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By Rome Jorge
THIS Valentine’s, let one of
the finest songwriters of all time, the sultriest music icon and the
prince of pop tell you in so many words, so many songs, what love
is.
Love Is, the Valentine’s
concert of Kuh Ledesma, Rey Valera and Erik Santos at the
Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on February 13 and
14.
At a time when the music industry
is filled with poseurs who lack artistry, integrity and originality,
these three show what love for music really is.
Know throughout the industry as
demanding perfectionist, Ledesma demurely explains, “I only aspire
for excellence.” Valera, author of some of the most well loved
ballads of the 1970s, admits that he knows Ledesma expects a high
standard. She admits to expecting musicians and singers to rehearse
thoroughly before every performance. Ledesma is best known for her
ballad ‘I Think I’m in Love” and her nationalist anthem “Ako
ay Pilipino.”
For her part, Ledesma has only
praises for Valera. “He’s an amazing composer,” she declares.
Ledesma is one truly appreciates great songwriting, having paid
tribute to musical legend George Canseco with the award-winning
concert Pano Kita Mapasasalamatan that she produced and directed
last year. Valera is best known for his immortal heart-rending
ballads and movie themes “Sinasamba Kita,” “Maging Sino ka
Man,” “Pangako Sa ’Yo” and “Kung Kasalanan Man.”
Coincidentally, it was Santos remade one of Valera’s tunes,
reintroducing a new generation to the man’s genius.
Without personally naming anyone,
opines that the slew of brain dead pop ditties popularized by game
show hosts and sex bomb dancers provokes and incites today’s young
talented songwriters to produce better works. Of contemporary
musicians, he calls Ely Buendia, famous for his songwriting for the
Eraserheads and currently with the band Pupil, a “genius.” “I
don’t think he appreciates his influence on his generation,”
says Valera. For her part, Ledesma declares, “I love Bamboo.”
She particularly admires the songwriting for “Hallelujah.”
The two veterans are not ones to
rest on their laurels. Ledesma reveals she is set to release an
album of traditional kundiman songs entitled K on March 16, her
birthday. Arranged by Bob Aves, the album will feature 10
traditional folk songs innovatively arranged to incorporating jazz,
rhythm and blues and synch. “It’s been shelved for five
years,” says the busy performer. Finally, on Aves’ insistence,
Ledesma is finishing the long overdue album. She explains that a
kundiman album is one of her career goals. “It will be my obra
maestra,” Ledesma declares.
Valera has an even bigger
surprise up his sleeve. A master hit maker in Filipino, he
reveals that he is working on a new material all in English. Before
members of the press, Valera sang newly penned tune that enthralled
all who heard. Valera is busy managing his children, all of whom
play in a band.
But now Rey Valera and Kuh
Ledesma together with Erik Santos are busy honing themselves and
aspiring for excellence for your enjoyment at Valentine’s. Be
there and know what love for music really is.
For tickets and reservations,
call Mandarin at 750-8888 loc. 2446, Music Museum at 721-0635 and
721-6726 and Headline Concepts at 551-7253 or 551-7255.
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