Make it pop-jazz for Tricia

MANILA, Philippines - New MCA Music artist Tricia Garcia (photo) knows her jazz background seldom makes for a commercially viable album.   She may love Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to bits. But these American jazz greats can’t hold a candle when it comes to pop songs anyone can easily sing along to.

Thus, Tricia did the next best thing. She made her debut album, Kulay, a pop-jazz offering that marries art and uh, commerce in one go.

The result is a merry mix of nine tracks that appeal not just to one’s sense of hearing, but to one’s sense of sight as well.

Credit it to the visual artist in Tricia, who chose the title Kulay to reflect her take on nature and love in the album. She sings one set of songs and labels it Vibrant, then gives its acoustic version under the name Pastel. So visually full. So Tricia.

You can almost hear the gurgling waters and feel the gentle breeze in Tabing Ilog, a revival of Barbie Almalbis’ theme song. Tricia’s own composition, Tubig, makes you want to plunge into the waters and feel it swirl around your feet. While you’re at it, you would also want to protect the pristine waters from those greedy polluters out there.

Other tracks are odes to love: Walang Salita, Sana Naman, Walang Salita, Ako’y Sa Yo at Ika’y Akin Lamang, Dito Lang Ako, Tara and Mamahalin Kita.

If Tricia enjoys making music so much, why did it take her that long to come up with a debut album?

Tricia smiles and flashes a knowing look. The allusion to maturity doesn’t offend her.

“Now’s the time for me to do this because I’ve gained enough experience,” she tells you.

So she’s not afraid to take the big leap from niche to mainstream market.

Tricia will join fellow MCA artists, in an event themed as Music Comes Alive — a grand showcase of MCA Music’s hottest OPM and International Acts. Mark your calendars tonight at 7 at the Eastwood Central Plaza and tomorrow, 8 p.m. July 23 at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill.