Up Close with David Foster & Friends

David Foster, the Canadian musician, record producer, singer, songwriter and arranger noted for discovering talents such as Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Charice Pempengco, and responsible for producing records for the likes of Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Air Supply and Michael Jackson, came to the Philippines in 2010 for a concert titled Hit Man: David Foster & Friends where friends were Peter Cetera, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, the Canadian Tenors and Charice.

Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends

(standing l-r) Philip Bailey, Michael Bolton, David Foster

and Russel Watson; (seated l-r) Ashanti and Charice

The Hit Man returns for the second time in the Philippines, again with Charice, but this time with new friends -- Philip Bailey, American R&B and soul singer, and one of the longtime members of Earth, Wind & Fire; Michael Bolton, American singer and songwriter, best known for his soft rock ballads and the long curly blonde hair he used to sport way back; Ashanti, American R&B, hip-hop and soul singer and actress; and Russel Watson, English tenor who released albums with both operatic-style and pop songs.

Charice

At the press conference for the Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends last October 24 held at the Marriott Hotel Manila, Charice was the very first to arrive. She gamely posed solo and even called her mom to join her when a photographer requested it. Then the rest of the performers arrived with their entourage consisting of road managers and burly bodyguards and at once, the exchange of pleasantries with the press started.

Ashanti and David Foster

Opening the press conference, David Foster expressed that he brought back the tour in the Philippines,"It is only in the Philippines that I've experienced people singing every line of every song in the concert. It's just amazing!" But he also shared the news that he ended his long stint with Warner Bros. and signed up with Universal Records and since Charice stays on with Warner, David Foster will no longer produce songs for his protege and goddaughter. "December 1st will be my first day at Universal Records so come December 1st, I won't be able to produce for Charice anymore because I can't take her with me." However, he assured that he would continue to perform with Charice on stage, "As for touring, I hope for many years that we will always tour together as long as she has the time, " he adds, "I love having her and she loves being with me and that's not going to change."

Philip Bailey and Michael Bolton

Charice echoes the same sentiments, "I always tell David that I'm always here for him. He's always been there for me and if he needs me, I'm in. We're a team."

Charice's self-titled international debut album under Warner Bros has reached the Platinum level in the Philippines and a surprise awarding was done at the end of the press conference.

Platinum Record Awarding

The Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends took the Smart Araneta Coliseum by storm last October 25, even if two other concerts happened on the same night -- Black Eyed Peas in SM MOA open grounds and Libera at PICC.

Filed under SHOWS

American Idol Live Tour in Manila

American Idol Season 10 finalists and winners are on tour and all of the 11 finalists are here in Manila, having arrived early this Saturday morning, just a few hours before the press conference at the Manila Hotel. It was a hot day and I braved traffic just so I can see them in person, among them grand winner Scotty McCreery, Filipina Thia Megia and my bet James Durbin (did any of you catch my twit about James?). Usually, only the top 10 go on tour but there are 11 talents due to a save by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia

Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart

I arrived at the venue in the nick of time as they were being introduced one by one. As they answer questions from the press and guests, I felt that all of them are really passionate about music and that they all have worked really hard to get where they are today. Pia Toscano, for one, shared that she was rejected a lot of times in other auditions, including American Idol season 9 but that didn't stop her to improve and try again for season 10.

Jacob Lusk and Naima Adedapo

James Durbin and Casey Abrams

When asked about what advice they can give to young and aspiring singers and musicians, they were unanimous in saying not to ever give up and never let other people take away the dream. At which point rocker James Durbin bursts into a song, "Don't stop...believing..." with his trademark powerful voice.

Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano

ON VIDEO: When asked about how she feels whenever she is being compared with another Filipino talent, Charice Pempengco, Thia smiled and was gracious in saying that,"...Charice and I are very different artists but she does inspire me." Sorry for the super short clip, was staring at James Durbin almost the whole time that this was the only video I took.

Video

Catch Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia on various mall shows for some meet and greet:

After that, they take the stage for the first time in Asia for a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta COliseum on September 20 and 21, 8 pm. Expect a powercast show as the idols perform on one stage, covering a wide range of music genres -- country, pop, jazz and rock -- with duets and medley's of today's hits plus originals from their individual solo projects.

