Mario Biondi – Italy's soul baritone and his 'Mary Christmas' moment 2025

If a voice like warm espresso comes from the speakers, the chances are good that it Mario Biondi was born in 1971 in Catania, and since 'Handful Of Soul' is considered one of the most prominent soul and jazz singers in Europe – with a baritone that is often described in interviews as 'super rich' and 'as low as a voice can go.'bluesandsoul.co.uk

For several years, Biondi has been a staple of the Christmas season: in 2013, his first Christmas album was released 'Mario Christmas', in 2014 the expanded version followed 'A Very Special Mario Christmas' with additional material and DVD.Rockol+2culturaeculture.it+2

2025: Reissues instead of a brand new studio album

Strictly speaking, Biondi is bringing out in 2025 no completely new Christmas studio album – but rather two releases that put his Christmas music back in the spotlight:

1. The still sought-after 180-gram vinyl edition of 'Mario Christmas' (white/color vinyl), originally released in 2023 on the Italian label Saifam and distributed through various sellers – like exitmusic.it via eBay.eBay.de+2imusic.de+2
2. One 2025 reissue of 'A Very Special Mario Christmas', marketed as 'special reissue' with the well-known classics plus the additional song 'Cool Yule' – available as 180g double LP and CD.ibs.it+2Symphony Shop+2

In the press and among fans, the wordplay keeps coming up 'Mary/Merry/Mario Christmas' – similar to Mary J. Blige's 'A Mary Christmas', where the title deliberately plays with the name and the word 'Merry'. Italian media explicitly refer to this name play: 'Like … Mary J Blige with A Mary Christmas or Mario Biondi with Mario Christmas, the title plays on the assonance between his name and 'Merry.'National Daily

So for 2025, one can speak of a 'Mary Christmas' effect : The old recordings return in new packaging and on fresh vinyl – and are re-evaluated by critics.

What's musically on it?

The basis of both releases remains the original 'Mario Christmas'- program:

• modern soul and jazz arrangements
• a mix of classics like 'Last Christmas', 'Driving Home For Christmas', 'Let It Snow' or 'White Christmas'
• plus original songs like 'Dreaming Land' and the much-discussed 'After The Love Has Gone' with Earth, Wind & Fire in a later version/edition.jpc.de+2Discogs+2

AllMusic dates the original album to December 2013, stylistically placing it between Holiday and Pop/Rock and highlights especially the mix of festive big band character and contemporary soul.AllMusic

Critics: Soulful warmth, elegant routine – and small wishes

Contemporary reviews

Already in 2013/14, Italian magazines like Rockol certified Biondi's Christmas projects as having a coherent artistic line: The Sicilian crooner consistently transferred his successfully established soul sound to Christmas classics and combined them with some new pieces.Rockol+2Rockol+2

Articles in daily newspapers (including Corriere del Veneto) praise especially the live implementation of the program: The concerts around 'Mario Christmas' would 'warm up the halls', with a mix of humor, soulful grooves, and Biondi's typical vocal presence.Corriere del Veneto+1

For “A Very Special Mario Christmas,” reviews emphasize the modern reading of the tradition: classic Christmas songs in contemporary arrangements, supplemented by bonus material such as “Cool Yule” and the DVD part.culturaeculture.it+2ibs.it+2

User reviews & fan votes

On platforms like Amazon.it and Amazon.de “Mario Christmas” has been stable for years with around 4.5 out of 5 stars evaluated. Buyers particularly highlight:Amazon Italy+2Amazon Italy+2

• the warm, voluminous voice, which fits perfectly with the winter mood
• the elegant, slightly “lounge violin” production
• the successful balance between well-known standards and Biondi's own touch

A German review sums it up succinctly: Anyone who likes Mario Biondi will be “well served” with this CD – so to speak “Have yourself a Mario Christmas”.Amazon

There are also critical voices: some listeners wish more original compositions and less of a “compulsory program” of classics; others perceive the album more as stylishly produced background music than as an exciting, courageous jazz statement.Amazon Italy+1

Sound & pressing: Why the 180 g vinyl edition 2025 is interesting

For 2025 this is especially the case 180g White/Coloured Vinyl Edition interesting, for example in offers like the eBay LP “Mario Christmas Vinyl LP 180 Gr. Colorful White – Newly Sealed”.eBay.de+2eBay.de+2

From a hi-fi perspective, there are three points in favor of these pressings:

1. Weight & smoothness
   180 gram vinyl is less prone to curling and generally runs more smoothly - an audible advantage, especially with long, deep vocal lines like Biondi's baritone, because rumbling and walking noises are minimized.
2. Dense, warm production
   The CD version was described by many listeners as “warm” and “full”; On a good record player, analogue playback can further emphasize these qualities - especially in pieces with wind and string sections.AllMusic+1
3. Collectible value
   The combination of limited edition, colored vinyl and the now established role of “Mario Christmas” as Cult Christmas album from Italy makes this edition attractive for collectors - especially since it won't be easily available in stores in 2025.cede.de+2imusic.de+2

Classification 2025: Who is 'Mary/Mario Christmas' worth it for?

For Mario Biondi fans
The Christmas records making a comeback in 2025 - 'Mario Christmas' on heavy vinyl and 'A Very Special Mario Christmas' as a reissue - are basically a must-have. They bundle everything that characterizes Biondi: the characteristic depth of his voice, a sense of groove, and a touch of retro glamour.

For soul and jazz listeners
If you're tired of the same old pop compilations, you'll find here a mature, stylish alternative: more soul club than department store, more midnight bar than mulled wine stand.

For vinyl collectors & HiFi enthusiasts
The 180g white vinyl version of 'Mario Christmas' will be one of those albums in 2025 that gets shelved under 'Winter Classics': sonically solid, musically atmospheric - and with a cover that visually screams Christmas.eBay.de+1

Conclusion

Even if 2025 only brings formal reissues and special editions, Mario Biondi manages to do exactly what a good Christmas album should do:

He delivers a soundtrack for long winter evenings, that swings between holiday sparkle and soul intimacy - and thanks to the clever title plays ('Mario/Merry/Mary Christmas') has long become his trademark.