Her voice running through songs like a mother’s hands on her baby, premier acoustic act Aiza Seguerra delivered the cuts for a live recording so well she didn’t need to redo any of the numbers. What was supposed to be a recording session billed as a live recording that would have allowed retakes to correct possible mistakes became a flawless concert, turning the set into a marvelous treat attended by Aiza’s family, friends and a handful of media people asked to cover the event.

With the return of acoustic trend, Aiza is bound to take a big slice of the pie via her new live album containing her version of well-loved radio tracks. Scores of big songs from the 90s found their way onto the list, including a couple of tunes from the defunct Eraserheads. The live recording took place at Teatrino at Promenade Greenhills last June 26, with ex-Eheads Raymund Marasigan playing as guest drummer who accompanied the versions of “Magasin” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” The album will be released this month according to Star Records.

“Palakpak lang po kayo kung gusto niyo para paglabas ng album marinig niyo na nandun kayo,” she persuaded the crowd, most of whom need not be forced since they seemed enjoying what they’re watching.

With six musicians backing her up, led by Rock Hall of Famer Mike Villegas, the former child star-turned-gifted singer ran through the list like a well-oiled machine. Her natural vocal strength showed the right emotions, gripping the heart when it hurts and embracing the soul upon call. First cut was “Runaway” (The Corrs), followed by “Kiss From A Rose” (Seal), both 90s gems that require vocal smoothness and power. The obviously well-liked number was her revival of “Iris” (Goo goo dolls), both because of her justifiable rendition and it being a big favorite among pop rock lovers.

With Villegas in his usual fiery onstage mood, Aiza paid honor to the night’s musical director by singing two of his compositions, “Paglisan” (Color It Red) and “Bilanggo” (Rizal Underground). Villegas was a former member of the latter and sang the song himself on the original recording.

When the night reaches climax, Marasigan was introduced and sat on a branded drum kit for the take on songs written by his ex-bandmate and most illustrious 90s rock star Ely Buendia.

Other classics in the list are tunes from decades back: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” (Queen), “Ngayon At Kailanman” (Basil Valdez), “Bette Davis Eyes” (Kim Carnes), “Anything For You” (Gloria Estefan) and “Ipagpatawad Mo” (VST & Co.).

Tribute take for the King of Pop

Since it was the day when the world mourns the death of Michael Jacskon (he died the morning of June 26, Manila time), Aiza couldn’t resist playing a song from the moonwalker. She performed “Man In The Mirror” right before her last songs, with the mood of the day setting the stage for an emotionally celebratory moment. It is said that it won’t be part of the album since it was not that rehearsed. But the raw beauty of the live performance and the emotions that ran high calls for it being included when it hits the record bars.

Aiza’s frequent remark of the night was, “This is it,” obviously a nod to the title of MJ’s comeback concert series the world will never see.

Meanwhile, Aiza is on a high because her “Open Arms” album has reached the platinum mark. Thanks to buyers that include those from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Her collaboration with Singaporean Bevlyn for “When You Say Nothing At All” is now topping the charts in the famous Asian city-state.

“Hindi ko akalaing tatangkilikin ng mga tao sa ibang bansa ang album ko kaya overwhelming talaga ang feeling,” she said.