The new Stylistics serenade Pinoy fans

MANILA, Philippines - After three sold-out shows and three standing ovations to match in the Philippines last year, it was logical for Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics to return to Manila and serenade their countless fans in the season of love. 

I first saw Russell perform live together with the original Stylistics back in the ’70s at the sold-out concert at Tropical Palace in BF Homes Parañaque. Back then, I already marveled at his incredible singing prowess. Very few singers could sing falsetto with much power and sustain with an almost-perfect pitch and tonality for two hours without wavering. I sang the whole night and dreamt that someday when I become a promoter, I would book them.

Four decades later, my dream came true and to my delight, he even sounds better. For so long, the Stylistics with original member Airron Love formed the group that kept coming to Manila and I thought Russell has probably retired because as a person ages, his capability to sing falsetto wanes — but I was wrong. I found out that the only reason he hasn’t returned in decades was economics. Promoters would rather book Airron’s group because they travel with a minimal entourage while Russell refuses to perform to tracks and wants no less than a full band with four horn players to back him up. Airfare from Philadelphia to Manila for the whole entourage is no joke, not to mention the hotel and meal expenses. 

When I first spoke to Russell in 2013, I requested him to perform some Stylistics songs like We Can Make It Happen that was only popular in the Philippines. He was reluctant at first because he has never performed the song live but relented and was surprised when he saw the crowd’s reaction. In fact, in all three concerts at Clark, Pampanga, EDSA Shangri-La and Newport Theater, people sang along with verve from start to finish.

Because of the clamor for more, the group is returning this Valentine’s to perform once again in Manila. The concerts this year will be at the newly-built Solaire Theatre on Feb. 13 and at the Isla ballroom (dinner show) of EDSA Shangri-La hotel on Feb. 14. Scheduled to be performed this year are the Stylistics hits that include Stop, Look, Listen, I’m Stone In Love With You, Betcha By Golly Wow, Point of No Return, Break Up To Make Up, You’re As Right as Rain, It’s Too Late, You’ll Never Get To Heaven, Peek-A-Boo, You Are Everything, People Make The World Go Round, The Miracle, You Make Me Feel Brand New and many more. Special guests to perform at the Solaire show are Claire dela Fuente and Lenard Santos while the Rockin’ 60s at the EDSA Shangri-La concert.

Tickets are on sale at all TicketWorld outlets, National Bookstores, Ayala Malls, Robinsons, Solaire concierge and EDSA Shangri-La concierge. Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics is presented by Steve O’Neal productions, Solaire Resort & Casino and EDSA Shangri-La hotel in collaboration with Business Mirror, HDI, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Telenovela channel, IBC 13, Hard Rock Café, Macro LPG, Sta. Elena, Indigo Estates, Walker, Ace Water Spa, Double Dragon, MGE, Claire dela Fuente Restaurant and RJ100.3 FM.