After a week off from our Friday night jam, we are finally back to our regular scheduled programming. It always seemed like forever for some of us every time we had to take a break and miss out on the huddle for some important reason. But as always, the feeling of anticipation, excitement and relief when we finally resume is most refreshing. Nothing like a good dose of the Friday jam to start the weekend.
As usual, the music room was all set and ready for action by 8pm, but the festivity started later on at around 9:30 as quickly as Monotones honcho and front man Ryan Nacino makes his entrance. Immediately, Ryan and I went up on stage to tune and warm up. Fifteen minutes later, we made more progress when house band bassist Rick Trinidad showed up to add to the roster. We jammed some impromptu chord progressions and got on stride as a trio with Ryan manning the keyboards, Rick on bass and myself doing the drumming chores.
Later on, Korea based, Air force brat, fly boy and childhood friend Jet Bueno, who came straight from a wake in Villamor, made it to the room too. I stood up and handed over to him the drumsticks to let him take over. House band percussionist and all around guy Vincent Garrucho showed up and joined in the fun as well. Beth Marquez with her talented daughters Michelle and Kate along with Pau Villanueva, Gav Sabalburo and Ryan Pineda, who were already around, comprised the first wave of musicians on call.
At the magic hour, the live music shot up some notches higher with more amazing talents getting involved. Brat Pack and Bleu Rascals’ drummer extraordinaire Allan Abdulla came back with a vengeance and made his presence felt even more showcasing his superb drumming skills along with keyboard wizard Kiko Montecillo who brilliantly lorded over the keyboards to compliment. Rick and I alternated on the bass while Vincent played the percussions to complete the band. Pau won’t be denied and joined in and sang some of her original work but with an interesting version and twist the group eventually came up with. I saw Pau, being the composer, enjoying and discovering what her work can actually sound like given a different jive and interpretation.
Well, it’s always an amazing experience to jam with excellent musicians with the likes of Kiko and Allan. The delivery, accuracy and timing was uncanny. Even the house instruments sounded better than usual. Virtuosity at its best indeed. The youngsters are so blessed to be able to hobnob with these guys and so are we. We should definitely count our blessings.
The jam finally ends at past 4am. After some chill out time at the smoking area with some of the guys still around, it was finally time to call it a night. After all it was already 5am. All’s well that ends well. Mission accomplished.
Thanks to each and every one who came and joined us last night. Special mention to Paul, Nomy Diano and their daughter Breanna, to John-John de Leon, Nikki Segundo, Carina Puruganan, Bambi Rubio, Paulo Mendoza and his uncle Wally and of course to my wife Vicky for being around. As the saying goes, it’s not the quantity but the quality!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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