MANILA, Philippines—Aiza Seguerra flaunted her sentimentality and Rico Blanco fanned the fire in his belly Friday night in two separate shows that formally launched their respective new albums.
Aiza's CD, "Open Arms" (Star Records), was recorded on the behest of a Singaporean label (S2S), which reportedly expressed interest in the former child star's musical talent after hearing one of her demo songs.
The album is said to have entered the charts after an advance release in Singapore.
Previewing the record for the media at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, Aiza sang and played guitar accompanied by sought-after sidemen in the local rock scene: The Jerks bassist Angelo Villegas, his elder brother and former Color It Red/Rizal Underground guitarist Mike Villegas, and Pinikpikan percussionist Budeths Casinto.
These musicians, along with other familiar names (pianist Ria Villena-Osorio, guitarist Ric Mercado, drummer JunJun Regalado), also collaborated and helped Aiza in the recording sessions.
Sentimental dude
Talking to the Inquirer before showtime, Aiza said she was very happy that the album was done live with absolutely no programmed machines. "'Yun talaga ang gusto ng mga taga-S2S, natuwa ako dahil 'yun din ang gusto ko."
Which proved to be the key, because otherwise "Open Arms" would have fallen by the wayside as a more-of-the-same covers album that pop stars resort to. A quick glance at the titles gives an idea: Don McLean's "Vincent," Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," Dan Fogelberg's "Longer," Sade's "Smooth Operator," Michael Buble's "Home" and, of course, the title track from pre-Arnel Pineda Journey.
Aiza justified the nature of the material: "It's a sentimental album ... People will hold it close to their hearts ... senti kasi akong tao." Asked whether she has tried writing on her own, Aiza replied: "Merong konti."
If and when those few songs see the light of day, Aiza Seguerra should be reaping more fulfilling rewards for the serious musicianship that she's been cultivating.
Meanwhile, at Cinema 5 of the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Rico Blanco sizzled as he performed tracks from his debut solo outing, "Your Universe" (Warner).
Appearing onstage with a spare backup (bassist Ricci Gurango and drummer Robert de la Cruz), Rico was nevertheless a dynamic presence - singing in a voice that alternately soothed and provoked, and playing with a guitar that roared with riffs at full volume.
The show opened with an audio of Rico's vocals chanting a phrase, "Lahat ng hassle ay mawawala." This, he explained later, has become his mantra of late.
It was an allusion to the short-lived brouhaha of his quitting Rivermaya last year, an issue he refused to discuss publicly, the better for him to concentrate on doing what mattered most: continue making music on his own terms.
Slight overhaul
There's actually not much of an overhaul that Rico undertook with this solo output. Its form and content are not too far off the path that Rivermaya had been treading, not long after he assumed the band's de facto leadership following the departure of Perf de Castro and, later, Bamboo Mañalac.
What we heard, for example, in the grand, sweeping arrangement in the banner single "Yugto" is similar to what Rico applied as dramatic overtures in the theme to the ABS-CBN newscast "Bandila." Likewise, his penchant for U2-inspired choruses are laid out in several songs.
Which is not to say that Rico's efforts have gone for naught. As a pop lyricist he finds the mark with the hooks and recall that "Ayuz," "Para Hindi Ka Mawala" and "Antukin" contain. As a rock guitarist he's one hell of a fiery player. And on the electric piano, he can be as engaging as Elton John.
Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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