Tranquil and relaxed was to be the general description to last night’s Friday Jam mood in comparison to the past weekend. With a few regular guys showing up, if not only for another welcome stranger who had unceremoniously ventured to search and experience the place first hand, there was no compelling story to tell.
Music room explorer Aksu Arola (a Finnish nationale, if I am not mistaken) and his Filipina wife made a surprise visit to check out our humble place. Apparently, he had been a fan of our weekend jams and had been checking out our jam videos regularly posted on facebook. His wife had confessed that she had actually witnessed him watching our vids with interest repeatedly in the past before eventually deciding to come over.
Like the others who had done the same before and now had become music room regulars themselves, he too gambled and took the chance coming out to explore to see for himself what was in store being a part of it. Obviously an aficionado, Aksu was a musician himself and played the guitar. He was totally committed and eager to come to jam with the guys. And so he did finally get his wish.
Aksu came well prepared and brought along his gear complete with his guitar and effects. Along with bassist Rick Trinidad, keyboardist Pecky Casuela and myself on drums, we were good and ready to jam. As a personal preference, our newbie musician opted to play the blues and some slow rock tunes where he was comfortable with which we readily obliged. Our new guest gave a good accounting of his talent contributing a unique blend of his guitar playing style alongside the band. We tried a few bluesy and jazzy inspired progressions to test his adaptability and versatility but eventually sat it out to try out some other time.
Aksu and his partner ( I apologizes for not recalling her name) didn’t plan to really stay very long as they had to run to tend to their newly born child (3 months old) waiting at home but overstayed till past 2am obviously enjoying their time with us. Residing in a condo complex not far from our location, it won’t be surprising to see them back soon. Welcome to the music room Aksu Arola and wife.
Later on at the Magic Hour, the band became more progressive with guitarist Joaco Marco, percussionist Vincent Garrucho, vocalists Monchie Henares and Tony Tirol adding to the list. We had so much fun recounting and reviewing old time favorites with the likes of Steely Dan, James Taylor, Calapana, Michael Franks and a lot more with Joaco around. The jam went on continually till about sunrise just a tag before 6am. We are all glad that Joaco finally found free time from his ultra busy schedule and be with us again. Such a key player for the houseband, I hope Joaco can come more frequently from now on. After all he is a pillar and an important cog, so to speak, to the house band. Crossing my fingers and toes on that one.
Special thanks to Roger Salazar, Girrard Jison, Nikki Segundo and Luisa Distor for their presence as well.
Already looking forward to next week’s jam. I thank and praise God for giving us the opportunity!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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