A week of big performances

MANILA, Philippines - A superb mix of live performers is making waves this week. First on the list was the internationally-acclaimed group The Cascades, led by frontman John Gummoe, who performed at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino in Paranaque City last night.

The Cascades shared the stage with first-time-in-Manila Classic IV, along with singer Kyle Vincent who was in the country for the third time.

The STAR chatted with Gummoe, whose group was rumored to have perished in a plane crash some years ago. Foreign promoter Danee Samonte found them alive and brought the band here almost a decade back to resounding reception, kicking off a series of return trips for the singer-songwriter who actually penned the classic Rhythm of the Rain.

“Filipinos are romantic, while our songs are simple, easy to sing,” said Gummoe as to why he keeps on flying back in the Philippines.

So into Pinoys the 75-year-old artist is that he has learned to sing Jose Mari Chan’s Beautiful Girl. He calls Chan “a genius.”

Interestingly, the main man thought to have died in the late ’60s appears to be in tip-top shape, especially for a septuagenarian still performing “to all age groups.”

He shared, “I’ll be 76 in August and my secret: I sing every day. I lost 32 pounds in eight months because I’m now careful to what I eat. Push yourself away from the table when you’re already full.”

Asked about his take on the current music scene, he replied, “Music in my time had more melody. Now, you would have a hard time understanding what they’re saying. Yet, it’s always about trying to be different.” 

He also has mixed feelings about digital recording because analogues had that “warmth you can get.”

Other recallable songs from this American band formed “aboard a US navy ship” include Dreamin,’ Shy Girl, The Last Leaf and My First Day Alone. Presently, Filipino keyboardist Carlo Gaa is an official member of the group, along with second-generation mates Gabe Lapano, Tony Grasso and Chuck Crews.

Meanwhile, the weekend will be loaded with marquee Pinoy solo acts coming from different backgrounds.

Come Friday and Saturday, two pairs of singing sensations will entertain the usually choosy crowd of Music Museum, armed with strong show concepts and chemistry worthy of sharing the bill. Markki Stroem and big voice girl KZ Tandingan come in tandem tomorrow, May 16 for Jazzified, while pop rock star Jovit Baldivino and soul singer Thor join together for Rock & Soul the following evening.

Jovit and Thor recently wowed a pool of press when they performed their acoustic rendition of the hit Happy (by Pharell Williams) and later told everyone that they both felt excited embracing the “twists” of delivering soul music even if your true orientation is rock, and vice-versa. So does the duo of Markki and KZ, who sang eye-to-eye, showing how serious they are “jazzifying” songs.

“I prefer singing off-beats. It challenges me and brings out the best in me,” said Markki, whose management group Cornerstone is behind the two-night spectacle.

Cornerstone boss Erickson Raymundo said, “These guys are world-class and in some sense, underrated. They need more exposure and I believe this effort can make them enjoy more appreciation from audiences.”       

Last but not least is Rachel Alejandro who will stage an intimate show on May 17 at the Salon de Ning at the Peninsula, Avida Towers, Makati City. Described as a prelude to her major comeback concert later this year, the show is the start of the three-month, one-night runs at the venue. The two other dates are June 21 and July 19.

“I’m going to sing upbeat songs, male-sung hits and my own catalogue. It feels good to get back performing again.”

Rachel, now hosting a TV show called Sexy Chef (which airs on Colours Channel on Cignal Digital TV), feels lucky to have spent her prime as a singer at a time when artists “would have hit albums, hindi manufactured,” as she prefers calling it.

About her repertoire, she added, “I have this thing for rock. I may sing Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) with a full band and with all that back-ups and I will dance.”