Music memories before the New Year

Tradition says today is the time when we look back and take stock of all that has happened in the year that is about to end. But because we are talking music here, I’d like to go back further and enjoy the work of two men who have become defining figures in the development of Philippine pop music. These are Rey Valera and Martin Nievera and the reason for my sudden interest is the release of CD compilations containing their breakthrough recordings for Vicor Music Corp. where they both began their singing careers.

Rey Valera was a gawky combo player from Bulacan who went to the Quiapo office of Vicor Music Corp. to sell a song he had written for the then No. 1 singing star Rico J. Puno. The song was Ako Si Superman. But in a real-life version of the classic showbiz story that critics refuse to believe as real if put on film, it was Rey who ended up recording the song. That was the beginning of Rey’s success as a singer/songwriter whose mellow love songs dominated the hit charts for many years, first as recorded by Rey himself and later in the ‘90s as covered by Megastar Sharon Cuneta.

Valera’s CD collection Walang Kapalit sells for P400 but it is worth every cent. It is made up of four discs and has a whopping 71 songs that play like the soundtracks of our lives. Among the songs included are Kumusta Ka, Naaalala Ka, Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko, Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, Pangako, Tayong Dalawa, Walang Kapalit, Kung Kailangan Mo Ako, Sa Kabila ng Lahat, Maging Sino Ka Man, Hindi Kita Iiwan, Malayo Pa ang Umaga, Sinasamba Kita, Maging Akin Ka Lamang, Lihim, Kung Kasalanan Man and Salamat ‘70s, Valera’s touching tribute to the great artists who helped bring Filipino music to unprecedented heights with the Manila Sound.

In contrast to Rey, Martin Nievera’s arrival was probably one of the most awaited in the local music scene. The kid had music pedigree stamped all over him. Why not, he is the son of Bert Nievera, who before he left for the US was the leading balladeer in the country. If Martin could sing like his father, he was certainly most welcome. Happily, it turned out that Martin could sing and had a gift for gab that made him a natural performer. He has been making hits and starring in concerts and TV shows since.

Martin Nievera: The Discography has three discs and sells for P350. If you will take the time to listen to these, you will notice that Martin has always had the voice even as a teenager. In fact, while his singing these days is certainly more expressive, it cannot be denied that back then, he had a stunning clarity of tone. Among the songs included are Be My Lady, How Can I, Paradise, The Best Gift (a duet with father Bert), Pain, No Way to Treat a Heart, Each Day with You, Say That You Love Me, Miracle, On the Right Track, Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin, You are to Me, Airborne, One Heart (a duet with wife Pops Fernandez), Got to Look for It, Holiday and Please Don’t Throw My Love Away.

These boxed sets come with the lyrics to all the songs and old pictures. I love Martin’s photos. He looks so cute and innocent with his pug nose and toothy grin. It is also nice to see that Rey’s looks have not changed that much after over 25 years in the business. Great collections except that I think Vicor missed out on including bios of the artists or some info about them and their music. We are dealing with history here and I’m sure that listeners of the future or even the current generation would welcome knowing more about how it began for Rey and Martin.

The Hits Revisited

A year ago today, we were listening to Rainbow by South Border, Spagheti by the Sexbomb Girls, Forever’s Not Enough by Sarah Geronimo, The Way You Look at Me by Christian Bautista, Otso-Otso by Bayani Agbayani, Noypi by Bamboo, From the Start by Rachelle Ann Go, Di Ko Kaya by Erik Santos, Human Nature by Kyla, How Did You Know by Gary Valenciano, Balisong by Rivermaya, Kung Mahal Mo Sya by Jay-R, Maybe by Sheryn Regis, In or Out by Sandara Park and Sasakyan Kita by Gladys & the Boxers.