & David standard first released by Little Anthony & The Imperials 1964)

"You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" (Lou Rawls 1976) ,

"What's Your Name" (Leon Ware 1979),

"What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye 1971),

"Papa You’ll Loves Mambo" ( Perry Como 1954),

"Would You Believe In Me" (Jon Lucien 1973),

"Take It As It Comes" (an version in English of Lucio Battisti's "Take It Like This" 1978).

In fact there is a ninth cover as " Tu Malatia" was written by his father Stefano and recorded in 1982 by Franco Morgia.

The album launches a European tour commencing on 30 Mar 2022.

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Details

Rating:	7.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	New Soul / Jazz / Blue-Eyed / Cover Version
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	18/03/2022
Value:	£7.99

Mario Biondi [2022] - You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine [Beyond Srl]

Italy's answer to Barry White, Mario Biondi (Mario Ranno), throws his hat in the ring in the round of Valentines Day inspired releases with a cover of Lou Rawls 1976 Philly classic "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine".

Probably a 'Marmite' tune for many as this borders on lounge music to my ears. Listen to the original below, and then decide for yourself!

Having spent many years as a session vocalist, and backed Ray Charles, Biondi broke onto the scene with his single "This Is What You Are" in 2004. I take back what I said about this version now that I discover that he's originally from Sicily or I may be found 'sleeping with the fishes' or waking up beside a horses head!

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Details

Rating:	7.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Classic Soul / Cover Version
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Beyond Srl
Cat No:	None
Date:	14/02/2022
Key/BPM:	10B/115
Value:	£1

Mario Biondi [2021] - Dare [Beyond Srl] (Full Album)

I posted 'Canteloupe Island DJ Mme Remix)' from Mario Biondi last week just before the new album 'Dare' was released (as the only track available at the time), but now that the album has ben released (29 Jan 2021) here's a link to the full album.

The album celebrates his 50th birthday telling the story of his career from soul and jazz beginnings to new sounds of today, so it's a mixed bag featuring several covers of jazz classics, a version of Donny Hathaway's 'Someday We'll All Be Free' and Frank Sinatra's 'Strangers In The Night'. 

Listen to Full Album here

Apart from perhaps 'Someday We'll All Be Free', the only real track of interest to pure soulies will be 'Lov-Lov-Love' and 'Paradise'.

Lov-Lov-Love (with Incognito)

Paradise

He puts his Barry White hat on for this one!

Mario Biondi [2021] - Canteloupe Island (DJ Meme Remix) [Beyond Srl]

Italy's answer to Barry White, Mario Biondi releases a new album on 29 Jan 2021 titled 'Dare'. The only track currently available is his version of Herbie Hancock's Canteloupe Island (DJ Meme Remix), which Hancock wrote and recorded in 1964 on Empyrean Isles whilst he was a member of Miles Davis quintet.  The song was voted #19 in Jazz24.org 'Jazz 100: One Hundred Quintessential Jazz Songs'. 

Donald Byrd covered it in 1964 and US3 had a hit with a hip-hop version caled Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) in 1992. There are dozens of other versions one of the latest by Manhattan Transfer in 2018 titled Cantaloop (Flip Out).

Herbie Hancock [1964] - Canteloupe Island [Blue Note #BLP 4175]

Here are the masters at work! Herbie Hancock (piano), Freddie Hubbard (cornet) d. 2008, Ron Carter (bass), Tony Williams (drums) d.1997 and featuring Joe Henderson (saxophone) d. 2001, who wasn't on the original recording in 1964. This video was recorded in 1985.

Mario Biondi [2020] - Paradise

Italy's answer to Barry White with his latest release just out.

Incognito Feat. Mario Biondi & Chaka Khan [2010] - Lowdown [Dome]

Soul Strutter's Rating 8.5

Lead track taken from Incognito's 'Transatlantic R.P.M.' their 30th Anniversary album released in 2010 is a cover version of Boz Scaggs 1976 hit featuring Mario Biondi (Italy's Barry White!) and Chaka Khan.

Boz Scaggs [1976] - Lowdown [Columbia 3-1-367]

The original from Boz Scaggs which I guess would be classed as Yacht Rock these days?