After 3 successive weekends of acid rock and roll courtesy of the recent crop of music room regulars, the mood surprisingly but refreshingly reverted back to our usual familiar style of playing. Though still lagging in headcount with just some of the old timers present on stage, i felt that jazzy old vibe i had sorely missed coming back. My prayers were answered. Praise and thank God.
The evening started at a little past 8pm with early birds and band mates Jian Nisnisan and Justine Lim of the “Diesel” rock band arriving first followed closely by flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain. Loren came in full gear along with his newest acquisition, a nifty set of Suhr amp head stock and speakers. House band percussionist Vincent Garrucho, fresh from his out-of town vacay and house band bassist Dennis Espiritu, who was surprisingly back after a long absence was in the house as well.
The jam started off quickly with Loren trying out his new expensive toy along with music room neophytes Jian, Justine and finally myself on stage. Soon, teen guitar sensation Joko Reantaso, who now is a fresh high school graduate, arrived and joined in as well. We initially ended up doing the blues and some chord progression for the four talented guitarists on board to jam and enjoy. It was a short but productive first set. In hindsight, I must say that Loren’s Suhr amp system was the best i’ve heard him utilize so far. Full, solid and clean was the sound it produced. Loren actually admits that he had finally broken free from the shell of being a total Fender purist and now more open to explore other stuff.
When keyboard wizard Rj Pineda showed up later in the evening, with Dennis playing bass, Vincent on percussions, Joko on guitar and myself on drums, it was time to play something jazzy. After quite a long break from it, the shift was totally exhilarating and satisfying for me to finally play something i enjoy doing. It felt like the good old days. Rj was at his usual genius playing in every way he is known and famous for. Dennis, despite being a little rusty from a long lay-off quickly came to his own in no time. Vincent, on the other hand, never lost his touch playing percussions while Joko was at his usual element as well. Without a vocalist around, we ended up doing some tunes in instrumental instead. Still satisfying, nonetheless. I have no complaints whatsoever.
We jammed till closing time and even made a couple of encores for Poch Camahort of Kublai’s when he suddenly walks in at 4am for a night cap. After the jam, Poch stayed a bit longer to finish his drink while we chatted and did some catching up. We packed up at exactly 4:30am. As i always say, all’s well that ends well…mission accomplished.
Who knows? This might just be a precedent for things to come. But whatever the future brings, i’m still grateful that, at least, i finally had my jazz fix last night. Thank God.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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