MAY 12, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It was another one of those early nights. Just like clockwork, Cebu based Air Asia flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain arrived at his usual hour timely as i was just starting to get the place ready for our regular Friday jam. Looking back, it was really no surprise as he previously did say that he will be in town this weekend.

Along with his trusty roadie, the early bird wasted no time and quickly set up his gear to start the jam. This time, Loren’s objective was to practice his slide guitar playing. Next was a meticulous choice if he will be using the brass or the glass slide with it. Finally opting to use the latter, we were then all set.

By this time, bassist Rick Trinidad had already arrived. In a hurry to play, needing to leave early to be rested for a camping trip the next day, we went straight to business. With no official drummer around, just as in my favorite TV series, I was to be the designated survivor. It was going to be a busy night for me.

Soon, City of Dreams Chief Chef and guitarist Phillippe Agnese walks in. Then percussionists Dante Bosch and Vincent Garrucho not long after. House band rhythm man Joaco Marco and guitar icon señor Nitoy Adriano were in the house too.

Much later, the second batch of reinforcements arrived. Mr. Showman and vocalist Michael Puyat and his lovely wife Amar suddenly shows up. Bassist Dennis Espiritu and keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo also makes an appearance. Coming from his earlier commitment and visibly tired from long hours of rehearsing, Kiko still gamely obliged even if just for a shorty. Michael was at his usual demeanor on stage with renditions of his distinct song choices with Kiko on board on the keys.

With the band more reinforced, it was smooth sailing from then on. We did a long fun set of jazz, classics and rock with Nitoy and Phillippe masterfully in cahoots exuding musical synergy and synchrony throughout the entire jam. It was one enchanting and relaxing jam to say the least. The small audience’s response of appreciation wasn’t too bad either. Thanks Nikki Segundo, Tristan Bael, Ed Diano and Gab Villanueva for the applause.

It had been too long that I was drumming without relief that my feet started to freeze and struggled from weariness. Keeping the beat on the high hat and the bass drum became an absolute nightmare. O well, the show must go on. I just wished that there were other drummers around to substitute next time. By the way, thanks to Rick for shortly taking over the drums while i briefly played bass.

Overall, it was a great jam. A totally awesome and exhilarating experience, if I may say so myself. My outmost gratitude to all the musicians who did make it to the jam last night. Good job guys!

At 5 mins. to 5am it was all over. Time to call it a night. And so we now look forward to the coming week. Bring it on!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!