‘2nd Album,’ Sinosikat?, Warner Music Philippines

Although the title of this album seems uninspired, “2nd Album” is quite a commendable collection of groove-inspired jams that are predominantly funky with a healthy dose of soul, jazz and lounge.

The addition of French-born jazz pianist David Starck adds heft and depth to the band’s already considerable musicality. Starck anchors guitarist Nick Azarcon, drummer Reli De Vera and bassist Philippe Arriola on riff-oriented funk excursions such as the aptly titled “Acid Funk.” He also lays down the melodic foundation on numbers like “Look At Me” and the funk- jazz mash of their cover of Sonny Nicolas’ ”Mr. Musikero.”

Singer Kat Agarrado remains visually and auditorially appealing. The sexy vulnerability of and in her voice complements the band’s acid jazz sounds as best demonstrated on “Patiently,” “H.S. Romance” and “I’ll Never Say.”

If before, Sinosikat?’s music was strictly for hipsters, that changes here with the inclusion of accessible songs such as “Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-ibig Mo,” and the piano-driven ballad lead single, “Nung Iniwan Mo Ako” (written by Sugarfree’s Ebe Dancel). It’s no compromise; just a willingness to play songs with a much wider appeal.

And will they be able to do that? Will Sinosikat? become more popular with ‘2nd Album?’

It’s anybody’s guess. But surely, in the race that they run, their name is a rhetorical question.

* * *
‘Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth,’ Jason Mraz, Warner Music

Recorded live in Chicago last August 2009, “Live On Earth” contains most of the songs from Mraz’s 2008 release, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.”

The live arrangements of songs such as “Make It Mine,” “Butterfly,” “Coyotes” and “Only Human” don’t change much from how they were done in the studio album. But played live (as seen in the DVD) with his musicians that include a horn section, a keyboardist and a rhythm section, the songs receive a fresh infusion of energy that makes them seemingly jump from out of the speakers.

Never content in focusing on one particular style, Mraz utilizes elements of reggae (in “The Remedy”), pop and folk (in his duet with Colbie Calliat on “Lucky”), jazz and funk (in the scat-heavy “The Dynamo Of Volition”) and soul (“Beautiful Mess”).

It’s been a successful year for Jason and “Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth” is his joie de vivre. That if you “look into his heart, you’ll find love... love... love...”

* * *
‘My Christmas,’ Andrea Bocelli, MCA Music

There’s a reason “My Christmas” is the best-selling Yule-themed album this season: It’s by Andrea Bocelli.

That even when the tracklist consists of standard carols such as “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Adeste Fideles” (“O Come All Ye Faithful”), “Silent Night” and “Blue Christmas,” music lovers know there’s nothing standard in the way the world-class tenor sings them.

New arrangements of “Cantique De Noel” (O Holy Night),” “White Christmas/Bianco Natale” and “Angels We Heard On High” canvass Bocelli’s voice at its heart-warming best. His inimitable operatic singing comes to fore on “Caro Gesu’ Bambino (Dear Baby Jesus)” and “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle (You Come Down From The Stars).”

Andrea gets help from his friends. Some of these are Natalie Cole on “The Christmas Song,” Mary J. Blige on “What Child Is This ”and Jim Henson (of “The Muppets”-fame) on “Jingle Bells.”

Diva Celine Dion once said, “If God had a singing voice, he would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli.”

Especially when he sings about God, for God. Amen.

For more music reviews, visit www.mb.com.ph.