JANUARY 22, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

The planned Air Force brats reunion turned south last night when our guest of honors made a no-show to the surprise of some who came to welcome them. Nevertheless, the Friday evening wasn't all for naught and instead turned out awesome despite our unexpected guest's non-appearance. The incident didn't totally dampen the festivity as the superb jam and live music absolutely made up for it.

It was definitely a sight for sore eyes to see Jazz composer extraordinaire Tony Razon back in the room. Unknowingly if he was to return, he even came ahead of the pack and was the first musician to arrive. Perfect opportunity for us to set-up and fine tune our gear before the jam starts. When houseband honcho Tinnie Esguerra walked in some minutes later, we were all set to start. Shorthanded and still without a luxury of a drummer we proceeded and rehearsed more of Tony's original compositions. Meticulously and patiently, we went through the quintessence of the entire song. Needless to say, learning from the master indeed produces dividends and positive tangible direction to one's craft. There was no other way but improve. We are truly blessed. Praise God!

Among the other band mates who joined me were guitarist Joaco Marco, bassist Dennis Espiritu, drummer Bubui Colico and vocalists Monchie Henares, Richard Parcia and Mark de Asis. I found myself having the luxury of playing the bass, the drums and did a few vocal renditions as well. With the band finally complete, it was smooth sailing from then on.

Balik-music room keyboardist Pecky Casuela, likewise made a showing, squeezing in some free time to visit after months of being away. He had his time tinkering on the keys with Tinnie and myself backing him up. Unfortunately, he could not stay too long needing to drive home to recoup having some pressing commitments the next day. However, he proposed to hold a jam session at his place sometime soon for us to see and try out his newly developed home studio. If the guys are free, why not? Happy to see you back Pecky! We'll see you soon.

Always a treat to see our new neighbor (husband and wife) Robert and Tina Cruz back in the house. As always showing up with a hoard of enthusiastic new guests and merrymakers with them, some of which were either connected or related to old familiar acquaintances we knew. Small world indeed!

The jam officially concluded at about 5am but some of the guys stayed around longer until 5:30 when the gates were finally closed. Joaco Marco, Monchie Henares and Luisa Distor were the last ones to go. Thanks for keeping me company guys!

Next week, January 29th, the Friday Jam will take a break. The music room will be closed as my family and i will be away over the weekend. Departing on Thursday, we will be back on Sunday January 31st. See you guys on the Feb. 5th Friday Jam.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete' Place - Jan. 15, 2016 - Monchie Henares trial run ( I Can't Let You Go) with Tony Razon & the Houseband

JANUARY 15, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

The evening turned out to be another magical night for the musicians with the house band taking delight on a plethora of masters performing alongside everyone on stage. Accomplished jazz composer Tony Razon was back in the house. A substantial influence to us all, his tutelage had resulted to positive changes in the overall performance of the band.

Tony's musical genius challenged us to explore deeper into the nitty gritty of how things should be. His new composition still in progress was the first agenda for the evening. It was truly a privilege to participate and to be involved in its conception. We did make some progress putting it together but sadly failed to video record as intended. Next time we will for sure.

With guitar icon Nitoy Adriano in the room and music room stalwarts Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Dennis Espiritu, Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares around, we were on a roll. The jam was unceasing and such a joy with each one hardly taking breaks in between. With the bassists all covered, i was bound to playing drums all night. Thankfully, after hours behind the kit, Rick spotted my predicament and came to the rescue. Mark Ronquillo joined in briefly as with drummer Bubui Colico who came from another commitment but had to beg off shortly being too buzzed and spent.

Ultra talented and professional musician Kiko Montecillo arrived late but made up and took over Tony playing the keyboards. He came straight from another gig commitment and as a habit makes it a point to drop by for a nightcap. It is always fun to jam with Kiko as he has a wide array of songs in his repertoire. Another great personality to the houseband's roster, if i may say so myself.

Capping another marathon bonding and musical experience for everyone, we finally wrapped up at exactly 5:35am. Another successful night indeed. How can i complain. Praise and thank God!

