Saturday, September 28, 2019
SEPT. 27, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
Though i admit that it’s really too early to conclude, things are beginning to show signs of normalcy with the house band old timer’s presence being more prevalent and consistent these past weeks. What started off as just a trickle is now a rush of house band personalities making it to the jam. We hope to see this renaissance continue as we approach the year end.
Glad to see house band veteran keyboardist Atty. Pecky Casuela and guitarist Dolf Cruz back in room along with vocalist Mayette Alberto-Clemente after being missing for some time. Come backing Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Richard Parcia and mainstays Rick Trinidad, Vincent Garrucho plus myself comprised the whole solid band line-up for the evening. Indeed, an enormous welcome turnout of long standing house band personalities in comparison to the recent past.
Immediately, we got into business and started the ball rolling jumping off with guitarist and flyboy Loren Orendain on lead together with Rick on bass, Vincent on percussions and myself on drums. Soon Tinnie and Dolf joined in. Mayette was at her usual element doing vocals of mostly jazzy and some classic pop tunes contributing masterfully on stage. Steph Salazar was around and performed as well. To boot, Richard got his jam time while sheepishly admiring his latest nifty “Tinnie Approved” classified acquition i fondly call “black beauty”. An awesome acoustic guitar tone it definitely has. He got to sing too. My congratulations to Richard.
Let us not forget to thank Richard and Vincent for the delicious chili con carne, crackers and corn bread they both generously brought and shared with everyone. I was stuffed.
Acknowledging the presence, as well, of Gab Villanueva, Nando Alberto Nikki Segundo, Luisa Distor and a couple of our neighbor’s friends who dropped by (didn’t know their names). Thank you all for coming.
Next week will be the very first ever live streaming broadcast concert of Razorback happening in the music room. Razorback is the country’s longest running Rock and Roll band around. The Wild Boars of Pinoy Rock, as they are fondly known have been rocking the country since the 90’s till this very day. I still have yet to get final word on the actually broadcast time they are airing on Friday. I am anticipating another epic of an event happening next Friday. Watch out for it.
And so another awesome, refreshing and blessed night we all had. Praise and thank God. I hope this positive trend and momentum continuous in the next coming jam nights. God willing.
See you all next week.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, September 21, 2019
SEPT. 20, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
Very happy to see more regular house band guys getting some jam time this couple of weeks. Rarely do you have the pleasure having guitar guru Anton Atengco back twice in a row what with his busy schedule. Last night’s appearance definitively disproved that.
House band main man, Tinnie Esguerra, was back too. Having been unpredictable for quite some time, it was great to see him back in better stride. Indeed, the heart and soul of the house band.
Thankfully, our much illusive house band drummer, Bubui Colico, who finally got a pass from the Fuhrer, was around as well. Bubui's catchy drum grooves is sought after and always a joy to jam with. Undeniably, his presence definitely adds more spunk to the band.Good job.
With house band rhythm master Joaco Marco, power bassist Rick Trinidad, master percussionist Vincent Garrucho and my humble self on board, the House Band was almost complete. A far cry from the situation we were in not too long ago. Though I can’t really tell if this trend will keep up, but one thing for sure, I had cherished every minute of it. Definitely no complaints.
A couple of newbie young musicians and a neophyte joined us on stage keeping the music going and even took over to carry on the live music while the others were taking a break. The newbies played the keyboards and guitar (sorry didn’t get their names again) and gave a good accounting of themselves. They combined with the other young talented flutist who was already on his 3rd time over. Rightfully so, they had earned a place on stage next time they come. We welcome the youth to our Friday jam.
The jam was super great with the many songs we tried to revisit, hoping that we had not yet forgotten. Songs that are our favorites back then. When we did, it amazed us how everything seemed to come back even after not playing it for such a long time. Talk about muscle memory. Even got some good old Steely Dan vibe going on there too.
At around 4:30am the stage was still busy with the youngsters taking dominion. Finally at 5:15am it was time to call it a night. Another super fun night indeed! As always, I thank God for the blessing and opportunity.
