A jazzy Valentine

MANILA, Philippines - Jazz prince Richard Merk 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. Although he never met his dad, Richard is grateful to the elder Merk for igniting his musical taste.

“My dad was working then as a base announcer in Okinawa, just like Robin Williams’ role in Good Morning Vietnam,” Richard narrates. “My dad dedicated songs to my mom who was then singing in an Okinawa club. So I was made in Okinawa. I never met my dad, but I visited his tomb in Cleveland several times. He died of brain tumor at the age of 31.”

However, through his stepfather, impresario David Wolfe, Richard had the chance to meet many of the international jazz greats — Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Billy Eckstine, Vic Damone, Ink Spots, The Treniers, The Platters, Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

“I was working for David Wolfe who assigned me to pick up artists from the airport and bring them to their hotels,” Richard shares. “I was also part of the production outfit Star Attractions. From the jazz greats, I learned to always give my best performance, do everything with passion, stay humble and grounded.”

Richard has been in showbiz since age nine. He has achieved a number of awards, foremost of which was being a champion of the singing contest, Tawag ng Tanghalan. Through the years, he has established himself as a local performer known for his penchant for jazz.

On Feb. 14, Richard will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dinner-concert, A Jazzy Valentine, 8 p.m. at Primos Cuisine and Lounge in Mandaluyong City. His repertoire includes love songs that have become part of his life — It Could Happen To You, Lullaby of Birdland, I Only Have Eyes for You, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Love for Sale, Spain, My Cherie Amour, The Nearness of You, When I Fall in Love and The Shadow of Your Smile.

Richard believes that love songs are important, especially during Valentine’s Day because they put a lot of meaning to the special heart’s day. “That’s why lovers, husbands and wives have theme songs that remind them about their love for each other,” he maintains.

Also performing in the show that celebrates the day of romance are Richard’s mom, Annie, the jazz queen of the Philippines and hotshot lawyer Ferdie Topacio, Richard’s cousin and dear friend. “Both of them have incredible passion for jazz,” Richard says proudly. “It’s going to be one memorable show. We promise a great, jazzy Valentine’s evening.”

Joining them are Inner Voices, with “great musicians” — Elhmir Saison on piano, Mar Dizon on drums and Ed Cariño on bass. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m. with Janis Cagara, who sings throughout dinner.

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 also does special shows for Thumbs Up and ANC.

With his wife Roni Tapia-Merk, Richard has been producing shows for local and foreign artists. “We have also been producing unique music festivals in different venues, a weekly jazz festival, music awards and other projects, which will be unveiled soon,” Richard discloses.

“I always thank God for the gift of life, my family and friends,” Richard says. “I am grateful for all the opportunities He has given me and for Him to have guided me in my life up to this day.”

Be it work or singing, Richard puts passion in everything he does. “Be dedicated, be giving,” is his advice to everyone. No wonder, the young and even the not so young learn from this jazz prince.