Not jazz another festival

There is an ongoing invasion in the country today – actually the Philippines’ First International Jazz and Arts Festival, which features more than 400 jazz artists from all over the world.

The festivities began with a street party yesterday at The Podium and according to Chona Ampil of the famous Vera-Perez clan these will run until Monday, Jan. 23 at the Greenbelt fountain.

The piece de resistance, however, will take place simultaneously at the Airport Casino Filipino Amphitheater and on the two stages at the Harbor Square CCP – with uninterrupted performances from 10 a.m. today until 1 a.m. early Sunday.

Kevyn Lettau and Grammy winner Eumir Deodato, two international jazz greats, will be the performers at the Casino Filipino Amphitheater today and tomorrow – along with Verni Varga, Sirocco, Charmaine Clamor and Richard Merk.

Stage One performers include Grace Nono and Bob Aves, the UP Jazz Ensemble, Alvin Comista, Nyko Maca, the swing-reggae band Brownbeat Allstars, jazz bands Affinity and Brass Munkeys.

On Stage Two, performers are Romy Posadas, Henry Katindig, Colby de la Calzada, Koko Bermejo, Mishka Adams, Jun-Jun Regalado and Cynthia Alexander.

The two main organizers of this event – the Jazz Society of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism – will also conduct musical clinics and workshops – plus film showings, food booths, kiddie rides and bazaars showcasing crafts from the various regions of the country. Tickets to these events are available at the Ticketnet, Ticketworld, the CCP Harbor Square and Casino Filipino. For more information, log onto www.pijazzfest.com.

Meanwhile, I had a brief talk with one of the jazz icons of the Philippines, Richard Merk, to enlighten the music ignorant that is me regarding jazz. Here’s our conversation below.

Would you know or remember, although I am not necessarily presuming you are old, how jazz music began here in the Philippines?

"I guess jazz started in Manila way, way long ago. I’m not really in the position to answer this, but as far as I can remember, it was the American jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basic, Woody Herman, even the likes of Glenn Miller together with the late great Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and a whole lot more plus our very own jazz greats who made jazz popular in the country."

Aside from your mother, the great Annie Brazil, who else were your early influences in this kind of music – both local and foreign?

"Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, then came Al Jarreau, who really inspired me to switch to jazz music."

What is your definition of jazz music?

"My definition of jazz is its freedom to express. There’s no one word that can describe jazz."

For the uninitiated like me, how does one become a jazz artist? Are you born one or is it something you can study through the years?

"I truly believe that you are born with it. Like for me, for instance, I’m just so blessed I have Annie Brazil for a mother. She would take me to jazz jam sessions and ask me to sing with our Filipino jazz greats. Yes, you can learn to sing jazz as long as you listen a lot to the music. But being born with it and studying it are two different things."

In your case, would you say you were born a jazz artist?

"Yes! I can say I was born to be an artist, not necessarily a jazz artist but I guess the genes for jazz were there."

Again, for somebody like me who is ignorant when it comes to music, how different is jazz from pop? What is the difference in style?

"You can’t really compare jazz to pop. Jazz has got its own special area in the music industry, just like classical music. There’s a huge difference."

Are jazz artists appreciated here in the Philippines?

"I would have to say, yes! Basing it on my own experience, I, myself, give great respect to our very own jazz greats."

Is there a particular kind of discipline a jazz artist has to observe in order to preserve his voice and lung power?

"Well, like for any music, getting complete sleep is important. Never abuse yourself, love and put passion to any song you sing. And just keep on listening."

Do jazz artists consider themselves superior compared to those who do pop music?

"Well, I don’t. One should not feel that way. You’ve got to respect your co-artist no matter what music he or she does."

Who among the young breed of singers do you think have a bright future in jazz?

"Well, there’s Mishka Adams, Savannah. Watch for the daughter of Kuh Ledesma, Isabella."

After Jacqui Magno and Verni Varga, who else among the young female singers could take their place in the future?

"As I have mentioned a while ago, watch for Isabella and Mishka Adams."

What about among the male singers? Who do you think is worthy to be your successor?

"There’s no new male jazz singer at least none that I know of. I really hope someone comes along for us to be able to pass on this gift from God."

What is your advice to artists who want to pursue a career in jazz?

"Well, if it’s money you’re looking for, it surely ain’t here, but if it’s fulfillment you want, there are lots in this field."

What do you promise to offer in this ongoing International Jazz Festival?

"I give my best in all my performances. I experiment with new beats and sounds to the old standard tunes. Let me share with you one thing I can’t forget my mother told me when I was a kid. She said: ‘Even if there’s only one customer you are singing to, give it your best as if you are singing to a full house. You’ll never know that one person you are singing to could be an owner of the biggest record label or the finest hotel in Vegas. Just give your 200 percent all the time.’"