Soothing moments with Reuben

I like the way Reuben Laurente opens his album, Langit. The former member of the country’s leading vocal group, The CompanY, Reuben sets the stage for soothing moments of prayer worship with the first cut entitled Introit. As a part of the Holy Mass, Introit is a prayer that means I go into the presence of the Lord, and that is just where Reuben takes his listeners. And willingly, we go along with him.

The CompanY recently commemorated its 20th year together. I do not recall if Reuben was there at the onset but he did spend a lot of years with the group. Truth to tell, he was there for so long, no one would have been surprised had he decided to stay on. He would always have some kind of security, thanks to The CompanY’s stature and the presence of friends, and as always, he would have the chance to perform beautiful songs.

But as is usual with members of music groups, the solo itch hit Reuben. So he made off first to do his first solo album, Reason for This, seven years ago. He didn’t leave the group for that. He continued to perform with The CompanY after that release but then he did the solo bit again a few months ago with Langit. This time around no matter what happens, he intends to remain on his own.

It is unfortunate that the yardstick with which we measure the success of a singer these days is his popularity as a pop idol. While Reuben has the potential, I would much rather see him sell his albums because he is an exceptionally moving singer who performs meaningful songs. This voice is put to excellent use in Langit as soloist or multiplied several times over in the a cappella arrangements. And he does even more.

With a repertoire solely made up of works by Filipino songwriters, Reuben has come up with a testimony of faith which can be understood, appreciated and I am sure, returned to again and again for calm and inspiration. As one of the cuts says, Langit does provide us with a glimpse of eternity. Reuben must have certainly seen this while working on the album and now he allows us to see ours while listening to Langit.

Solace is what I want with my music these days. If you feel the same, you will find a good dose of it in Langit. I hope you do. The cuts are: Introit featuring Ayen Munji-Laurel, Magtiwala Nang Lubos, Dito, Sa Iisang Awitin featuring Sweet Plantado-Tiongson of The CompanY, Bukas, Pagmamahal Na Walang Wakas, Ikaw ang Aking Pag-asa, You Lift Me Up, Kailan Pa Man in a medley with Yaman Ko’y Pag-ibig Mo, Langit, Bendisyon, the blessing that closes the prayer album and Ikaw ay Ikaw Pa Rin featuring Grace Nono as a bonus cut.

Miguel Castro’s debut album

>Miguel Castro Sings... is the title of the debut album of one of the country’s best known stage actors today. Miguel only recently discovered he has a gift for music. His constant involvement with theater led to an offer to star in the musical St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos by Antonio Africa and Floy Quintos. The success of the show got Miguel thinking about recording his own album. So he went off and did just that.

The result is Miguel Castro Sings... which is made up of six new compositions. Mostly written by theater stalwart Vince de Jesus of Himala The Musical and ZsaZsa Zsaturnnah... ze Muzikal fame, with Castro’s theater background in mind, the songs are mostly narratives that could be assets to any show. These are Suspended in Mid-Air, Haven’t I Seen You Before?, Saan Nga Ba Nagsimula and 21 Years Old. Castro performs them well, allowing his innate sensitivity to shine as he puts forth the simple, easy-to-relate-to stories.

Castro also turns lyricist in the CD. His debut composition is Song of the Wounded Heart to which producer and arranger Arnel de Pano provided the melody. Incidentally, De Pano is the producer of Reuben Laurente’s Langit. The closing cut of Miguel Castro Sings… in keeping with its stage genesis, is actually a theater oldie. Bakit Ikaw Pa? was first used in the play Bongbong at Kris by Boy Noriega 10 years ago. I wonder how Bongbong at Kris would play today. Not very well, I’m afraid, but the song stands up against time and change and Castro is equal to its demands.