All about security and prosperity

Some 500 of HSBC’s clients gathered at the Makati Shangri-La garbed in Chinese-inspired finery to celebrate the Year of the Ox. HSBC CEO Mark Watkinson, dressed in a bright red barong, with his wife Sarah, personally welcomed guests who enjoyed champagne, wine and cocktails in the foyer of the Rizal Ballroom, which was transformed that evening into the Great Wall of China.

As the doors to the ballroom opened, men and women in full Chinese regalia ushered guests past the Great Wall’s gates where the terra cotta Chinese soldiers were guarding a wishing tree where guests would hang their New Year wishes (written by themselves earlier at the registration) on its branches.

Videos projected on a massive screen traced the history of China and the Great Wall as dragon dancers drove away any lingering bad spirits. Watkinson then took the opportunity to warmly thank the guests saying, “Like the Ox, HSBC prides itself on its dependability and security. And inspired by the Ox and the Great Wall of China, HSBC offers our unwavering commitment and support to our clients and to the community. We thank you for putting your trust in us and look forward to a great year ahead, one filled with opportunities for renewal, growth and even greater prosperity.”

A sumptuous 10-course lauriat was prepared by the chefs of Makati Shangri-La while the MSE Music Ensemble, a group of 24 young women, performed several classic pieces with violins and various other string instruments. Three-man singing group Primo entertained the audience with their ballads and Broadway songs. Each guest was given a gold Ox keychain as a souvenir for the evening.

Chris Gillespie live from the Carlyle

Imagine an intimate jazz bar in New York City’s Carlyle Hotel. Nickel-trimmed glass tables are splayed around the piano under a ceiling of 24-karat gold leaves. Banquette seats are leather and the walls are festooned with murals of frolicking animals hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans.

 Now, imagine a thrilling set of 21st century jazz played at such a sublime location. Listen to recordings of Chris Gillespie and you’re halfway there. Gillespie is a wonderfully romantic musician, a singing pianist whose singing is solidly of the aforementioned Frank Sinatra/Tony Bennett mould while his piano playing puts this writer in mind of Bill Evans and Erroll Garner. Gillespie’s music is traditional ‘40s to ’50s jazz — an era of solidly constructed tunes when each song contained more harmony than most of the songs of a whole year these days. Think Fly Me to the Moon, where Gillespie takes the opportunity to introduce his band mates — Peter Letzak on drums, Frank Tate on upright bass and Keith Loftiz on saxophone.

 This kind of music seems rarefied in the boisterous Manila Music scene where even just finding out about thoughtful jazz gigs can be a struggle. We are fortunate enough that Chris Gillespie has planned a quick trip to Metro Manila this year. At 8 p.m. on March 13, Chris Gillespie will play a gig at the Whitespace, 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Gillespie plays with Tots Tolentino on saxophone, Roger Herrera on bass and Mar Dizon on drums for the benefit of Philippine Youth Symphonic Band.

 The venue may not be in the Carlyle’s Bemelmans’ Bar, but with Chris Gillespie’s music, you’re more than half way there.

(For tickets, call Marissa at 0927-3910762.)

Craig David in Manila

Multi-award winning British R&B superstar Craig David is set to take Manila by storm with his Greatest Hits World Tour Concert at the Araneta Coliseum on March 27. This much-awaited concert is in line with the singer-songwriter’s Greatest Hits album, which will be released this month in Southeast Asia.

Produced by Warner Bros. Records, the Greatest Hits album features Craig’s chart-topping singles Fill Me In and 7 Days It also includes 12 of his other biggest hits including Craig’s collaboration with music legends Sting for Rise & Fall, and with Artful Dodger for Rewind. Craig’s Greatest Hits album also comes complete with the new and hot single, Insomnia, which was produced by Jim Beanz with Timbaland Productions. Other tracks include Rendezvous, Hidden Agenda, All the Way, What’s Your Flava?, You Don’t Miss Your Water (‘Til the Well Runs Dry), Don’t Love You No More (I’m Sorry) and Unbelievable.

The Greatest Hits album highlights the 27-year-old superstar’s prolific career as an international performing artist. Craig has already enjoyed commercial success with his first four albums, Born To Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes and Trust Me, having sold more than 13-million records worldwide. All four albums have also reached multi-platinum status across the globe.

His commercial success is also paired with critical acclaim. He has won three Ivor Novello Awards (including the two highly prestigious awards for Songwriter of the Year and Best Contemporary Song), four MOBO Awards and multiple Grammy and Brit Award nominations for his work as a singer and songwriter.

(Tickets to the Craig David-Live in Manila Concert are now available at all SM TicketNet Outlets or call 374-2222, 374-9999 or 911-5555.)