Night of Broadway hits, OPM and familiar humor

In what was probably the best performance of his career yet, Raymond Lauchengco serenaded the distinguished (and quite packed) audience at the Rockwell Tent during his Valentine concert, Classic Romance, who in turn honored him with two well-deserved standing ovations for his renditions of romantic standards, Broadway tunes, and his own signature ballads.

As most are acquainted with Raymond’s more mainstream OPM ballads, many were amazed at the range of his vocals and his consummate ability to cross over to different genres in the more than two hours of superb singing. His skill and talent as a powerful, moving singer should place him as one of the country’s first-rate performers. These qualities were marvelously on display as he exceptionally interpreted classic love songs and engaged in an amiable rapport with the delighted audience, among them former First Lady Imelda Marcos, jeweler Benjamin Yap, collector Dr. Teyet Pascual, publisher Isagani Yambot, ABS-CBN corporate hotshot Bong Agustin, PR man Louie Cruz, and Sony Ericsson distributors Leo and Linda Villalon.

His excellent renditions were backed up by a finely-tuned band directed by Jun Latonio. Raymond began with a string of standards, crooning such classics as Come Fly With Me, Beyond the Sea and The Way You Look Tonight. A duet of The Very Thought Of You with the resplendent and charming Ayen Munji-Laurel showed a comfortable, fun rapport between the two friends whose voices blended beautifully.

A nice touch was the sweetly nostalgic segment that chronicled Raymond’s hits throughout his career. His first recording, and his first hit, I Need You Back, ushered in the suite of movie themes Raymond recorded throughout the years, with no less than Bagets cast members William Martinez, Yayo Aguila, Ramon Christopher, Cheska Iñigo and Eula Valdez joining him on stage, reminiscing with him and even singing Farewell with him.

A Broadway music segment further showcased Raymond’s vocal power as he interpreted song excerpts from popular musicals like West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera and South Pacific. There was a charming moment when his sister, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, regaled the audience with anecdotes about family and growing up and Raymond’s initiation into musical theater. It was a delightful segment full of familiar humor and engaging banter that further added to the warm ambience of the intimate concert setting.

A remarkable surprise was a medley of Spanish love songs, and though potentially risky as it is likely that most of the audience were unfamiliar with the language (though it is Raymond’s first language), it is to Raymond’s credit as a performer that his skillful and effortless rendition kept it far from seeming misplaced – proven by the ecstatic applause the segment received.

If his bravura performance at his Valentine concert, Classic Romance, is any indication, Raymond’s comeback will be nothing short of astounding.

(Raymond will have a repeat of Classic Romance on March 31 at the Music Museum with guests Ayen Munji-Laurel and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Tickets are priced at P1,200, P1,000, and P800 and available at TicketWorld, 891-9999. For details, call 0919 681-0552.)