October 15, 2007 | 12:00am
Back in the ’70s, they were part of The New Minstrels. Then they all went their separate ways. But there are always times when they feel like singing again together. There are always requests from fans, most of whom still recall, how good their music was years ago. Besides, admit it, once a singer, always a singer. The money coming in from other endeavors might be good and they have garnered enough laurels for a lifetime. But nothing beats the thrill of performing your songs before an appreciative audience and ending it to loud applause.
That must be how Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz feel about singing. They now do other things. Louie is teaching music and living in the US, Eugene and Ding are in the thick of promoting and managing other talents. But when the offers come around, they are only too glad to pack their bags and go off to another show. And because The New Minstrels remain popular to this day, most of the stints they get are reunion concerts where they are able to once more sing the old hits.
The last one was in June, 2006 and it was a large one what with every member from three generations of The New Minstrels joining the show. The next one will be more intimate with only Louie, Ding and Eugene performing. Titled Better Together, the tour kicked off at the posh Esplanade in Singapore last Saturday, Oct. 13. It continues at the Captain’s Bar of the Manila Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati on the following dates, Oct. 19, Oct. 20 and Oct. 26.
A lot of people agree that Louie, Ding and Eugene are three of the best voices, The New Minstrels or maybe even the country has produced. That must be why fans still look forward to their performances even after 30 years or so. There is so much they can do and no one in the audience has to worry they will give less than their best. There is no fidgeting during their shows. That is what usually happens when a singer hits a bad note or proves less than adequate with a song. Those watching them get uncomfortable and move in their seats. So you hear the collective noise of seats and fabric moving, then footsteps going to the washroom.
That is unlikely to happen with Better Together, billed as a trip down memory lane for Louie, Ding and Eugene. As soloists, they will perform their original hits plus the most requested songs in their previous performances. They will also touch on milestones in their respective careers like Eugene’s breakthrough with Gulong ng Palad or Ding’s experience as Cantopop star in Hong Kong and Louie’s jazz sets. There will be lots of duets and trios and fans are curious about the latter. We have heard their solos and duets but these three singing together is something to look forward to.
CD sale set
It’s the time of the year when thoughts turn to gifts one can give loved ones this Christmas. Here’s a suggestion for the undecided: Why not the gift of music? It’s lasting and memorable.
This is why MCA Music, Inc. has decided to hold a CD sale where one can choose from thousands of titles at as much as 80 percent off. The sale, set Oct. 18 to 20, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., is at Room 604, Sixth Floor, Raffles Corporate Center, Emerald Ave., Ortigas, Pasig City.
Jazz imported titles are at 70 percent off and two CDs are sold at as much as 80 percent off. Regular CDs, on the other hand, are sold at 75 percent off. And take note, all CDs are original. Come early as stocks are limited.
For details, call Mylene at 916-2483.