In closing, let me not forget to extend our gratitude to our good friends Jp Bugarin, Jun Bediones, Selo Cruz, Ed Diano, Gabby Villanueva and son Christian for their presence, as well. Always a pleasure to see these bunch of guys around. A valuable and supportive audience to match our effort, if i may add. Thanks guys!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Jan. 8, 2016 - Tony Razon and the House band (Ordinary People)

JANUARY 8, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

What i deemed to be a classic jam manifested with zeal, as the evening progressed in musical ardor with accomplished jazzman, keyboardist and composer Tony Razon at the forefront. His presence and mastery alone inspired and propelled each musician on stage to perform better. Even good buddy and Ex- Imago and Eternal Now bassist Arvin Gatmaitan finally found himself on board and in his element. And yes, despite being short on some key players, the sound came out superb.

As soon as we commenced, the action immediately got into the groove with some of Tony's originals for starters. At one point we even just toyed around with some simple chord progressions and it sounded great. It was definitely fun and enlightening to be able to digest even a morsel of the masters musical discipline and savy as we progressed along the jam. It was a blessing moment.

Houseband Tinnie Esguerra took control of the acoustic guitar the whole night, while Rick Trinidad played bass and myself on drums. Arriving with his burly cousin Resty, main drummer Bubui Colico walks in. When Bubui finally took over drum chores, i shifted and alternated with Rick on bass. The jam was predominantly instrumentals until balik-music room Nick Mangubat shows up at around past midnight. Straight from his mutliple gigs all over the metro, tireless Nick got up on stage and joined the gang. He performed some nifty renditions of choice covers and even did a few original songs from his collection. Great set Nick! Welcome back to the room.

It is always a pleasant feeling to see new guests around, witnessing and experiencing our Friday shindigs. Newest and free spirited neighbor Robert and Tina Cruz suddenly walks in along with a big group of family and friends with some even based abroad and in town for the holidays.

As always, given the opportunity, the couple never fails to invite enthusiastic and appreciative audiences over. Surely makes our experience more gratifying. Great crowd! Thanks guys for dropping by!

At closing time at about 4:45am, Tony and Tinnie were the last to go. At 4:50am the place was quiet and the gates finally closed.

And so another fantastic evening of friends, music and bonding. Another great weekend to start the year. As always, i never fail to praise and thank the Lord.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Jan. 1, 2016 - Richard Parcia (last take...Time To Let Her Go cover)

 

JANUARY 1, 2016 - NEW YEAR JAM UPDATE

Welcome 2016 and thank you 2015. A fitting closing to a wonderful, fun and exciting year of music and bonding, and a promising start for the new year took place last night. Family, friends, musicians and music room guests flocked the room and kick-started the very first jam of 2016. The mood was in high gear from the beginning seemingly oblivious of physical wear from all the holiday partying all around. The night commenced on cue with merrymakers arriving early and unabatingly persisted throughout the early start. If this was an indication of things to come, we are in for another superb year ahead of us.

The musicians who came to perform were prolific and many. With the first wave of jammers setting up and leaving no time spent to get things started, the festivity began. At the start, we tried out a new song assignment we agreed on while waiting for more guys to show up. We did get the jist of the new project in time before most of the other musicians arrived. With the stage stocked, we got down to business.

The Wooden Pecker band, whose members are regular music room guys, comprising of guitarist Anton Atengco, bassist Rick Trinidad and drummer Bubui Colico, were intact. Fresh from their stint at a benefit show in BGC, they got their stage time and performed a nifty set pseudo-reminiscing their successful stint. Anton invited along Obet Rivera a talented Singapore based guitarist to jam with them. Obet was a natural and blended well with the rest almost immediately. Great jam guys!

Kudos to our ever reliable music room stalwarts Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Dennis Espiritu, Monchie and Aidge Henares for being in the house as well. And ofcourse, to our newly inducted house band crooner/balladeer and ex-rockstar, Richard Parcia, for his able presence. Special mention to batchmate Jun Bediones, Erwin Dimaculangan, Mark Longos and Tetel Serra for joining us on stage, too. God bless you guys. More power!

Let me not forget to thank Esmin and Meya Aquino, Rico Tayko, Joey Barroga, Vivian Espiritu, Ervin Mate, Reynald Perez and all the other guests, family and friends who dropped by that i failed to mention. An enormous gratitude to all for being a significant part of this exciting, blessed and roller coaster year that is 2015. And now we look forward to an even more exciting year ahead of us! Praise and thank God! Till the next Friday Jam.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL EVEN MORE!