MAY 11, 2018 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

If there’s a way to describe last night’s story, “odd” might be a good description. It was different in a variety of ways compared to the norm with the music even digressing to a different direction atypical to what we are commonly used to and known for. A few house rules may have been unintentionally broken in the process, as well, but not without being quickly rectified and corrected. Despite the idiosyncrasies, it did turn out to be interesting, fun, amusing and successful, nonetheless.

The first wave of guests arrived at past 9pm with music room neophytes from the Diesel band spearheaded by guitarists Jian Nisnisan and Justine Lim arriving first and looking all spruced up coming from another gig engagement. Brat Pack’s Xtine Mercado, Mean Jay’s Joko Reantaso and house band bassist Rick Trinidad was back in the room as well. Pau Villanueva walked in along with some friends who likewise jammed on stage along with the rest of the pack. Soon more newbie guests showed up with a large number being Pete’s Place Music Room first timers.

With Jian, Justine and Joko on board, it was no surprise to see an imminent guitar showdown once again. Even the new crop of musicians who arrived were awesome. The level of playing was remarkable in many ways. Each took turns playing different instruments, interchanging roles on many occasions to fill in. I actually had to step aside and just settle for some spurts of stage time so as not to be totally deprived. It was fine with me. As long as i see everyone enjoying themselves, i have no qualms about it. After all, that is what the place is designed for and the Friday gathering all about.

The jam was non-stop and relentless from start to finish, with great vocal renditions, ear popping wailing solo guitar licks and cymbal crashing episodes at times even flying off from the cymbal stand, the subsequent breaking of a drumstick and then shifting genres to hip-hop complete with rapping and all, believe it or not. It was totally insane!

However, with the influx of the recent crop of newbie merrymakers hanging out, there are some setbacks. Rules should be made clear and straightened out. I noticed that some of the guests bring freely their own drinks. This is totally against the house rules. You will have to pay for corkage to be privileged to do so. Also, there were times that the vocalists had their backs facing the audience during performances. Totally unacceptable too. Well, it’s good that the “Strictlly No Smoking In The Room Policy” was not broken. Through all the years, these rules were respected and therefore must and should be strictly applied and followed. We must rigorously live the culture!

Personally, I honestly miss the good old days. Playing jazz music at the magic hour and learning new songs and subsequently recording every effort each week was a total thrill. The bonding and interaction between the house band honchos, playing alongside the regular house band masters till 5am was something I always look forward to. Through all these years a lot did change and will still go through changes in the future, but one thing for sure, for as long as there’s the love of music running through our veins, Pete’s Place Music Room will always live on.

Notwithstanding, another interesting and fun night did transpire, afterall. With the influx of the new breed of regulars coming over, we anticipate the same in the week’s to come. Bring it on.

In just a few weeks, our humble place will be 38 years old. Almost 4 decades worth of valuable history. Surely a feat and a blessing anyone can be proud of. Time to gather and celebrate. June 15th is the date. Don’t miss it!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!