JANUARY 5, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It is absolutely refreshing to be able to write something more positive rather than something traumatic on account of last week's incident. Just a week after the break-in, it was as if nothing disturbing had happened. We will not let it spoil our evening. We were back to normal...praise and thank God.

Last night's resumption completely got us back on track with a pretty good crowd dropping by. Surprise guests and friends made it to the room, some we had not seen for a while. We ended up with an awesome line-up of musicians, as well, with pianist sensation Rj Pineda in the house leading the pack. As always a treat, Rj's wizardry elevated the level of the jam with his inimitable talent performing alongside the regular houseband guys. Rj's younger brother Ryan was with him and took the first crack on playing drums. I eventually took over the chores, later on in the evening, when he was done.

Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Rick Trinidad, Dennis Espiritu and vocalists Monchie Henares and Marc de Asis completed the cast. As expected, we had a fair share of jazzy tunes in our repertoire that we found ourselves doing. Monchie and I even had the privilege of singing some old jazz classics with the great RJ accompanying us on the keyboards.

Amusingly, despite the long list of songs that we were supposed to review to prepare for the coming week, none materialized. We ended up doing something else. So, what else is new? Let's just say that, sometimes, it is more fun to just go with the flow.

Special mention to our good old friend Babel Zayco, who was in the house last night. Babel was a regular fixture and part of the original Pete's Place group way back during the Sunday Club days in the 80's & early 90's. She had migrated to the US since but had returned to the Philippines some years back, hopefully for good. We wish her well on her current and future ventures here in the country. Acknowledging also the presence of Alex Joseph who came with his wife and friends. Welcome to the music room guys! And to all the other friends who dropped by, thank you all for coming.

Next week, we look forward to another exciting jam when balik-music room and New Jersey based surgeon and talented saxophonist Anton Marquinez comes to town. Expect another night of awesome jazzy live music. Watch out for it!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!