Songs for Gerry - SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Baby Gil

An impressive batch of well-known singers and musicians who made their mark during the so-called golden days of Philippine pop music in the ’70s and ’80s, are set to get together to pay tribute to composer, pianist and arranger Gerry Paraiso. This will be in a special show that will be held on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan.

Leading the all-star line-up are former members of the Circus Band with which Gerry started his career during the ’70s like Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo and guitarist Rudy Lozano. Also set to perform are others who at one time or another sang Gerry’s compositions, had songs arranged by Gerry for them, performed with him in a show or two and those who simply want to express their admiration for a talented colleague.

Among these are Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, Pilita Corrales, Subas Herrero, Noel Trinidad, Ivy Violan, Leah Navarro, Richard Merck, Ogie Alcasid, Mitch Valdez, Mel Villena, Rey Cristobal, Homer Flores, Boyet Pigao, Uly Avante, Roy Mercado, Tots Tolentino, Jong Cuenco, Mon David, Willy Cruz, Paco Gamboa, Colby de la Calzada and Jun Regalado.

I noticed that the name of Basil Valdez is not on the list and I am sure that many other people will also find this strange. Basil and Gerry had been friends since they were kids studying at the Ateneo on Loyola Heights. As they grew up, it was at about the same time that they began dabbling in music, performing in school events, parties and weddings. Later, they were also together at the Circus Band from which they would eventually launch their successful careers in the field of music.

They continued to work together even after Basil made it big as a solo artist. Gerry had stints arranging some of the singer’s songs or playing the keyboards in Basil’s shows and recording sessions. He asked Basil to sing his composition, You, which he wrote for the woman closest to his heart. The song became such a phenomenal success that it completely turned the trend from the Taglish Manila Sound to Filipino compositions in English during the late ’70s. Gerry and Basil collaborated on Alaala, a lovely album made up entirely of Gerry’s songs performed by Basil as late as two years ago.

Now, Basil is one person who feels so much for others and I am sure that when a friend like Gerry is suffering it will be very difficult for him to raise his voice in song no matter how much he wants. Gerry is very sick. He has cancer of the liver. That is another reason why his friends are putting this concert together. He needs help and hopefully seeing all these people expressing their love and admiration for him will lift his spirits and lighten his load.

Gerry has recorded two instrumental albums. The jazzy Striptease featured his own works, while Romance has the title track, which he wrote and songs by other writers that he arranged. He also composed We’re Falling in Love, which was recorded by Angela Bofil and Basil Valdez and You Won’t See Me Crying, which became a hit for the group Passage, among others.

Those who want to do their bit for Gerry and those who just want to watch a show featuring great performers, please get in touch with telephone numbers 373-8259, 0919-3657702 or the Music Museum 721-6726.

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Meanwhile, here are the pop tunes most Pinoys have been listening to this past week and the sound is young, peppy and mostly female. Only two males made it to the top 10 and these are Ronan Keating of Boyzone and Robbie Williams, formerly of Take That. Take note that both have a very strong female following. Are the boys not buying albums these days?

Anyway, the prettiest of the batch is Pretty Boy, the second hit single from the duo M2M. The other songs in the top 10 are: Come on Over by another female, Christina Aguilera; Lucky by Britney Spears; Music by Madonna; Holler by the Spice Girls, which has a great video; Kailangang Ko’y Ikaw from the soundtrack of the movie of the same title by Regine Velasquez; Life is a Roller Coaster by Ronan Keating of Boyzone; Doesn’t Really Matter, a lovely ballad by Janet Jackson; Rock Dj by Robbie Williams; and Breathless by the Corrs, the Irish group that is mostly female.