Bio
A native of Toronto, Mark Masri is the son of a pastor and a gospel singer. His own vocal talent was apparent at a very young age, and at five he began singing in his father's church. Immediately embraced and nurtured by the gospel community, Mark performed throughout his childhood. From 1997-2003 he was a regular artist on the national daily Christian program 100 HUNTLEY ST. In 2000 he released his debut album, MARK MASRI, which garnered a Juno nomination for Best Gospel Record.
The passionate vocals and emotional delivery that enchanted listeners on that first CD, were also the hallmark of his next project, SEE MY FACE, released in early 2008. Recorded with the Los Angeles Orchestra, the project showcased stirring interpretations of songs like "I Can't Make You Love Me," and highlighted the artist's piano, writing and producing talents. The title cut refers to the haunting song "The Face," co-written by Mark and award winning composer Stephan Moccio (Celine Dion, Josh Groban). In 2007, this composition was also a top ten single for Universal Music artists' RyanDan. Its ubiquitous presence on radio propelled the duos CD to gold status. The song garnered Radio Music Award and Canadian Music Award nominations. It was choreographed for dance competitors on both the Canadian and US versions of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.
In November 2008, Mark released Christmas Is..., to coincide with his 30-city US tour with American piano sensation, Jim Brickman. The collection featured "Every Time It Snows," a duet with Olivia Newton John; and "Your Love," a collaboration with Jim Brickman and EMI recording artist Amy Sky. Another Brickman duet, the holiday single "Christmas Is...," debuted at # 4 on the R&R US Billboard Charts and remained Top 20 for 6 weeks. The Brickman tour was the Canadian singer's first foray in front of US audiences, and the overwhelming response was unanimous. The Boston Daily Standard described his performance as "melting the hearts of female audience members like chocolate in the palm of warm hands."
The upcoming LA VOCE, will be Mark's first international release. LA VOCE is a collection of romantic, soulful, orchestral pop. Mark wraps his velvety, smoky voice around 14 classic and original songs in six languages. Highlights of LA VOCE include collaborations with Latin superstar, Jon Secada; Mediterranean guitarist, Pavlo; American piano sensation, Jim Brickman; acclaimed American singer, Nita Whitaker and Canadian hit maker, Amy Sky. LA VOCE will be released in early 2010.