Till the next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, September 14, 2019
SEPT. 13, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
The dreaded proverbial folklore of ‘Friday the 13th’ had again proven to be totally idiotic as bad luck is never really a guarantee to happen on this specific day, much more for the music room’s case, at that. In fact contrarily, comparatively last night’s jam turned out be the most satisfying in a long while. Talk about luck.
A good number of awesome musicians, in fact, came unannounced and kept the stage busy and productive all night long. The house band, too, gave a good accounting with some main cogs finally showing up to play. Except for a few in the audience, it was mostly jammers that populated the room. It’s a jam night, right? How can I complain?
Kosmikskala’s Paolo Manuel and Kristine Virtucio surprised us with their presence along with Flytskool frontman Capt. Wynford Martillana. A class act all on their own, they came early to have fun and to make some music. Always glad to have these guys around sharing their art. Definitely a treat to watch.
On the other hand, among the house band personalities who joined me were guitar wizard Anton Atengco, musical geniuses Tinnie Esguerra, Kiko Montecillo, Vincent Garrucho, Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares. Vocalist Luisa Distor shared her talent as well taking over the vocal chores later on at the magic hour. Young blood musicians Pau Villanueva and Ryan Nacino joined in on stage as well.
The jam was reminiscent of the glorious days when the house band was still very much intact. With Tinnie, Kiko and Anton on board, it was definitely like the good old days all over again. In the process, we learned another new song with the intention of polishing it more next time we meet. The magic hour definitely still lives on.
Near closing time, Kiko lorded over the keyboards with Tinnie on acoustic guitar while Luisa provided the vocals. Vincent played percussions and vocals, while Rick and myself alternated on bass and drums. It is always fun to jam with talented musicians like these guys. The good vibe that comes along with it must be the very reason we had lasted for almost 4 decades.
The stage was finally quiet and empty at exactly 4:46 am. And as usual, the guys stayed longer after, relaxing at the smoking area outdoor while i tidied the room inside. By 5:03am everybody was already homeward bound. Mission accomplished. As always, I thank God for the blessing and opportunity.
And so we look forward to the next jam night….see you all then.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, September 7, 2019
SEPT. 6, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
Had another refreshing and enjoyable jam last night having some old timers gamely on board again to play. For two consecutive weekends the house band’s headcount improved in numbers but definitely still a far cry from being complete. Nonetheless, it’s always a treat and a joy to have these guys around, sparingly or otherwise. Right away i knew it was going to be a fun and busy night.
So glad to see House band honcho Joaco Marco back in the house. Joaco is always a treat to have around considering his unmatched prowess and virtuosity in playing rhythm guitar, truly a totally different class all on his own. A former main cog every weekends, unfortunately now, his hands are tied with pressing early commitments from his transport business, barring him from coming as frequent as he wants to.
To no surprise, the new generation had their representation, as well, catching up with us much later on. Generally, the jam was nice and productive all throughout, with the action becoming more intense towards the tail end when the band was more complete. I must say that I am happy to see the youngsters embracing and adapting quickly to the type of music I’m personally fond of... jazz that is. Kudos to these kids.
The rest of the other house band guys who showed up were Monchie Henares, Rick Trinidad and Vincent Garrucho. Young blood Pau Villanueva, Ryan Nacino and their drummer friend and music room newbie Charles Gener added fire power to complete the cast.
Also acknowledging the presence of Gab Villanueva, mayor Jess Burahan, RJ Palma and three other female youngsters whose names i do not know. Thank you all.
On another note, it was heartwarming to see balik-music room and Coron based Dr. Mon Alleje in the house to unwind and to play percussions after a few years I had not seen him. He is here in Manila, in mourning with his family and loved ones, after his nephew had recently passed on. From the Pete’s Place music room family, our heartfelt condolences to the Cruzs and the Allejes. Rest in Peace, Lino.
In closing, the live music concluded at around 4:30am with some guests still around at the smoking area up till 4:45am when i finally was able to lock up. Mission accomplished!
As I always say, all’s well that ends well. Praise be to God.
Till the next jam night….see you all then.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)