bios

BILL CANTOS

As Bill Cantos - singer/songwriter/pianist - says about his new CD, LOVE WINS: NEW STANDARDS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM, “I'm not trying to be presumptuous in calling these songs 'new standards' - just the opposite. It's my way of paying tribute to all the great music, classic songs, and amazing writing that's come before me.” You can hear it in the music - thirteen of Bill’s originals in the style of classic standards, passionate and smooth, performed by an all-star band.

JAZZIZ magazine singled out Bill as an artist to watch. His songs have been recorded by Ramsey Lewis, Flora Purim, Brenda Russell, Kevyn Lettau, and Cheryl Bentyne (of Manhattan Transfer); and he can be heard on albums by countless artists, including Phil Colllins, Helen Baylor, Dori Caymmi, John Patitucci, Brian Bromberg, Jay Graydon, Lisa Ono, Justo Almario, Clint Black, and Kirk Whalum.

His versatility has enabled him to tour and perform live with an amazing variety of artists, including Phil Collins (worldwide "First Final Farewell Tour"), Sergio Mendes, Diane Schuur, Herb Alpert, Lani Hall, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Alan Bergman, Marc Antoine, Rita Coolidge, Gal Costa, Debby Boone, Deniece Williams, and Vikki Carr.

Gospel music is also a love for Bill; he leads worship and has recorded a worship CD with Mari entitled EMBRACE THE CROSS; has had his songs recorded by Maranatha Music, Helen Baylor, Clay Crosse, Steve Amerson, Damaris, and Calvin Hunt; appears on CDs by Donnie McClurkin, Tommy Walker, Steve Green, and Andrae Crouch; performed for over half a million men as musical director at Promise Keepers conferences nationwide; and is heard around the world daily on the “Haven Today” radio broadcast.

Theater is another avenue for his talents; he appeared in the Los Angeles world premiere of the Cy Coleman/Alan & Marilyn Bergman musical, LIKE JAZZ, and has written a musical, “The Little Room”. After growing up in San Diego, CA, Cantos received a Masters in Music from the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he studied piano with Fred Hersch.   He currently resides in Los Angeles.

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MARI FALCONE

Most musicians can only dream of the kind of multi-faceted career enjoyed by pianist, keyboardist, musical director, conductor, composer, arranger and vocalist Mari Falcone. She began her professional life touring with Donna Summer, and has since toured with Amy Grant, Vikki Carr, Nell Carter, Debby Boone, Kim Hill, and Deniece Williams.

Mari wrote and produced Debby Boone’s album for children “The Snow Angel”; has written songs for gospel artists Helen Baylor and Haven; and has made countless TV appearances, including two times on the Grammy Awards. In addition, she was honored as the first female conductor to appear at Caesar’s Palace.

She’s composed for television and film, and served as musical director for Off-Broadway, touring musicals, and many L.A. theatrical productions, including serving as musical director for the legendary Groundlings improvisational comedy troupe. Also, her music was featured in the revue "Catskills on Broadway".

Her own music is a mix of pop, classical, jazz & gospel styles. She has released three CD’s: “And All This”, a unique blend of pop, jazz and classical featuring her original compositions backed by a all-star band; “Embrace the Cross”, a worship CD in partnership with her husband, Bill Cantos; and “Unto Him this Christmas”, a solo piano album.  She is also in the midst of composing a ballet.

Born and raised in the Chicago area, she received her Masters degree in classical piano performance from the University of Miami as a student of Rosalina Sackstein. Still a Windy City girl at heart, she now lives in Los Angeles.