Alcasid sings Canseco

Reminder for everybody who intends to listen to Ogie Alcasid’s latest album, Ngayon At Kailanman A Tribute To George Canseco. Please tell yourselves, over and over, if need be, that this is not Basil Valdez, this is not Basil Valdez and this is not Basil Valdez. This is because Basil’s recordings of the compositions of George Canseco have become icons of an earlier time, that hearing them performed by somebody else, in this case, Ogie can be quite unsettling.

This is not to say Ogie is a lesser artist. No, the guy is a tested singer. It’s just that we have gotten so used to hearing Basil do Ngayon at Kailanman and Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo and long thought of his interpretation as perfect. Once you have gotten over that idea though, like I did, you will also find much to enjoy in Ogie’s new album.

 AMB Junior’s Yakap opens the set and is a very good choice for a first single. Lighter than Canseco’s usual dramatic fare, the song puts the CD in a pop mood, as though to say that this whole collection is something new. After that it is easy enough to set Basil aside for a while even when listening to his memorable Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan Kastilyong Buhangin and Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan by Ogie.

I like Ogie’s rendition of Kaibigan best. So full of pent-up emotions despite the laidback arrangement. If I am not mistaken, this is the first time that this collaboration between Canseco and Vic Villafuerte has been covered since the Anthony Castelo original many years ago.

Given its association with his lady love Regine Velasquez, I am sure that fans will also love his version of Ikaw. I am sure many will also agree that Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan, first done by Kuh Ledesma is always beautiful. The other songs included are Siya Na Ba? Kapantay Ay Langit, Dito Ba? Langis At Tubig, Kahapon Lamang, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo and Ngayon At Kailanman.

Next up perhaps for Ogie, a Tribute To Canseco Volume 2. Why not? The late composer left behind a veritable treasure trove of works. There are still plenty of Canseco songs out there just waiting to be covered and I am sure Ogie will also be able to do justice to them.

What about Sinasamba Kita, Dear Heart, Salamin Ng Buhay, Hiram, Nasaan Ka Man, Kailangan Kita, Saan Ako Nagkamali, Paano, Rain, Saan Darating Ang Umaga, Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Ating Nakaraan, Wakas and many others.

Also available is George Canseco Works, a compilation album of some of Canseco’s best by various artists. Among the contents are the original version of Langis At Tubig by a 16-year-old Sharon Cuneta; Hiram from the soundtrack of Palimos Ng Pag-ibig by Zsa Zsa Padilla; Nasaan Ka Man, his last song composed with Louie Ocampo, by Joey Albert; Saan Darating Ang Umaga by Raymond Lauchengco; Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan by Didith Reyes; Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo by Basil Valdez and others.

The three-volume series of albums also includes the Works of Willy Cruz and the Works of Vehnee Saturno. In case Ogie wants to continue making tributes to great Filipino composers, he can simply take a look at these CDs and pick out the songs he wants to do.

Works of Willy Cruz includes Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas and Kumusta Ka by Sharon Cuneta; Let The Pain Remain by Basil Valdez; Mahawi Man Ang Ulap by Jun Polistico; May Minamahal by Hajji Alejandro; Doon Lang by Nonoy Zuñiga; Sana’y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan by Zsa Zsa Padilla; Kadenang Bulaklak by Donna Cruz; and Kahit Na by Willy Cruz on the piano, among others.

Works of Vehnee Saturno has Be My Lady by Martin Nievera; Isang Lahi by Regine Velasquez; Nais Ko by Miguel Vera; Nag-iisang Ikaw by Louie Heredia; Mula Sa Puso by Zsa Zsa Padilla; Forever’s Not Enough by Sarah Geronimo; Dahil Tanging Ikaw by Jaya; From The Start by Rachelle Ann Go; Til My Heartaches End by Ella May Saison; Para Sa ‘yo by Randy Santiago plus others.