Deodato coming for shows

Open your’70s ears and bring on the memories. Jazz legend Eumir Deodato is coming to town. The Deodato’s Whirlwind Tour 2010 in Manila includes performances at SMX Theater 1 at the SM Mall of Asia on July 31 and at Dusit Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom on Aug.1 with Janet Basco as special guest.

I remember a time back in the ’70s when it was the height of cool to like Deodato’s music. The guy started out as a pianist in the bossa nova scene of his native Brazil but soon developed into an excellent arranger and keyboard player, whose recordings appealed to the young smart set.

His music was categorized as jazz but he was so adept at using other elements that I would say he was more of a fusion artist. Deodato recordings could incorporate Latin, disco, funk, pop and classical in one tune and make listeners thoroughly enjoy the brew. He could also take the works of Bach, Strauss, Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Aja, Steely Dan and others and make them something thoroughly original.

There were times then when I thought I couldn’t take another turn of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Strauss or Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. But as I look back to that time because of Deodato’s coming visit I could not help but think of the number of young people introduced to the classics by his works. In fact it was because of the popularity of his version of Moonlight Serenade that a new market opened up for the big band sound of Glenn Miller 40 years ago.

I have not seen CDs or heard any new recordings from Deodato. Maybe his coming shows will bring those out. However, there are always his classics. Listening is highly recommended for those who have not heard of Deodato. I am sure they will be impressed and will want to watch him perform. Of course, it is also time for fans from the old days to renew their acquaintance with him. I did and I can honestly say his music has not dated one bit.

The two-CD set Deodato Retro Collection Series is the best compilation of his works available today. Included are Adam’s Hotel, Carly and Carole, Knights Of Fantasy, Havana Strut, Rhapsody in Blue, Also Sprach Zarathustra, Take The A Train, Super Strut, Speak Low, Skyscrapers, Moonlight Serenade, San Juan Sunset, Do It Again, Baubles Bangles And Beads, Lovely Lady, Spirit Of Summer and Forever For You featuring Joe James.

Produced by Steve O’Neal Productions, the series is presented by Billboard and Dusit Thani Hotel with Business Mirror, SMX Mall of Asia, Mang Inasal, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.99RT, Sony Music and RJ 100 FM. Tickets are available at TicketWorld 891-9999; Ayala Malls, Robinsons and in all National Bookstores.

Susan Boyle’s letter

This letter from Susan Boyle, whose British Got Talent audition footage blew everybody’s mind and led to big time stardom. It is self explanatory:

“I am happy to say I can now let you in on my secret. I am running an international competition to find a singer to duet with me on my next album. And I want you to enter!

“A few months ago, as I was coming to the end of a very long and fantastic promotional tour, I started to think about the future: new album, new era, new songs. I also started to reflect on what a fantastic year I had had.

“None of this would have happened without the right break and without the support of the people who have listened to my music, sent me letters, traveled great distances to hear me sing.

“I began to think about ways in which I could begin to return that honour. The past year has been a wonderful gift and I wanted to be able to pass that gift on. And once I get an idea in my head, I am determined to make it happen — as you might already have guessed.

“I decided that I wanted to give someone the opportunity that I had, a way onto the world stage, someone who has talent and just needs a break. For me it was through Britain’s Got Talent. It took me years to pluck up the courage.

“Not everyone has the confidence or the means to be able to enter a big public competition and so I feel that this way it will afford people the same opportunity but in a less daunting arena. I will listen to all the entries and will choose the winner who will sing a duet with me on my next album.

“If you are sitting in front of your computer now thinking, it could never be me, let me tell you it can be – I am the living proof of that! So follow the instructions and have a go! Visit my YouTube Channel to find out more.

“I look forward to singing with you soon — whoever you are! Go on! Do it! Take the plunge! Good luck everyone.”

So if you think you have what it takes to become Susan’s duet partner? Make your on-line audition now. Remember Charice and Arnel Pineda were discovered on the tube.