Michael McDonald

Thousands of music fanatics, especially of the R&B and blue-eyed soul varieties, will enjoy a musical experience like no other when two of the finest R&B and soul singers in contemporary music visit Manila next month (March) for a back-to-back performance.

R&B/soul singer and songwriter Michael McDonald will combine talent and wizardry with rock and soul star Boz Scaggs as they enthrall Pinoy fans with an awesome array of their classic hits during a one-night concert on March 9 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

To be presented by Ovation Productions, “Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs Live In Manila!” promises a truly delightful and entertaining evening of R&B and soul music that only the two pop icons can provide.

Michael McDonald is a brilliant American R&B/soul singer and songwriter whose husky, soulful baritone voice propelled him to the top as one of the most recognizable artists of the past 25 years and, perhaps, the greatest “blue-eyed soul” singer.

His ability to bridge rock, adult contemporary and soul through his uniquely recognizable voice made him a leading solo singer and backing vocalist during the laid-back California pop/rock era in the late ’70s.

After an impressive singing backup stint on several Steely Dan albums in the mid-’70s, McDonald joined the boogie rock band Doobie Brothers, during which he ushered in the group’s most successful period with such hits as “What A Fool Believes” (which won three Grammys), “Minute By Minute” and “Taking It To The Streets.”

At the same time, he performed as a session singer and piano player for artists like Christopher Cross, Jack Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Toto and Kenny Loggins.

As a solo artist starting in 1982 following the break-up of the Doobie Brothers, McDonald released his debut album, “If That’s What It Takes,” which climbed to No. 6 with the No. 4 single, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” which also crossed over into the R&B Top 10.

He scored another Top 20 pop hit (and a Top 10 R&B hit) in 1983 with his duet with James Ingram, “Yah Mo B There,” which won a Grammy. His 1986 duet with Patti LaBelle, “On My Own,” shot to No. 1, while “Sweet Freedom,” his theme for the Billy Crystal/Gregory Hines comedy, “Running Scared,” climbed into the Top 10.

In 1996, McDonald rejoined the Doobie Brothers and toured the oldies circuit with the group. The following year, he released “Blue Obsession,” his first album of new material in three years, followed by “In the Spirit: A Christmas Album” in 2001.

McDonald attained new heights of popularity with the 2002 release of “Motown,” his first major album in nearly a decade, which was followed two years later by a sequel, “Motown 2.”

Equally spectacular is the career of Boz Scaggs, who gained recognition in the mid-’70s as a slick, smooth pop/soul singer on the strength of his “Silk Degrees” album, the crowning glory of his 40 years of strong performance in the soul, rock and blues genres.

Featuring a smooth, slickly produced sound that many recall as being disco but more accurately anchored on the bridge between pop and soul, the album was a smash hit, anchored by the jazzy lead cut, “Lowdown.”

With one radio-friendly song after another, “Silk Degrees” was a virtual greatest hits album, staying near the top of the charts for over a year, powered by the hits “Lido Shuffle,” “What Can I Say?” and “It’s Over,” as well as terrific album cuts like “Georgia,” “We’re All Alone” (later remade in lesser fashion by Rita Coolidge) and “Harbor Lights.”

Scaggs’ 1980 album, “Middle Man,” scored another success with two singles, the rock-oriented “Breakdown Dead Ahead” and the smooth “Jojo.”

In 2004, he attained the distinction of becoming the one millionth ’70s rock star to record an album of jazz standards, “But Beautiful,” which topped the jazz charts and included a beautiful recording of Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady.”

“Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs Live In Manila!” is sponsored by ETC Entertainment Channel, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Mercedes-Benz, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, RJ 100.3 FM, ABS-CBN and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

It is also supported by The Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Magic 89.9, 96.3 Easy Rock, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, 90.7 Love Radio, 97.9 Home Radio, 105.1 FM Crossover, 99.3 FT, OptimaSignsolution and Focalcast Network.

(Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department Stores.)

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Malaysian star Carmen Soo finds perfect match

Last Valentine season, popular Malaysian actress-model Carmen Soo (she was Jericho Rosales’ leading lady in the successful ABS-CBN soap opera “Kahit Isang Saglit”) admitted she has found her perfect match! Not in love though because she was referring to Clinelle, a brand of beauty products of which she is a celebrity endorser.

At the SM North EDSA The Block Activity Center, Carmen shared that it was easy falling for Clinelle because of the products dermatologically proven ability to repair, refine and protect skin. Its US-based research and development has certainly impressed the actress and a lot of men and women in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

As part of Carmen’s celebration of finding her match, she and debonair TV host Jojo Alejar invited hunks and beauties to share Clinelle’s wisdom of finding their perfect match. Three guys and three ladies tried to out-do each other in the competition by showing of their wits and natural beauty influenced by Clinelle.

The winners and their runners-up then made a Clinelle wedding entourage, promoting Clinelle’s variety of products like Blemish Clear (which removes skin imperfections), Eye Bright (which lightens dark circles under the eyes) and Moisture Booster (which provides intense facial dehydration) to the eager crowd at the mall. Carmen then walked down the aisle as the blushing Clinelle bride, revealing her perfect and healthy skin. For Carmen, no other brand takes care of her skin better than Clinelle.

After the dating game and show, people flocked to avail of the Clinelle products sold on the floor. The crowd was also treated to a raffle draw and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Carmen.

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Chef shares the benefits of raw food

Raw Food Chef Cheloy Ignacio, who is in the country after an extended stay in the US, is taking initiatives to bring the benefits of healthy eating closer to Filipinos.

“Life in the States is so toxic for me, I got so tired even if I was doing practically the same thing,” Cheloy, who lived in the Las Vegas area for more than a year, told us.

In California and Las Vegas, Cheloy’s face is a fixture in Filipino newspapers, where her short courses are advertised. She offers two-day raw food preparation courses among groups whose members range from 10 to 15.

Cheloy, who trained as a raw food chef in Sunland, California said that raw food lifestyle has been the greatest miracle in her life. She said, “It’s also a good way to lose weight.”

By raw food, she pertains to uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. Other foods that fall under this category are seaweeds, cold pressed olive oil, and certain spices and seasonings.

On Saturday, Feb. 27 and on Feb. 28, Cheloy will hold a series of cooking classes called “Understanding Raw Food Preparation.” The course includes the preparation of 12 delicious raw food recipes and will be held at Parc Royale Condominium, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For details, please contact cherie_lou@yahoo.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Feb. 26 go to actresses Assunta de Rossi, Chanda Romero, broadcaster Angelique Lazo, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi, Ching Villanueva, Mel Canchela, Romy Sarao, Dading Clemente, Erik Escarez, Erika Ann E. Bautista, Luisita P. Gabriel-Antonio, Patsy Fuentes, Sofia Antonio Bersola Babao and Lorelie Dionisio. Belated b-day greetings to Mari Rose Rosales (Feb. 15).