MARIO BIO
Mario E. Sprouse has been active in the arena of music, theater and film for over 50 years. Recently he has been involved with cataloging the massive music/media collection of the for late, legendary, modern Renaissance man Gordon Parks, for whom he was the musical assistant for over 20 years.
Mr. Sprouse performed at Mr. Parks’ funeral at The Riverside Church in 2006 and at the first Gordon Parks Foundation Fundraising Dinner in 2007.
Mr. Sprouse performed at Mr. Parks’ funeral at The Riverside Church in 2006 and at the first Gordon Parks Foundation Fundraising Dinner in 2007.
In addition, Mr. Sprouse was the Music Supervisor for three of Parks’ films: “Moments Without Proper Names”, “Martin – a film ballet” and the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary “Half-Past Autumn: the Life and Works of Gordon Parks.” In this latter capacity, Mr. Sprouse worked with late veteran African-American documentary film maker St. Claire Bourne. He also produced Gordon Parks’ first CD of original classical music created to accompany his new book “A Star for Noon.” Mr. Sprouse is a member of the Board of Directors of the Gordon Parks Foundation.
Mr. Sprouse has provided musical arrangements for several short films, including “Beer Nuts,” directed by Lynn Ancona, “Mr. Dangle,” directed by Mary Gregory, and “The Bally Master,” directed by Gary Beeber. Clips of “The Bally Master,” winner of the 7th Annual Coney Island Film Festival for Best Documentary Short, can be seen on YouTube. Most recently Mr. Sprouse was the music supervisor, composer and arranger for the critically acclaimed documentary film “Art Bastard” which chronicles the life of artist Bob Cenendella.
Mr. Sprouse has been musical director for a number of theatrical events, including “Black Nativity – a Gospel Song Play” by Langston Hughes (Obie Award winner) – directed by Jesse Wooden Jr., “Lena Calhoun Horne – the Civil Rights Journey of a Negro Woman” - written by Wendi Franklin, directed by Lillie Marie Redwood (2003) and Micki Grant (2011). (Invited to the 2003 and 2011 National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, N. C.) and “The Dark Star from Harlem” – a tribute to Josephine Baker at La Mama Theater in New York City – directed by Glynn Borders. In addition, he arranged and orchestrated the Off-Broadway musical “Take It Easy” written by Raymond Fox and performed at the Judith Anderson Theater. He also produced the original cast album. In 2005 Mr. Sprouse won an award for as the Best Musical Director from Spotlight On Productions for the play with music “...from the front porch” written and performed by Renee Flemings.
Carmen McRae, Hubert Laws, Cornell Dupree, Buster Williams, Freddie Hubbard and Grover Washington, Jr. are some of the jazz artists who have recorded his musical arrangements. Orchestrations and original songs written by Mr. Sprouse have been performed live by Gregory Hines and Phylicia Rashaad.
Currently Musical Director for the blues, jazz and Caribbean band Circular Time. www.circulartime.com
Mr. Sprouse has been musical director for a number of theatrical events, including “Black Nativity – a Gospel Song Play” by Langston Hughes (Obie Award winner) – directed by Jesse Wooden Jr., “Lena Calhoun Horne – the Civil Rights Journey of a Negro Woman” - written by Wendi Franklin, directed by Lillie Marie Redwood (2003) and Micki Grant (2011). (Invited to the 2003 and 2011 National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, N. C.) and “The Dark Star from Harlem” – a tribute to Josephine Baker at La Mama Theater in New York City – directed by Glynn Borders. In addition, he arranged and orchestrated the Off-Broadway musical “Take It Easy” written by Raymond Fox and performed at the Judith Anderson Theater. He also produced the original cast album. In 2005 Mr. Sprouse won an award for as the Best Musical Director from Spotlight On Productions for the play with music “...from the front porch” written and performed by Renee Flemings.
Carmen McRae, Hubert Laws, Cornell Dupree, Buster Williams, Freddie Hubbard and Grover Washington, Jr. are some of the jazz artists who have recorded his musical arrangements. Orchestrations and original songs written by Mr. Sprouse have been performed live by Gregory Hines and Phylicia Rashaad.
Currently Musical Director for the blues, jazz and Caribbean band Circular Time. www.circulartime.com
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