American Idol Live Tour 2011 press conference

I've been following American Idol since the time two Filipinas joined and placed in the widely watched singing talent show -- AI season 3 third placer Jasmine Trias and finalist Camille Velasco. Admittedly, I found the auditions fun and thrilling as I made fearless predictions on who will make the cut. Since then, more Filipinos took the chance to join and made it until semi-finals -- AI season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay; season 8 gold ticket recipient Jenesis Samoranos who didn't make it through Hollywood week; season 10 semi-finalist Clint Jun Gamboa and finalist Thia Megia. If I missed some more from the other seasons, please let me know.

Filed under SHOWS

Solenn Sizzles

Those who don't know or haven't heard of Solenn Heussaff by this day must be living under a rock. The French-Filipina beauty, who is also a talented fashion designer and make-up artist, has graced the covers and fashion editorials of numerous magazines; is seen on TV and billboards for her endorsements; was a reality show contender and now a TV host and budding actress.

Solenn Heussaff did Q&A before singing before the press

A Jill-of-all-traits? Perhaps. Or maybe she just wants to try out all possibilities in life before she settles on one career to make her mark. Or she is able to do all that and more out of sheer talent plus a combination of good luck and hard work. Now she adds another feather to her cap as she releases her debut self-titled album "Solenn."

The debut album

The album encapsulates Solenn -- fun, sassy and sexy. The carrier single "Fire" is a remake of the Bruce Springsteen original which Solenn transforms into a danceable beat, her seductive singing voice making it hotter. She also takes on hits like Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do", Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn" as well as singing her versions of The Other Two's "Selfish", Prince's "Kiss" and Bruno Mars' "It's Our First Time."

"Solenn" CD plus mini-magazine containing her photos

She shared during the press con that she is more of a singer than a musician (although she took up years of classes for piano and saxophone and wanted to learn guitar because it is "sexy") but she tried her hand at song writing via a collaboration with ex-Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco for "Chemistry", a song they co-wrote. Another original track to watch out for is "Ladies Night" which features Viktoria Vixen. Solenn's debut album under MCA Music is now out in CD's with a mini-mag of her images.

My signed "Solenn" album

Solenn is nervous about performing before a big audience but her love for singing prevails as she will be having her first major concert "Solenn On Stage" on August 19 and 26, 8 pm at Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills. Joining her are special guests Ogie Alcasid, Geoff Taylor and her brother Erwan Heussaff. For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketworld at 8919999, Music Museum at 7210635 or Teatrino at 7216726.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you buy the CD or watch the concert, Solenn -- the person and the CD -- sizzles.

My Romance with AI

It all started with chance viewings of the American Idol (AI) show whenever I was on business trips -- was able to watch the finals of AI Season 5, where Taylor Hicks emerged as the grand winner; and AI Season 6, with Jordin Sparks taking the spot. It was only in American Idol Season 7 did I begin to follow the show religiously (on replays most of the time since the live telecasts were too early and am still at work).

I rooted for David Cook all the way from auditions to finals and was estatic when he won over David Archuleta. A fanatic, I downloaded all his AI performances and even made his rendition of Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" my mobile ringtone and am still using it until now. I went to his press conference and also braved the crowds to watch him live in concert at the SM MOA Open Grounds last May 2009.

AI Season 8 was different story wherein my bet, Adam Lambert, only won second place to the underdog Kris Allen. I watched the finals live very early in the morning at the Star World-Dream Cable exclusive showing at the Greenbelt 3 cinema and was disappointed with the result.

Anyway, Kris Allen show that he greatly improved through the weeks at AI and I guess that was what the show was all about as opposed to Adam Lambert's stellar performances since the beginning of the season.

I also attended his press conference and had my few seconds of fame during the Q&A portion. Click here to see my previous blog entry with a video clip of the interview. Did not watch Kris Allen's concert but did not dare miss Adam Lambert's Glamnation in Manila in October 2011.

