Meet the Voices of 5

In the midst of dwindling music sales and the public’s seeming lack of interest in Filipino music, it is always heartening to come across recordings by new acts with original compositions. A new album, no matter what the kind, augurs hope for the Philippine music industry, brings the prospect of new hit songs and the thought that one or two might live on for a long, long time.

The artists in this case are the members of the group Voices of 5. They are not really new in the business. They were all culled from various bands around town. But instead of the usual transition into a solo career, they banded together to create a new group that they call Voices of 5. They have released an album and I say, they certainly deserve a listen, because they are very good and should get lots of encouragement because local pop artists need all the boosts we can give nowadays.

Voices of 5 is made up of Daryl “Drey” Reyes, a singing child actor in theater who was in the Nestor Torre Jr. and Ryan Cayabyab musical Magnificat and formerly a member of the Akafellas; Daryl Neilson Ong, the group’s vocal arranger who was a contender in the 2005 Pinoy Pop Superstar TV contest and a former member of the Version 4.0.; Solomon “Sol” Glass, who competed in Pilipinas Got Talent and was a former lead vocalist of the famous bands South Border and Mulatto; Johann Mendoza, who was with the K24/7 and the Baguio band Brown Flava; and Walton “Wes” Zerrudo, a businessman who loves to sing and a former member of Freshmen.

The Voices of 5’s eponymous debut album was arranged and produced by the group’s manager Teddy Katigbak for Quad East Studios. It is a mix of old and new songs. Sure to go big with listeners instantly is On Bended Knee, the romantic R&B classic originally recorded by Boyz II Men that serves as a fitting showcase for the Voices of 5. There is also a revival of one of the biggest selling singles ever popularized by a local group, Mahal Pa Rin Kita, written by Vehnee Saturno; and a breakthrough hit some years ago by the boy band Rockstar.

The one I like best among the new batch of songs in the album is the lilting and radio friendly Parang Langit written by Katigbak. Also included are Pagkat Mahal Kita, a new composition also by Saturno; Dapat Pa Ba composed by Ong; Shower You With Love by Reyes; Panaginip Na Lang composed by Ong and  Katigbak with lyrics by Karl Friedrich Vladimir T. Gaurano.

A 70s Superband gig for Norman

This goes out for all friends and followers of songwriter Norman Caraan, and also for those who like music and may simply want to help. Check out the 70s Superband in a special performance titled Yugyugan Para Kay Norman. This will be held at the Hard Rock Café in Makati on  Oct. 3. Tickets are now available at Hard Rock or from members of the 70s Superband at the cost of only P750 inclusive of show and one drink.

Yugyugan Para Kay Norman is being staged to raise funds for the medical expenses of Caraan, who has been stricken with cancer of the colon. Norman was active in the local music scene until a few years ago.  He composed and produced songs like Sumayaw Sumunod for the Boyfriends, Mr. Disco for Ella del Rosario, Ay Ay Pag-ibig for Ara Mina and many other hits. Enjoy the Pinoy pop sounds of the 70s Superband and help Norman through this crisis.

More news from the original Filipino music scene. Here are the Top 20 titles in last week’s Pinoy MYX Countdown of the most popular videos of the week: 

Pansamantala by Callalily; Help Me Get Over by Jonalyn Viray; Saludo, Quest; Oha, Enrique Gil; No Limitations, Sam Concepcion; Tamis, Kamikazee; Gilid, Moonstar88; Back To You, Luigi D’Avola; Malayang Magmahal, Rivermaya; Drown, Rocksteddy.

Luna by the Up Dharma Down; Insekto, Pedicab; Mahal Na Mahal also by Sam Concepcion; Chupoy Chupoy, Hoodlum; High, Save Me Hollywood; Broken Heart, Kaligta; Ilusyon,  Abra featuring Arci Muñoz; Sandata, Yeng Constantino; Tonight, Jay-R and Micah; and Atat, Ron Henley feat. Muriel.

On iTunes Philippines, it is the sounds from the TV show The Voice Philippines that dominate online sales. Here are the Top 20 downloads: Fix You by Myk Perez; Slowly, Klarisse de Guzman; To Love Somebody also by Klarisse; Bulag, Mitoy Yonting; Baby I Love Your Way also by Myk; Roar, Katy Perry; The Power of Love also by Mitoy; Let It Be, Radha; Chasing Pavements again by Myk; Coming Home, Janice Javier.

I Can’t Make You Love Me again by Klarisse; Imagine also by Janice; Elesi, Paolo Onesa; Lucky In Love also by Paolo; Time After Time,   Radha; Skyfall again by Paolo; Dark Horse,  Katy Perry feat. Juicy J; Treasure, Bruno Mars; Wrecking Ball, Miley Cyrus; and Balita, Darryl Shy.