A smoother Escape: The magnificent 7

And then there were seven.

When Chedi Vergara, Escape's erstwhile guest vocalist-cum-frontliner decided to leave the mostly R&B and acid jazz music based band in pursuit of a solo career last year, many people wondered how the group would fare in the cut throat business of live band entertainment. The old set-up had already been an established, tried-and-tested familiar formula to many audiences for two years. Would Escape's long-enjoyed success be tainted by this change in circumstances?

The answer, as it so happens, is an emphatic no. For despite the former Smokey Mountain member's absence, Escape has remained quite unfazed by the shake-up; in fact not only weathering but even welcoming several other modifications to its ori-ginal format with a graciousness and ease even the most seasoned of diplomats would envy. With the addition of two new members to the fold -- Joel David on drums and Mike Velasco on keyboards joining the amazingly technically-proficient Allan Casal on guitars and inimitable band leader Neil Mison on bass -- Escape is proving to be more than up to the challenge.

And all with good reason. Aside from its quite talented instrumental section, vocalist Odette Felisilda, now the only proverbial rose among the thorns, is quite a commanding presence onstage herself -- a fact surprisingly and pleasantly belied by her slight frame. Blessed indeed with a disarmingly powerful voice (one that does Escape's usual fare acid jazz music -- just as well as the occasional R&B, soul or pop number) Odette is a surefire winner that's rightfully earned a steady following of her own. Among many of the crowd's favorite are her renditions of songs from TLC, plus a number of tunes from the Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Mary J. Blige, and other heavyweight artists whose works are no small feat to perform.

Of course, not to be outdone are Rommel Lumanog and Mark Escueta, Escape's two other frontmen whose vocal acrobatics twist, dive, and just, well, soar through the roof. If you're actually privy to witnessing how audiences go wild whenever the first few strains of an Earth, Wind and Fire song -- another special favorite amongst the crowd -- are played, you would agree the effect is at once electrifying and unsettling. A sudden rush of adrenaline just seems to shoot throughout the entire room, and everyone's breath just seemingly catches at every high note pitched with effortless mastery.

Imagine then when all of Escape are gathered round together, doing what they all know and love best. Not only do you get a rare combination of music magic and unbeatable chemistry; but a secret peek into the world of the band as well. For Escape has certainly evolved into more than just a bunch of young professionals thrown together by an evident love for music. Clearly there's an affinity here that speaks more of familial ties than just the kinship that comes from hours on end of working together, polishing performances, learning songs, doing the rounds of the industry.

This more than anything may be the reason why Escape has become such a big hit in the local band circuit. There's an indefinable air about Escape, a sense of spirited fun that draws you in and makes rapport with audiences seem the most natural thing in the world. You are at once infected and swept along with this sense of belonging that seems to pervade every Escape performances. Few bands have mastered this art; and only few can claim coming close to what happens whenever Escape takes centerstage.

Indeed while much in the recent months has changed for this tight-knit band of merry music revelers, much has also remained the same and dare say even gotten better -- despite the nume-rous upheavals. For one, the band still makes incredibly fine music, and their sound remains as tightly fine-tuned as the day they started.

And so as it is with many things in life, so too does it seem to apply for Escape. This year, their lucky number has definitely come up, and from the mighty looks of it, the magic seven may just be it.

Catch Escape this May at Suburbia at M. Adriatico St. Malate every Wed-nesday, Fat Willy's at the Fort every Friday and at Conway's Bar of the Makati Shangri-La every Saturday.