AI Season 9 was a little different for me because I had four bets -- the gothic belter Siobhan Magnus, the handsome Casey James, the spunky Cystal Bowersox and of course, Lee Dewyze. It turns out all of them landed in the Top 10 with Siobhan at sixth place, Casey at third place, Crystal at second place and Lee ran away with the top prize.

Now my eyes are on AI Season 10, especially that the finals is near with only five contenders. I was rooting for Thea Megia for obvious reasons but she was eliminated from the Top 10. Let's see if James Durbin gets the top spot.

Now for the good news...American Idol Season 9 winner will be here in Manila for a two-night concert. See and hear Lee Dewyze live at Venice Piazza on May 7 and at Eastwood Mall on May 8.

Sad to say I won't be able to go to the press con, as well as watch the concert, for I will be at the Fuego Sunset Run this weekend. To those who are watching, let me know if you enjoyed the show, ok?

China Crisis...Live in Manila

“Wishful Thinking”…the song that catapulted an English Pop Group in the 80s and it is, for me at least, one of the iconic songs of the New Wave scene. I feel a warm sense of nostalgia whenever I hear “Wishful Thinking” but when I heard that China Crisis was coming to Manila, I blurted out “China who?” Unfortunately, the song overshadowed the artists in my mind (pardon me, but I was still in ribboned ponytails back when the song became popular).

China Crisis core vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon

When the opportunity to know them better came along through a press conference and one-on-one interview, I grabbed the chance. Here’s what I learned about them in snippets:

• China Crisis’ core are vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon;
• Their hit songs are Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, King in a Catholic Style, Tragedy and Mystery, among others;
• They debuted in 1981 with the single “African White” but the third single in their 1983 album “Wishful Thinking” became their biggest hit;
• China Crisis’ most recent project was their live album “Acoustically Yours” released in 1995;
• The group named themselves China Crisis but they have never been to China;
• Someone covered their song “Black Man Ray” in Cantonese;
• Gary thinks that “Stevie Wonder is a genius!”
• On family members inheriting their musicality, Eddie’s 16 year old son plays the guitar while Gary’s two daughters, though not musicians, are music lovers;
• When asked about who among the current artists they think has the staying power in the music industry, guess whose name came out: Beyonce!
• If given a chance to record new songs, they would, but as of the moment, they see China Crisis as a part of history in the bigger picture.

That's me while asking China Crisis if musicality runs in the family

Say cheese! Gary and Eddie gamely poses for the camera

With those bits of information in mind, I was set to watch their gig the following day in Eastwood Mall. Such a stressful early evening that 21st of January because aside from battling Friday night traffic, there was heavy rain to contend with. Fast forward, my companions and I arrived at the venue at half past 9, thinking that we have definitely missed the concert that was slated to start at 7 in the evening. To our delight, the show was still on and we were able to take our seats a few minutes before “Wishful Thinking” was performed. Thank goodness for that and all the stress we got early on slowly dissipated. China Crisis sounded like they did not age at all! Gary Daly still has the same cool voice and Eddie Lundon still played the guitar with youthful bravado.

China Crisis in action at Eastwood Mall

As I pondered on Eddie’s parting words during the interview over a great meal at Buenisimo, I just couldn’t agree more: that whatever genre of music there is, “what matters most is a good song.” And a good song they have indeed with “Wishful Thinking” that put them on the map of pop music history.

Press Con photos taken by Joy Wong. Thanks to Karen L. and Tinay M. of Eastwood Mall for the opportunity. :)

Music Fest 2010

For work, we were supposed to meet with Jomari Yllana of Fearless Productions for a media partnership so while waiting, we attended the press conference for Fearless Productions' Music Fest 2010 which gathers YouTube sensations Boyce Avenue, America's Best Dance Crew champs Jabbawockeez and American Idol 2009 winner Kris Allen.

The bystanders at the Eastwood Mall Open Park, where the press con is, went wild as each of the performers went onstage for some Q&A's with the press.

