Close brush with music greats

MANILA, Philippines - Other artists just dream of brushing elbows with music greats. DJ John Robinson, who is making his Philippine comeback soon, has long fulfilled that dream.

He has worked with American singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, who directed a short segment for a show John was supposed to do in Vietnam (too bad it didn’t push through due to unforeseen circumstances).

But that short brush with the top musician was one for the books.

“Lionel performed in the studio absolutely flawlessly and then asked for feedback,” recalls John. “For me, it was perfect, but Lionel insisted on second run for safety.”

He adds, “Lionel is amazingly easygoing (easy like Sunday morning).”

John was lucky enough to work with American rapper MC Hammer several times.

“With Hammer, it’s got to be the songs of U Can’t Touch This era. And having always loved Rick James, it was great to hear that baseline again,” says John.

That’s as far as music is concerned. In private, Hammer struck John as someone you learn a lot from.

“He’s a very spiritual guy and you can have a fun conversation with him,” relates John. “But if the conversation goes towards the spiritual or religious side of things, you are likely to get a two-hour sermon! He’s a great guy though and has a great philosophy. In spite of what he has been through over the years, he is very positive and looking for the next great thing.”

John recently collaborated with another famous dance musician — trance producer Svenson, who has many hit records to his name.

John is happy with the result — a track which, he says, shows how much they respect each other’s talents.

John can’t wait to bring this — and other rich experiences combining “old-school dance” with today’s trance and “deep-house” remixes, in his show at Republiq Club, Resorts World Manila on Sept. 6 at 9 p.m.

He will bring his best collection of ’80s music and give retro a whole new meaning in his comeback gig.

Spicing up the show are guests well-versed in retro music.

DJ Sunny Tugade a.k.a. Steve Smith has been spinning retro and popular club remixes for the last 30 years in some of the most popular bars around Manila.

DJ Gilby “The Spindoctor” Villaroman, who is coming all the way from Bay Area, California is popular for his retro mash-ups and remixes in bars across San Francisco.

Daniel Crisologo, that popular rock guitarist who has been around with big-name bands, will give a new sound to the ’80s-themed evening.

Sonny Isagani, percussionist to some of the most popular recording artists, will also add spice to old-school music.

Special guests from the sports and entertainment industry have committed to come to the one-night-only event.

Jack TV will have a special coverage of the event. John will stream the gig live on the web for the evening. You may also like to catch John’s stories live on Monster Radio and RJ 100.

For details, visit www.advocacyconcert.com, Ticket World and SM Tickets outlets. Online ticketing is also available.