Local flava

The three CDs today proudly trumpet locally-produced talent, even if two have something of a global flavor to them. One, Jed Madela, carries credentials of having garnered top spot in an international singing competition; while Moise is Moroccan-born, but proudly calls the Philippines home. 7th Soul is a new band, whose live gigs around the metropolis, have them being proclaimed as a young version of the Side A band.

Jed Madela — Songs Rediscovered 2: The Ultimate OPM Playlist (Universal). If ever one harkens for those OPM ballads and midtempo songs that dotted the aural landscape back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the CD is tailor-made for you. Jed calls it his personal trip/tribute to those years back when he was struggling as a singer, and these were the songs that carried him through those days. Songs that were popularized by such acts as Ric Segretto, Tito Mina, the Neocolors, Jam Morales, Baron Barbers, Louie Heredia and Basil Valdez. Compositions by the likes of Odette Quesada — they’re all given the Jed treatment, resulting in a lush, gorgeously arranged trip down memory lane. Be forewarned that this is heavy on the ballad side, and then enjoy the music found therein.

7th Soul — 7th Soul (Ivory Records). At their live gigs, 7th Soul is known for its nifty arrangements and covers, how it segues present-day songs and those from decades back, to become musically witty, and surprising medleys. Here on the debut CD, the band shows some of that ability to do covers, with songs from the Little River Band (Reminiscing) and Christopher Cross (Swept Away). And from these two songs, one can glean that 7th Soul members are not out to shake the world, but are out to entrench themselves in the Pop musical mainstream, adeptly appealing to the greatest number, and the Top 40 audience. Midtempo numbers, soaring vocals and easy to remember choruses, these are the trademarks of their self-penned tunes. Especially liked One Wish and Nananabik.

Moise — Boracay (Universal). Born in Morocco and multi-lingual, Moise must have listened to the likes of Al Jarreau and Bobby Mc Ferrin at one point of his musical life. Using his voice like an instrument, changing pitch all over a single song, and integrating samba, reggae and world music elements in his arrangements, Moise is like some fertile, hot house, flower garden, abundant with musical ideas. There is something self-produced about the whole affair, and perhaps it would be good to have someone taking a little bit of control next time out, as some of what impresses when performed live, doesn’t quite translate when recorded. His On and On sounds like an outtake of the Madagascar soundtrack, but there is a very earnest, exuberant love for his new home, the Philippines, that comes through in the music.