As I don't view YouTube at all (yes, you may find that hard to believe but its true), I wasn't aware of Boyce Avenue's existence so to me, they are just another boy band out to make girls swoon over their love songs. During the press con, I learned that they are an acoustic-rock band from Florida, all three of them blood brothers, who succeeded in crossing mainstream from YouTube. Although they are responsible for the famous covers of hit songs such as Umbrella, Hate That I Love You and With You, they also write their own songs.

Up next came the winners of the first season of America's Best Dance Crew the Jabbawockeez, composed mostly of Filipino-Americans. The boys were quite playful as they would sometimes answer "Secret!" to questions that want to elude. Good news to Pinoy fans of Jabbawockeez! The California-based hip-hop group signed a contract with ABS-CBN's Sunday afternoon variety show ASAP so they would be seen more often as they shuttle between USA and the Philippines to perform.

The much awaited celebrity was saved for last, of course. 2009 American Idol winner Kris Allen was welcomed with applause and screams from the girls. He is best known for his Idol performances of songs by Bill Withers ("Ain't No Sunshine"), Kanye West ("Heartless") and Michael Jackson ("Man in the Mirror"). Kris came with his band, all of whom were equally good looking and charming.

Music Fest 2010 will be staged in Cebu and Manila -- February 5 at the SM City Cebu North Open Parking and February 6 at the Piazza, McKinley Hill Open Grounds.

My Public Life in 2009, part 1

What's looking forward to the new year without looking back at the past year? I have so much to be thankful for in 2009 -- I met new friends, met up with old friends, saw famous people in person, traveled to new places and savored good coffee, food and wine.

PRESS CONS

Eraserheads The Final Set - the press conference where the famous four announced the much awaited continuation of the interrupted concert they held in 2008 due to the lead singer's heart condition. Having been disbanded for some time, Ely, Raymund, Buddy and Marcus reunited for a one-time big time concert for loyal fans.

John Legend - I was estatic to have been able to ask two questions during the RTI (round table interview). This was my first ever close encounter with a foreign artist. John Legend was a bit shy and reserved at the press con so it was a good surprise to see him give electrically charged performances on stage. I look forward to more songs from him, be it be for himself or for other artists as well.

Craig David - the press con for Craig David was held 2 hours apart in the same day and venue for John Legend's. This time, it was a theater set-up where one has to go to the center mic to ask a question. It was nerve wracking (seeing him in the flesh, sex appeal and all, he he) but I had to give it a shot or the moment will just pass me by. The following day was the concert and my bro and I had so much fun.
David Cook & David Archuleta - the press con for the David Cook and David Archuleta back-to-back concert was held 2 days before the actual concert. The press con might have been leaked by some of the hotel staff so there were a lot of fans waiting at the ballroom lobby to catch a glimpse of the two Davids. I really heart David Cook...he was so near yet so far! David Archuleta was cute and smiling as always.

Katy Perry - after being postponed due to typhoon Ondoy, Katy Perry's concert finally pushed through with an angle on Rock for Relief. I hope other foreign artists can do the same and help instead of thinking of gaining sums of money for themselves. You rock, Katy!

CATS - the media launch for CATS the musical, with our very own Lea Salonga to play Grisabella, the cat who sings "Memories." Am excited to see the show this July. :)


CONCERTS
Natalie Cole - watched Natalie Cole's concert with HS friend Gesy. It was such a relaxing evening listening to jazz and love songs, including popular 80s and 90s hits Inseperable, Unforgettable, I Miss You Like Crazy, Starting Over Again, etc.

Boyz II Men - BoyzIIMen put up a great show of spectacular vocals and snappy choreographies. Capped the night with late dinner at Cafe Bola. :)

Nine Inch Nails - Nine Inch Nails at the Araneta... Trent Reznor rocked! And so did Ely Buendia with Pupil. :)
Sarah Geronimo - her year-end concert aptly titled Record Breaker was indeed record breaking as she was able to fill Araneta Coliseum to the brim. Sarah's indeed an electrifying performer. I just think that the portion where she sang the jingle of all her endorsements was truly lame. Don't do it next time please.

Yeah, I missed Lady Gaga's concert last August as I was in KL at that time. Maybe I'll catch her next time. :)