Search - Michael Mangia :: Utopia

Tori Fan

Tina Marie | 02/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big Tori Amos fan and had to buy this album since he's got such an interesting style and the music says something."

Phenomenal

Tina Marie | New York, NY | 11/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found out a handful of facts in a few articles on Michael Mangia that may help shed some light on his history for those new to his work.Born and raised is Los Angeles to the sun sign of Cancer 1978.Michael took up piano at age 10 and began training his voice with Raven Kane Campbell (AKA Beck's Step-mom) At age 12 Michael began on a rampage of singing, piano and acting. Auditioning for commercials, TV, film and Broadway. Learning persistence, he kept it up and sang for national TV and radio spots. At age 13 he took songwriting lessons from Harriet Schock "Aint no way to treat a lady" which resulted in writing his first pieces. "All the songs I'd written back then were about grown-up issues I had never gone through, I just wanted to be a 50 year old gospel singer" He continued voice training and piano lessons along with school, auditions and performances in plays and musicals. By the age of 18 he discovered his musical style and slant on the universe. Realizing music was his main passion he delved into a rapid fire of songwriting and performing. To help finance his 1st and 2nd albums, he booked commercials for Pizza Hut, Sprint, Exxon, Smartbeep, Pacific Bell, etc. and small roles on TV and film. Simultaneously playing to fellow musicians, friends and customers at local coffeehouses and clubs around the LA area. All the while building a dedicated following. He is not to be missed!"

Quite a delicious gift.

05/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I actually met Michael Mangia not so long ago, and through this meeting I came across this work of his. Quite surprised I was when I put it in. This album is not one that grows on you, but on the contrary, one that pleases the senses on first listen.There is something intimate, yet extremely extroverted expressed in this album. From the beautifully mellow "Silent 45" to the more complex "Blueberry Boy." The lyrics are strong, and such reminders of the work of Tori Amos, or even Fiona Apple are not to be missed."