One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love. —Sophocles
Mankind may exist but not lead worthwhile lives without “it.” It is inexplicable, thrilling, obscure, complicated, magical, lasting, unreal, stimulating, wonderful, inspiring, heavenly, unforgettable… the list of words to describe love is long and possibly endless.
In music, there are millions of songs from around the world that talk about love in hundreds of languages and nuances. One song even depicts a forlorn lover surprised to see that the sun still shines and the sea still rushes to the shore. She asked, “Don’t they know it’s the end of the world? It ended when I lost your love.”
There are some who say love is powerful enough to move even mountains. And as John Lennon and Paul McCartney quipped, “All you need is love.”
Ironic as it may seem, it took American crooner Jerry Vale to help me appreciate the power that love evokes through music, and he sang it in our native tongue. I am quite embarrassed to admit this, but it took a protégé of Frank Sinatra to make me realize just how poignant, potent and beautiful our language can be. Dahil sa Iyo has been sung by other foreign artists, including Nat King Cole and The Lettermen. But it is Jerry’s version that will tug at your heartstrings, as it did mine. The song forms part of his 1963 Columbia album, “The Language of Love,” arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.
The album magnificently captures Vale’s dreamy, high tenor voice at its prime. The album features love songs with luxuriant strings and prominent accordion, which I, together with my good friends — sound engineer John Alegre and Honda vice president for quality control Joel Copiaco — heard in orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lito Gozum’s music room.
Dahil sa Iyo as sung by Jerry Vale reaffirms the musical genius of composer Miguel Velarde Jr. and lyricist Dominador Santiago. Jerry drew from deep in his soul to make sure that the song’s splendor would not be lost in translation as he sang part of it in English, Your Love is Mine.
The album was the last course in a banquet of music that Doc Lito prepared for us, making sure that our Sunday afternoon would be delightfully spent. He was a virtual musical tour guide, taking us from one melodious journey to another, and each voyage was a notch better than the last. More than four turntables in his vast musical armory were spun. It became apparent that Jerry’s album was special, as Doc Lito played it on his favorite Technics SL1200 Ltd. where Jerry serenaded us in living mono. For those who believe that mono is inferior to stereo recording, try it out and be mesmerized (more on mono recording in succeeding columns).
I’m glad that Jerry decided to include our beloved song on his album. He is one of those guilty pleasures in life who’s not cool, hip or avant-garde, but simply darn good! He sings with passion and in a fashion that makes you pay attention to the lyrics in songs that have lyrics you would want to hear and remember.
Born Genaro Louis Vitaliano in 1932 in the Bronx, New York, Jerry is said to be one of the last saloon singers. During his struggling years, he was rejected by Dean Martin and producer Greg Garrison for a spot in Dean’s show but was, however, gladly welcomed and nurtured by Frank Sinatra. It was a move Frank did not regret. As Jerry’s popularity soared, their friendship bloomed. Jerry was one of the few who was at Frank’s side during Ole Blue Eyes’ remaining days.
Dahil Sa Iyo and Waray Waray, the latter sung by Eartha Kitt, made us proud of our musical heritage. The worldwide recognition they got only proves that Filipino artistry, further attested to by Lea Salonga, can compete with the rest of the world.
I believe Jerry Vale’s “Language of Love” album has been remastered for CD. Try to get one and relish how it is to be in love over and over again.
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For comments or questions, please e-mail me at audioglow@yahoo.com or at vphl@hotmail.com.