Our very own jazz vocalist Mon David won recently the grand prize in the first ever 2006 London International Jazz Competition which was held at the Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square.
In what was described as an "electrifying performance," Mon sang his way to the jurors’ hearts, accompanied by an impressive British trio of instrumentalists from the Guidhall School of Music and Drama: Jeff Clyne (bass), Trevor Tomkins (drums) and Pete Churchill (piano).
Mon sang three songs boasting of unique and difficult arrangements. These are "Nature Boy," "My One and Only Love," and "Lullaby of Birdland," which fully showcased the jazz artist’s expertise at vocal styling. Only the trained jazz musicians and jazz aficionados could tell who was the best, as all the six finalists were lustily applauded for their brilliant performances, stage and musical artistry.
The other five finalists, chosen during the semi-finals held at the Vortex Jazz Club, were Australians Dan Barnett and Karlie Bruce, German Torsten Goods, and Americans Heidi Martin and Alison Wedding. Mon was the only Asian from among the 107 contestants from 25 countries.
During the announcement of the winners, the chairman of the panel of jurors revealed that it took them longer than expected to pick out the six finalists, and then later the winners because of the excelllent quality of their performances.
Alison Wedding won the Special Prize (Gibson-May Award).
Mon received strong support from the Filipino community in the United Kingdom, led by Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu, as reported by Ed Maranan of the Philippine Embassy in London and Gene Alcantara of the British Council office in Spring Gardens. Present on the competition finals were "Jazz Princess" Mishka Adam, Ariz Guinto, Candid Records CEO Alan Bates and Candid President Nieves Pascua-Bates, who incidentally is my townmate.
As grand prize winner of the international jazz competition, Mon now faces global directions in his singing career. First, he is set to record an album for Candid, the flagship UK jazz label. He will also do a joint concert with Pete Churchill and participate in various jazz festivals.
Mon, by the way, is a nominee in this year’s 19th Awit Awards for Best Jazz Recording. He was nominated for his carrier single "Let Go" and for Best Vocal Arrangement for "Atin Cu Pung Singsing" from his new album "Life & Times" released by Isla/Candid Phils.
Mon’s participation in the LJIC was made possible by the British Council office in Manila, with support from Thirdline, Inc., Holy Angel University’s Centre for Kapampangan Culture, the Music Museum group and from friends from the music industry.
Congratulations, Mon!
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The Tiongco Brothers, one more time at the Frontpage
Making their presence felt once more are the Tiongco Brothers, dubbed as the country’s version of the famous Four Aces. Out of the limelight for more than a decade, they are now out to regain their status as the Best Group Performers not only here but also around Asia and some part of the world.
The Tiongco Brothers Emil, Jun and Art will join Juan Rodrigo and Marri Nallos in "Lovesongs at the Frontpage," a repeat of their Valentine concert, also to be held at the Frontpage along T.M. Kalaw St. Noe Dadap will provide the dinner music.
Samahang Plaridel, the association of veteran working journalists - reporters, columnists, publishers and legitimate PR practitioners - paved the way for the comeback of The Tiongco Brothers via "Lovesongs at Frontpage." Now the trio is back to prove that they are still the same group to reckon with. They will be singing the songs that made them famous two decades ago. These are songs of the Four Aces, The Platters, and The Lettermen.
In "Lovesongs at the Frontpage," Juan Rodrigo (movie-TV actor now singer/recording artist) and London-raised diva Marri Nallos (who’s the original "Crystal Voice of Asia") will be singing a cut from the "Destiny" album of Marri, a revival of a Paul Anka song, "You Are My Destiny."
"Lovesongs at the Frontpage" is sponsored by PCSO.
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‘Alaala: Fundraising for the Children of Leyte’
Calling all Visayans and the public to unite for the children of Leyte!
""Alaala," a fund raising concert for St. Bernard, Guinsaugon Leyte, will be held today, April 7, at 7 p.m. at Merk’s Bar Bistro.
Lending her musical talent for this cause is Ms. Vernie Varga, top caliber vocal artist. Also performing are Noel Cabangon, Pilita Corales, Toti Fuentes, Jacqui Magno, Richard Merk, and Luke Mejares.
"Join us in remembering our kababayans who suffered in the recent tragedy in Leyte. Let us heed their call for help. Be part of Alaala. Remember the children of Leyte," Richard enjoins friends.
Proceeds of the concert will be coursed through the Panaghoy Children Foundation, Inc. led by Cesar Montano.
"Alaala: Awit Para Sa Leyte," sang by Prince of Jazz Richard Merk and composed by advocacy artist Noel Cabangon, will also be launched.
For more information, call MerkCom Advocacy at 750-1481 to 84. For ticket reservation, call Merk’s at 7574720 and 7574721. Merk’s is located at Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 7, go to Richard Gomez, KC C. Concepcion, Nadia Montenegro, top PR man Donnie Ramirez, entertainment editor Isah Red, Mrs. Puring Asuncion, Zaida Kawarai, April Teoseco, Evelyn de Boda, Ana Mary I. Landingin, Manolo Villacorta, Carmencita Genato, Marites Ignacio, and Isay Dulay...
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