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Saturday, January 6, 2018

JAN. 5, 2018 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The very first official Friday Jam Night for year 2018 started quite tame and somber but somewhat got its momentum going and found redemption towards the end with the band accomplishing some jazzy tunes thoroughly rehearsed and recorded on video at the jam’s renowned magic hour.
The activity commenced at about 9pm with some welcome guest musicians, from our recent Christmas party, gathering up to play. Xyrus Judan and some band mates eventually made it over and came early to meet up with the others.
Though ending up incomplete, House band Richard Parcia along with keyboardist Roger Salazar previously rounded up the guys who were willing and available to venture on a specific OPM song they had intended to try and learn. When Richard and Roger finally arrived, the band was ready to start. With the official drummer unavailable, I had to take over the chores for them.
“Alon” by Hale was the song of choice. We made a run through of it a few times to familiarize but not really perfected yet. In the end, it was a fair attempt for us but definitely needs more time, effort and practice to give justice. There’s always a next time. Baby steps, no worries.
Midway in the evening, the stage fell silent for an hour or so after Richard’s band was done. It was only when house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra and another amazing guitarist Dolph “aka “Karim” Cruz had joined in, did the jam breath new life.
Vocalist and music room regular Marc de Asis arrived with some guests who were, in fact, singers. Favie and Gabby (not sure if I got their names right), joined in and awesomely rendered a few songs along with the band. We are not really familiar with Favie’s musical credentials, however, we learned that Gabby is still an active member of the popular “Rage Band”. Unfamiliar with Gabby’s usual repertoire, we ended jamming some other popular tunes for him to sing instead. We hope to jam with more of their companions again next time soon. Our thanks to Favie and Gabby.
At the magic hour (usually happens around 3am), the mood and vibe shifted totally to jazz. Tinnie, Dolph, vocalist Monchie Henares , bassist Rick Trinidad, and myself on drums took over the live music to cap the night. "Pinikpikan" pecussionist Dante Bosche who was in the house joined in too. Whether on drums or bass, it is always fun and rejuvenating for me to play jazz, as it is my personal choice of music. Surely with awesome jazz guitarists Tinnie and Doph on stage, you can bet it was going to be a good one.
We jammed some impromptu bossa and swing instrumental tunes to warm up and then concluded with some nice jazzy standards with Monchie doing the vocals. As always, Tinnie was in his usual greatness while Dolph himself displayed his level of virtuosity with awesome licks on his guitar solos. We did a few takes on all the songs we tried and recorded on video to come up with a more decent result. Satisfied, by 5am we were done. Time to pack up and call it a night.
I continue to praise and thank God for gifting me with this new year, so that i can open my doors freely once again for another year and spread the love through the power of music. Thank you Lord!
And so, we Look forward to a more blessed, fruitful and exciting year ahead.
WELCOME 2018! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

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