Saturday, October 26, 2019
OCT. 25, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
It seems like the tide had shifted back in favor of the old timers with the young crop of musicians not at all visible in the room these past weeks. Though it seem a bit odd not seeing the kids habitually around, hanging out and jamming with us as we were used to, it somehow favorably revived and rekindled the old music room vibe back to its former glory.
It was another lean but very productive night we had with just mostly the house band top guns, my wife and some dear friends around. Subsequently, having total dominance of the stage all night, we were able to try out and work on some new catchy classic tunes to add to our repertoire. To no surprise, we accomplished our best takes at our acclaimed “magic hour”. It was indeed just like old times. I Love it.
As in every time this guy makes it over, our guitar sound geek and flyboy Loren Orendain along with his trusty roadie were the very first to arrive. House band percussionist and all around guy Vincent Garrucho and bassist Rick Trinidad were next in line. Siblings Nando Alberto and Mayette Alberto-Clemente were present too. Catching up were house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra and Xtine Mercado who came straight from her Shangri-La gig in BGC. In addition to myself, this awesome assemblage of musicians comprised the total band roster for the evening’s entertainment.
The jam kicked off at past 9pm with Loren playing the guitar and myself on bass. While warming up, Rick and Vincent eventually joined in. We then discussed what tunes to do and eventually ended up playing for an hour or so with just a handful of us performing.
The action eventually heated up at past midnight when the rest of the other guys were already on stage. The jam immediately shot up to a higher level and was determined and more focused than ever persisting till past 4:30am. It was another awesomely satisfying experience, to say the least. Praise and thank God.
Take note that next weekend Nov. 1, All Souls and All Saints Day (a holiday) will fall on a Friday. However, please be informed that the music room will still be open for our usual Friday Jam for all those who would want to come. So guys, hope to see you all then.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, October 19, 2019
OCT. 18, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
It was another lean but enjoyable gathering that transpired last night comprising of family, friends, musicians and some first timers showing up in the room to enjoy some clean fun and good music.
The festivity started at past 9pm with habitual early bird Gab Villanueva arriving on queue. Good old friends and fellow Air Force brats Paul and Nomy Diano came minutes later. Good friends Luisa Distor, house band bassist Rick Trinidad, my wife Vicky and sis-in-law Ana joined in and was the first wave of company around.
House band percussionist and all-around guy Vincent Garrucho along with his 2 talented daughter’s Max and Izzy came prepared with Vince’s delicious Kalderata specialty he prepared for the hungry. From being an accomplished professional photographer, a DJ and events host, a culinary expert, a versatile musician, among others, what else can this guy do. I dread to ask.
Guitar guru Anton Atengco, house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra along with balik-music room keyboardist Herbie Buted, vocalist Mayette Clemente plus myself comprised the totality of the band for the evening.
The jam was fun and productive with the band experimenting on some new tunes and some old time favorites we had not played in years. Sometimes it is painstaking and challenging to deliver effectively some tunes after not being able to play it for a long time, but the satisfaction when accomplished is total bliss. It just takes a lot of patience.
Much later in the evening, a musically inclined family invited over by Mayette found their way to the room and joined us on stage as well. The Fuentebella’s comprising of dad Albert, his daughter Chen and grand daughter Kim ably displayed their musical skills and enjoyed their stint on stage with the band till nearly closing time at 5am. Albert, who is opening and inaugurating his own recording studio in Ortigas soon, tinkered with the guitar and sang a few tunes. However, Chen and Kim’s vocal dexterity and harmony was a joy to watch. Kudos, too, to Herbie and Tinnie who accompanied the guests on the piano and guitar while i played bass. And yes, no one around to play drums at this late hour. Nonetheless, it was mission accomplished!
And as always, come what may, I praise and thank God for the opportunity. Experiencing another fruitful and enjoyable weekend of bonding and music is truly a blessing for me. What else can i possibly ask for?
And so that’s how the story goes for this weekend’s jam. Already looking forward to the next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, October 12, 2019
OCT. 11, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
I don’t believe in superstition, though often times, for some crazy reason, the “calm before (and after) the storm myth” indeed applies particularly in the case of our Friday jam nights. Usually, just before and immediately after a big event, physical turnout in the room becomes leaner, a stark contrast from the usual assembly both from the jammers and the guests alike. But as always determined and driven, lean nor packed, we won’t be denied of the much important jam fix. The show must go on.
