Mario Ponce-Enrile

Born into a family of musicians, Mario Ponce-Enrile began singing in the choir at Ateneo de Manila in the Philippines. As a child, he toured Europe as part of the children's choir that accompanied Nana Vasconcelos. He later continued his musical education in Italy, studying drums under Giulio Capiozzo. In Rome, he met saxophonist Steve Grossman, who became a mentor and encouraged him to refine his craft in Paris with drummer George Brown. Based in Paris since 2003, Mario has been involved in a wide range of creative projects across music production, theater, and jazz. He has collaborated with many leading figures on the European jazz scene, including Stefan Vasnier, Gaël Horellou, Géraud Portal, Luigi Grasso, Gilles Naturel, and Alain Jean-Marie. In parallel with his career as a drummer, Mario has developed a vocal approach defined by sensitivity, attentiveness, and a distinctive phrasing style—shaped in part by his encounters with Barry Harris. From This Moment On, his debut album as a vocalist, extends this journey into vocal jazz, blending musical discipline with emotional nuance.