TEN 02, A SMALL CLUB ON SCOUT Ybardolaza just off Timog Avenue, QC, is where the action is on weekdays.
Two Mondays ago the AMP (Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino) Big Band regaled a full-house crowd with Pinoy and international classics, including its own version of the Visayan standard ?Waray-Waray,? with Ten 02 owner Skarlet Brown on vocals.
Conducted by maestro Mel Villena and featuring the likes of saxophonist Tots Tolentino and bassist Simon Tan among its members, the AMP Big Band demonstrated our local musicians? admirable knowledge of timeless, invaluable music that is best heard live.
On Thursday, it was guitarist Jun Lopito and young singer Lady Hi?s turn to make people happy with a taste of the blues. Lopito, co-founder of The Jerks, and former sideman for Sampaguita and Joey ?Pepe? Smith, played a solo set after accompanying Lady Hi, daughter of Rene and Irene Tengasantos, both of Reggae Mistress and formerly of Cocojam.
The gigs, aside from serving as showcases of the country?s seldom-seen talents, have also given Brown (Myra Ruaro to old fans of Ardourn Delirium and Put3Ska) the opportunity to learn of these musicians? plight: suffering from lower pay when playing with big-name artists; no health benefits; etc.
She?s spearheading a benefit show soon in a big venue to give them a break.
