MANILA, Philippines ? Singer Erik Santos arrived recently from a week-long trip to the United States where he recorded his latest album for Star Records. American songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman produced it, featuring his works (?Erik Santos: Jim Brickman Songbook?). It?s due for release this month.

Erick now joins the circle of Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Sharon Cuneta, Ariel Rivera and Agot Isidro?all of whom have previously collaborated with Brickman.

?I learned a lot from him, too,? Erik says of Brickman. ?He?s very meticulous and disciplined.?

What brought about this collaboration?

Nixon Sy (Star Records marketing manager): Erik is one of our multiplatinum artists. We wanted to come up with something new for him, something that would make him an even bigger artist.

Erik: This is not your typical CD. This comes with piano scores for each song.

Did Jim say anything about your voice and singing style?

He said he liked my raspy voice. He also said there were many good singers but only a few knew how to express the right emotion that their songs want to convey. He said I?m one of the few. I was flattered.

Was he strict?

Not at all. He?s a nice guy, but you really have to be sure about your notes.

How do you rate yourself as an artist?

I guess I?m an 8.5 or 9. The goal is to be a 10. I know I still have a lot to improve on.

Are you willing to go out of your comfort zone and pursue other things?

Of course. It?s just that I don?t want to do something I?m not sure I?d enjoy, like acting. I?ve been getting offers to work on soaps and movies, but I don?t think I?d be an effective actor.

E-mail: mcruz@inquirer.com.ph