Saturday, April 13, 2019
APRIL 12, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
It is bewildering for me to comprehend the total unpredictability of what each Friday night brings to the table. Mind-boggling. You just had to be around to experience what transpires. It’s not easy to foretell what is to happen until it happens. Last night was another perfect example of that.
There are many nights that the regular guys are just the sole performers on stage, the whole night having complete control of the floor with no one joining in. Other times the room will be packed to the rafters with a mob of guests showing up to party and multiple bands waiting their turn to perform. What is crazy is the fact that the guests and bands seem to mystically end up planning their visit all at the same exact time. Such a crazy phenomenon to me. Wouldn’t it be great if the bands were all spread apart each week and not crammed in to one single night? Well, I guess you can’t have everything. Come to think of it, that is perhaps the very innate magic of Pete’s Place Music Room. It worked for 39 years, so why complain?
Last night turned out to be so much fun with multiple bands performing all night long with a horde of old and new friends around partying. Highlighted by “The Joyrides”, spearheaded by their sultry vocalist Jerin Benedicto, and the “Out of Order” band with frontman Aj Soliman, it was total entertainment galore everyone enjoyed. Thanks to Xyrus Judan for inviting his band back to jam and to Aj Soliman for coming over and giving us another sample of their electrifying performance. Kudos and more power to both bands.
Moving on, couple Alvin & Jem Nacino, Ryan Nacino, Ryan Pineda, Pau Villanueva and some of their other band mates comprised the younger crop of musicians who made it over to play. Surprisingly, the house band honchos even made a good showing themselves. Among the regulars who joined me were Rick Trinidad, Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Kiko Montecillo, Vincent Garrucho, Dolf Cruz and Monchie Henares. Vocalist/guitarist Richard Parcia and vocalist Luisa Distor were around too but just opted to be on the sidelines. Also, “Pinikpikan” percussionist Dante Bosch was in the house, as well, played percussions while Roger Salazar briefly played the keyboards.
The jam was productive and relentless from 9pm till 4:45am warming off with some song numbers courtesy of a music room newbie and then quickly proceeded to serious business with all the bands performing one after the other. I must say that all the bands did an excellent job. We definitely look forward to their return.
Please be advised that there will be NO jam next week, Good Friday. If in the event a pre Good Friday jam happens, i will definitely spread the word.
Again, my utmost gratitude to all bands and guests who came over last night. You are all awesome! Hope to see you all next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, April 6, 2019
APRIL 5, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
What looked like a comparatively similar scenario to the past weeks turned out different with more interesting things happening. For starters, last night’s turnout of musicians improved in numbers with more showing up to jam. It was a breath of fresh air to see the band getting a better deal with some key house band personalities around and on stage.
It was indeed a relief to see house band honchos’ Tinnie Esguerra and drummer Bubui Colico back in action after some time in absentia. Both had been missing for quite some time now and were sorely missed by everyone in the band. If only the other missing house band guys will become more regular, that would be perfect. There’s nothing like playing actual rehearsed songs rather than just doing repetitive chord progressions just to satisfy the need to play. Frankly, it’s already creeping into my nerves. Needed that welcome positive change.
The reinforced house band was a huge relief for me as I had been longing to play some nice jazzy and classic tunes we were fond of doing. Tinnie and Bubui’s presence assured that. Including myself, music room regular and Monotones front man Ryan Nacino along with House band bassist Rick Trinidad, percussionist Vincent Garrucho and vocalist Luisa Distor completed the band’s roster for the evening.
Talented youngsters Pau Villanueva, Ryan Pineda and another musician friend who played bass caught up at past 4am arriving minutes before closing time. The group came already tired from another commitment but not without dropping by albeit briefly before heading home. They immediately joined the rest on stage for a quick jam before lock up time in the music room. By 4:45am it was all over. All’s well that ends well. Praise be to God.
And so, that’s how the cookie crumbled. Finally, a better turnout and a better and productive jam to boot, to say the least. I hope this trend continues onto the coming weeks. Incidentally, If all goes to plan, “Joyride” is scheduled to perform next Friday. Promises to be a fun night. Keeping my fingers crossed.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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