Biography
Mario Calire's experience with drums goes back as far as he can remember. He grew up surrounded by music and credits his saxophone- and piano-playing father, Jimmy Calire, for teaching him the value of versatility. Armed with this perspective, Mario studied jazz, Latin, and world music at the highly regarded California Institute of The Arts.
Over the past decade, Mario provided memorable beats to artists in a number of genres. In 1995, he hooked up with Los Angeles-based rock group The Wallflowers. The band experienced great success over Mario's eight-year stint, including gold and platinum albums and a Grammy. Mario has since lent his talents to a host of well-known artists, gigging and recording with Liz Phair, Rickie Lee Jones and many more.
In 2003, Mario elected to explore a new musical avenue, joining up with L.A.-based Latin fusion heavyweights Ozomatli. After recording an EP entitled "Coming Up", the band embarked on a series of live dates. A full-length LP followed in 2004. "Street Signs" went on to win the 2005 Grammy for "Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album", as well as the Latin Grammy for "Best Alternative Album".
Most recently, Mario worked alongside producer KC Porter and engineer Robert Carranza recording the new tracks for the upcoming Ozomatli album. He also contributed to projects from world-folk artist Brett Dennen and singer-songwriter Jessica Callahan. Mario's philosophy -- "serve the music" -- continues to serve him well through his varied career.
Discography
1999 Smooth Sailin' - Marty Grebb -Drums
2000 Blues for a Rotten Afternoon - Various Artists -Drums
2001 Big Slow Mover - Phil Cody -Performer
2001 I Am Sam [Bonus Tracks] - Original Soundtrack -Drums
2002 I Am Sam [Japanese Bonus Tracks] -Original Soundtrack -Drums
2002 I Am Sam - Original Soundtrack -Drums
2002 Red Letter Days - The Wallflowers -Drums, Vocals (bckgr), Group Member
2002 Trampoline Records Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 - Various Artists -Cymbals, Drums
2003 Broken Promises - Rusty Truck -Drums
2003 Coming Up [EP] - Ozomatli -Drums
2003 Evening of My Best Day - Rickie Lee Jones -Drums
2003 Liz Phair [Clean] - Liz Phair -Drums
2003 Liz Phair - Liz Phair -Drums
2003 Trampoline Records Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 - Various Artists -Drums
2004 Everything I've Got in My Pocket - Minnie Driver -Drums
2004 Street Signs - Ozomatli -Drums, Group Member
2005 Concord Picante 25th Anniversary Collection - Various Artists -Drums
2005 Look at All the Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime - Various Artists -Drums
2005 Here Comes Memory - Tom Langford -Drums
2005 Over/Time [EP] - Ted Lennon - Drums
2005 Live At The Fillmore - Ozomatli - Drums, Group Member
2005 Somebody's Miracle (bonus track) - Liz Phair - Drums
2006 So Much More - Brett Dennen - Drums
2007 Don't Mess with the Dragon - Ozomatli - Drums, Group Member
Awards
Grammy Awards:
1997 - Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal - "One Headlight" - The Wallflowers
2004 - Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album - "Street Signs" - Ozomatli
Latin Grammy:
2005 - Best Alternative Album - "Street Signs" - Ozomatli