MANILA, Philippines - Jazz Prince Richard Merk (photo) is undoubtedly a chip off the old block. He inherited his musical genes from his mother, Jazz Queen Annie Brazil. But Richard also credits his late father, James Bernard Merk, for his passion for music. And although he never met his dad, Richard is grateful to the elder Merk for igniting his musical taste.
However, through his stepfather, impresario David Wolfe, Richard had the chance to meet many of the jazz greats — Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Billy Eckstine, Vic Damone, Ink Spots, The Treniers, The Platters, Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
Tomorrow, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m., Richard will celebrate his birthday with a special concert, Jazz in Time, at Musica Bar at the G-Strip Greenhills Shopping Center in Ortigas, San Juan City. Also performing in the show are Richard’s mom, Annie, Inner Voices, Sticky Band and special friends in the industry.
At present, Richard has been coaching other artists, performing in corporate shows and doing product launches. He also does a radio show, Words and Music, Saturdays on Energy FM. He is also doing special shows for Thumbs Up and ANC.