It has now been 41 years since the release of the rock-folk album by Dinosaur titled Tales of the Storyman in 1982. It has now been 32 years since the second Lokal Brown album titled Ikalawang Yugto was released in 1991. And it has now been 27 years since Ed Formoso last did a commercial production.
Twenty-seven years is a long time. It would be not at all a surprise for even one’s friends to start wondering if you were still around. But that is how long Ed Formoso had been gone from the local music scene. A prolific producer and songwriter during the late ‘70s and winner of four Cecil Awards during the ‘80s for Dinosaur, Formoso just upped and disappeared for a long time.
Formoso must have had his reasons to have given up a successful career. He was a hotshot during those days. Remember Try a Little Suicide from the soundtrack of “Tinimbang ang Langit” which starred Christopher de Leon and Kuh Ledesma? That was Formoso’s. He also provided music for “Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi.” Remember Dear Cory? That was Formoso’s.
It was also Formoso who put together the all-star band Lokal Brown. Check out these great names from the golden years of Filipino music. Lolita Carbon, Chikoy Pura, Saro Banares, Pendong Aban, Mon Espia, Eva Caparas and others. He gave Vernie Varga her big hit You’ll Always be my Number One. There was also the album Karapatang Pantao in defense of human rights. And just in case you do not know, he had a hand in the production of Ultraelectromagneticpop, the debut album of the Eraserheads.
Now, for reasons also unknown, Formoso has decided to get back to the swing of things or better put, the rhythm of the music. He is now 69 years old but just like before he is brimming with ideas. These should be interesting given the fact that he has three new originals that make up a new concept project called Sgaaty or Still Gago After All These Years. Leading the batch is a hard rock song War! Oh No! (The Anti-War). Watch out for that “still gago” tag. Formoso might just shake up Filipino music again.
Why hard rock? He says, “I find no better way to express myself than in an anti-war song. The cuss words sung are appropriate in conveying my innermost sentiments. Musically, it rocks hard. Some say it is hard-core rock, close to metal. Together the words and music deliver the message that I hate war. It is a hate song against war of all kinds, not just military and armed conflict.”
For Ed, this is his art against war and all its horrors. The tune is most appropriate for a world now constantly on the brink of a major war. Ever a peacenik, he ends the song with the words of Pope Francis. “War erases the future. It erases the future.” How Formoso wishes the world would listen to him.
Formoso is back with all guns blazing. He uploaded two Holiday singles last year, Merry Christmas by The Nomads, a darkish folk rock tune about being alone on Christmas. There is also Christmas with You by new artist Seonna. Then, there is Take Me Away (Inside You), a jazzy tune with a Latin touch by Telling Mi Mismo. And more.
Formoso has, in fact, 40 new songs he has written and produced and which are now in the can and ready for release this year. Among these are those performed by his new discoveries IdKE, a pop band and Miss Monica. I am sure that those who remember his exceptional talent would be glad to introduce his music to this new generation.