Jed Maddela: Not really a tyro

When news got out that Jed Maddela placed second at the recently concluded Voice of Asia International Song Festival held in Kazakhstan, a lot of people already frustrated about the state of the male side of the music business braced themselves for the arrival of a hot newcomer. Although nicely mired in the songs of Martin, Gary and Ogie, it is also true that the record industry can certainly use one or more voices by other guys and given the Kazakhstan victory, it certainly looked like Jed could be one of them.

But what do you know, it then turns out that Jed is not really new to the trade. The guy has been around for some years now, first as lead vocalist for various groups like Pose, Dye Vest and Prime Council and then later as a soloist. It was during this time that he had the chance to tour the US in a show with Lani Misalucha. This was also when he was chosen by the world-renowned conductor and director Maurice Littikhause to perform with artists from all over the world in the musical East Meets West presented at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Then after Kazakhstan happened Jed released his new album titled I’ll be Around.

Jed’s album boasts of his competition songs, I’ll be Around and Labis Akong Umibig which were both composed and produced by hitmaker Vehnee Saturno. There is also a new ballad written just for Jed by singer/songwriter Ogie Alcasid, Sabihin Mo. The others included are Seven Seas, Let Me Love You (From the Bottom of My Heart), I’m Here for You, Laging Ikaw, Take It Easy, Paano Maibabalik ang Kahapon and a heartfelt cover of the romantic oldie Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang composed by Christine Bendebel.

Jed is one of those artists who should be heard more often and the contents of this album should help bring solo stardom at last. A light, expressive tenor, he has the kind of singing style that easily lends itself to both sleek pop R&B works and the kind of soaring ballads that Pinoys never get tired of. With this spate of accomplishments now under his belt, it would be safe to presume that his songs will be heard more often and that the next time he adds another trophy or other honors to his list, there will be no more questions as to who Jed Maddela is.

Close-Up Supports OPM

Close-up the toothpaste renews its commitment to the furtherance of original Pilipino music by sponsoring this year’s Metropop Song Festival which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the AFP Theater. No other toothpaste brand – or come to think of it, other consumer products for that matter – has maintained such close ties with local pop music over the years. In fact, enduring favorites like Just a Smile Away by Jaime Garchitorena and Closer You and I by Gino Padilla started out as Close-up jingles. And as recently as less than a year ago, Close-up even came up with Break Barriers, a CD containing its popular jingles and other songs associated with, what else but dazzling smiles.

Congratulations to Close-up for this noble undertaking and here’s hoping that other products would take this cue and also do their bit for Pilipino music.

From The Mail

Mr. Rudy Romero of Makati sent a cassette tape and this letter: I am taking the liberty of sending you this tape that I recorded recently. There are 14 cuts in the tape and the music spans songs associated with a range of great musical talent that includes Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Jo Stafford, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and Matt Monroe. You may agree that the songs included in this tape – some of which are seldom heard – are among the best ballads that have ever been composed.

Thank you, Mr. Romero for graciously providing me with a copy of your personal favorites. I heartily agree that the songs included are indeed some of the most beautiful ever written. Some of them are With These Hands, I’ll Remember April, To the Ends of the Earth, Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me, Nothing Ever Changes, Time Was, Sunday Kind of Love, The Day Isn’t Long Enough and That’s All.