If not for a few spectator friends who came, it was just the band and the 'roaches' that inhabited the place. Really no problem, as the quality of the evening usually makes up for the poor attendance. In fact last night was one of those gratifyingly epic jams. How can one complain if you have a line-up stars consisting of musical geniuses in the likes of Anton Atengco, Tinnie Esguerra, Pecky Casuela and Rick Trinidad joining you. An awesome roster that translated to an awesome jam that lasted for hours. Thank God.
The jam was nice and jazzy with Anton and Tinnie lording the guitars while Pecky played the piano, Rick was on bass and myself doing drum chores to complete the group . We were expecting a balik-musicroom pioneer friend and a drummer to attend and jam with us but was a no-show so I had to take over. No problem, I will gladly oblige anytime I need to.
Eventually, we were able to learn and record a new song and jammed some all time favorites, as well. Having talented guys like these around makes it a lot easier. Did a few passes on the new songs before we were ready to record on video. Not bad for a first attempt. We will continue to polish it next time we get another chance for sure.
Well, Anton will always be awesome any time of day but Tinnie was on a roll and on fire last night. He was truly in a good jamming mood. It was like super Tinnie on steroids playing lead guitar, how can one complain. Such virtuosity and perfection. Hats off to this guy.
The jam concluded at about 3:45am. Most of the other guys left after we were done with just Rick and Gab staying put. It was 4:30am when we called it a night. It was definitely another fun evening despite the turnout. Frankly, I actually appreciate this type of evenings being more productive and less stressful. As always, i will not end without praising and thanking God for the blessing and opportunity. Thank You Thank You!
And so we look forward to another Friday Jam Night. Let’s see how the story goes next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, October 5, 2019
OCT. 4, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
First of all, our congratulations to Bryan Head and Musika Philippines in collaboration with Hat Creatives for the successful first online digital concert in the Philippines held at our humble music room last night. It was truly an exciting and epic experience for everyone who witnessed the live streaming performance of Razorback, regarded as one of the country’s longest running and most bad ass Rock and Roll band around.
Razorback comprising of Tirso Rippol, Manuel Legarda, Marco Cuneta, Francis Aquino and Blue Jean Junkies front man and vocalist Nino Mendoza rocked the place with their thunderous performance of mostly originals and some of their new songs that are yet to be released in the market. It was definitely one big spectacle of acid rock music showcased in explosive vigor and intensity to the delight of the pinoy rock aficionados around. What a performance!
The evening commenced at 7pm with the tech group coming early specifically to set up their elaborate and delicate equipment in preparation for the live broadcast scheduled at 10pm. The band arrived early, as well, to have ample time to set up and sound check before airing. Musika Philippines big boss Bryan Head officially opened the live concert with a short introductory speech to start the ball rolling.
Immediately after the live stream broadcast at past 11pm and with everything clear on stage, we were back to our usual friday jam. House band stalwarts Tinnie Esguerra, Rick Trinidad, Bubui Colico, Vincent Garrucho along with Ryan Nacino, Pau Villanueva, Alvaro Nacino, Mayette Clemente, Toby Alberto and Steph Salazar comprised the personalities performing next. A guest Canadian violinist by the name of Forrest Borch joined us on stage adding more excitement to the ensemble.
The jam went on non-stop for a few hours till about 4am with Tinnie, Steph and myself filling in for the final slot just before closing time. As usual, some of the guys stayed around after the jam at the smoking area before heading for home. Being a bit under the weather, i opted to make a French exit and just left the others to themselves while I sneaked out. Good thing that Dondon was still with them to take charge of the locking up. Total success, to say the least. As I always say….all’s well that ends well.
Special thanks to Vincent Garrucho for the mouth watering Osso Buco he cooked and prepared for everyone. It was awesomely delicious, to say the least. I had actually 2 servings that I consumed. Having some chow available for sale on Fridays would definitely work, Vince. I strongly welcome and support it. I will definitely be one of your avid customers. Looking forward to the next one on your menu.
And so another historic event had come about. What can I say but another unexpected blessing now niched in the colorful history of Pete’s Place Music Room. I praise and thank God for watching over us.
Till the next Friday jam…See you all next time!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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