Artist description Mario Hemsley is the prototype of todays "E-Man." Currently, besides working fulltime as an emergency pediatrician, he is also CEO of the Los Angeles based independent label, Pax Stereo. As if this wasn't enough, he also functions as one half of the Hemsley Foster Project, currently riding high on the charts at MP3.com. The music is a fabric woven of Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, and strong vocal performances. Check out Mario, it is music for the mature mind.

Music Style Acid Jazz: A fusion of Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary Urban, & R&B.

Musical Influences Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Gil Scott-Heron, George Clinton, Joe Sample, George Duke, Pat Metheny

Similar Artists So much of what I sound like depends on the musicians and vocalists that I am working with. Like many artists, I can go in a number of directions depending on the vibe and the people involved.

Artist History After a short lifetime of creative ventures, including poetry, video, and running his own DJ company, in 1987, Mario turned to songwriting. Soon after, he decided to put together a home studio, and used this to attract local musicians to collaborate. When Mario met Irvin Foster, who was refered as a potential session musician, the circle became complete. He and Foster became a team, decided to release an independent CD, and the Hemsley Foster Project was born. They continue to write and produce, with plans for a new release eary in 2001. Mario is also completing the first of a series of solo projects. The first CD, "In Search Of Nepenthe", is due for release in spring of 2001. Preview instrumental tracks are currently available at MP3.com for download

Group Members Mario Hemsley - Sample Programming, Drum Programming, MIDI & Digital Recording Systems

Instruments Digital & MIDI Systems, Digital Horn

Albums Hemsley Foster Project 1 - Believer; Hemsley Foster 2 - Love Songs?; Hemsley Foster Project 3 - Jazzamatazz; Hemsley Foster Project - Live @ Nyala's; Richard Dedeaux & the Hemsley Foster Project - Afterthoughts

Press Reviews Listen.com reviews "the Project": "This studio band has a lock on the entire contemporary R&B scene. Barry White-style spoken work, multi-tracked female singers and Earth, Wind, and Fire-style workouts are all tempered with hip-hop and light funk production touches." -Listen.com - The Music Download Directory (www.listen.com)

Additional Info Full-length performance videos available @ Pax Stereo Online (www.paxstereo.com)

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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