You have probably seen Chris Mascara perform, though you may not know it. Throughout 2007-08 he modeled moves for all lead singer avatars in blockbuster games ROCK BAND and ROCK BAND 2. Singling him out for his dynamic presence, Game creators Harmonix shuttled him to New York to perform marathon motion-capture sessions in the "spandex suit of lights." This year, BLUE MAN GROUP drafted Mascara (yes, his real last name) for grooming as lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in the "How To Be a Megastar" international touring band, recognizing his chops as a tailored fit for their imaginative rock spectacle.
A child prodigy on classical organ, Mascara came to Boston to study religion. Then, cast as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, the role stirred an inner conflict between his love of Rock and need for a spiritual quest; mixing sleep deprivation, fasting and meditation ultimately landed him in McLean Psychiatric Hospital. Upon his release Mascara formed a band and unveiled the album Cellar Door in 2000 to critical acclaim and airplay on 150 radio stations. With demons conquered, he nailed a second chance to play Jesus in Boston Rock Opera's Jesus Christ Superstar costarring with Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen).
2006 welcomed the EP release Spell, which brought organ, piano and samples to the fore, versus the exotic sitar, bowed double bass and dobro that characterized Cellar Door. Feted with a sold-out release show, Spell debuted at 14 on CMJ's Most Added Records, charted on 200 radio stations, and garnered feature articles. To collaborate on his original material, Mascara recruited A-list Boston rockers, bassist Bo Barringer (Me&JoanCollins) and drummer Matt Graber (Sarah Rabdau) in 2007. Recorded by David Minehan (The Neighborhoods) & David Westner at Woolly Mammoth, the newest release Fountain of Tears, is mixed by ShimmyDisc mastermind KRAMER, legendary for his work with Bongwater, Galaxie 500, Ween, Low, Urge Overkill, Butthole Surfers. After discovering MASCARA on MySpace, the Rolling Stone Producer-of-the- Year was so wowed he insisted on working on their new album.
Exploring heady themes through raw avant-ballads and angular garage-punk, MASCARA's newest release pays tribute to tragic artists, 1930's Spanish poet-iconoclast Lorca (who inspired the album's title) on "Ainadamar" and 1960's soul icon Jackie Wilson on "B261." Out early next year with a regional tour to follow, Fountain of Tears brandishes the power-trio's longstanding rapport, which anchors Chris Mascara's innovative guitar tunings and propels his expansive vision.
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