Member Since: 11/9/2007
Band Website: heritagesingers.com
Band Members:
Art Mapa was born in Manila, Philippines.
He was 9 when he first spoke his very first english word and was 12
when he taught himself to play the guitar.
Art was asked to play for a couple of top 40 bands performing in
the San Francisco Bay area at the age of 15. His early
influences were Santana, George Benson, Herbie Hancock,
Bob James, Joe Pass, Chick Corea, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber
and Pete McLeod!
Art became a radiologic technologist after graduating from college.
He worked for 5 years at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Southern
California as a CAT scan supervisor.
Heritage Singers was in search of a guitar player to tour with them
in the mid 80's. Art's always had respect and admiration for their
unique sound and have grown up listening to their music.
The opportunity to be a member of this premier gospel group,
who's lead by Max Mace, was truly an honor for Art Mapa.
He toured with them from 1985 to 1992 as the group's
band leader.
His first ever recording experience was with Heritage's
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" album. In 1993, Heritage
decided to build their own recording studio. Turning Point Studio
became Art's focus and passion. His inability to read music
did not prevent him from playing on, and producing many projects
for Heritage and other artists.
Mostly working as a one-man-band, Art's involvement in creating music includes producing, arranging, song writing, sequencing, playing the keys, bass, guitars, programming the drums and percussion, recording, engineering, digital audio editing, mixing and mastering.
Currently, Art still enjoys arranging and producing the
music tracks for Heritage and other artists. He also found a new
passion, which is producing music videos... With Tim Davis arranging the
intricate and lush vocal parts, Heritage continues to be in the
forefront and integral part of the gospel music scene.
He also freelances as a jingle composer/programmer for
ReelWorld Productions. When Art manages to squeeze in some
spare time, he's spending them by working on new songs for
Val's next project and also his next instrumental CD, "Memoirs".
Art is married to a beautiful and wonderful woman, Val, also
known as the main component of that perpetual "Heritage sound".
They have been married for 16 years.
They are blessed with a perfect gift from God, their son, Austin,
who is in the 6th grade. Austin enjoys playing the drums in his
school band. He has a cat name Kiki and a dog name Scout.
Art is grateful to all the musicians who shared their creative
talent in making his music projects possible:
Art Munar, Roger Ryan, Joel Umali, Dani Stromback,
Steve Scalfatti, Eric Huber, Michael O'Brien, Kevin Durkin, Mark Wheeler,
Tim Davis and Val Mace-Mapa.
Art Mapa's Discography:
"Instrumental Experience" (1987- out of print)
"Turning Point" (1990)
"The Art of Praise" with Art Munar (1993)
"A Cool Christmas" (1994)
"Mr. Chase" with Steve Scalfatti (1996)
"Memoirs" (2008 Release)
"After The Storm" (1990)
Record Label: Turning Point
Type of Label: Indie