More than 3 decades in existence, this institution is a weekly gathering of friends and music lovin

Saturday, October 14, 2017

OCT. 13, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Notwithstanding the stormy weather, bad traffic conditions (being a weekend work payday) and falling on a Friday the 13th (if you are superstitious…I’m not!), our Friday Jam Night lived on and was unperturbed. In fact, the gathering started pretty early with Air Asia flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain already in the music room setting up his gear while I was still preparing the place. With the rains pouring relentlessly practically all evening and flooding being a conceivable threat, it was quite surprising that things looked up and progressed smoothly till the very end.
Early bird Gab Villanueva showed up at his usual time while house band bassist Rick Trinidad, who habitually comes a bit later in the evening, decided to skip routine and come early to make sure to be around when guitarist extraordinaire Anton Atengco and his music room newby friend arrives. It was, in fact, an exciting coincidence for both guitarists Loren and Anton that the two were to try out and test their newly acquired axes in the room for the first time. And boy, both Telecaster guitars sounded and looked awesome, to say the least.
Apparently, Anton’s new acquisition came from his companion and friend, Frank Resulta, a guitar aficionado and a crooner. Loren, on the other hand, bought his guitar very recently when he flew to the US for a few week’s vacation with the wife.
An hour or so later, percussionist Vincent Garrucho was the next musician to arrive. Finally, the jam commences with Loren, Anton, Rick, Vincent and myself on stage. We proceeded and jammed some old time favorites showcasing the two guitarists’ new toys. Great sound guys!
At past 2am, the place suddenly became more alive when friends of Vicky (my loving wife) and her gang came straight from another gathering to join us. On that list were, Johnny Wassmer, Luisa Distor, Tecci Sevilla, Girrard Jison, Allan Rufino, Raul Julian, my sis-in-law Ana and Strumm’s Open Mic singer John Fernandez. At this time the house band was already very much intact with Tinnie Esguerra already in the house completing the line-up. John eventually joined the band on stage to do vocals.
When Vicky’s friends left, it was past 3am. Now that we were just by ourselves, it was time for the Magic Hour. On board was Monchie Henares (who had just arrived) on vocals, Tinnie on keyboards, Rick on bass, Vincent on percussion and myself on drums.
It was gratifying to be able to learn and record a new song again to add to our growing repertoire. With Tinnie back to the fore, the band is again on track. With his strong leadership and tutelage, we hope to be able to learn more new tunes in the coming weeks. Crossing our fingers on this one.
Finally, at exactly 5:10am and still raining outside, it was time to call it a night. Another great night indeed! Thank and praise God!
Till the next time….
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

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