Pinoy jazz scene gets more exciting with the launch of an instant classic
I attended the successful album launch of KTB, Manila’s premier jazz ensemble, at the jam-packed Makati music bar called 78-45-33 on July 18.
KTB stands for Kiss The Bride–the moment members said “I do” when asked to join the ensemble led by veteran guitarist Joey Puyat.
It has been together for 16 years.
I had spent a day listening to the band’s most recent album before heading to 78-45-33. It is probably one of the most significant OPM releases in years.
The self-titled album is made up of all-original compositions but the group also performed covers in a mic-free setting at the launch.
Only powerful singers can sing without a mic—a feature found only in 78-45-33, owned by music entrepreneur Tonyboy de Leon.
All seven songs were composed by Tony Razon, who happens to be Puyat’s cousin.
“The songs in the album are a mix of different flavors. Having written numerous songs for the band to interpret, the composer gives a glimpse of his varied influences-from Flamenco to classical-melding into his jazz penned tunes,” says music critic Boy Bustamante.
He hears “a sprinkling of Spyro, a dash of Di Meola, a tinge of Tom Scott, and more… all ingredients simmering to a diverse auditory flavor for the ears.”
My personal favorite is Adios Carnaval, a joyous, percussion—heavy piece.
The album is dedicated to the late percussionist Uly Avante, whose tracks are blended into each of the seven songs.
The packaging is world-class: a double album in thick transparent white vinyl spinning at audiophile-grade 45 rpm, the analogue equivalent of high-resolution digital formats.
Producer Johnny Alegre, a renowned guitarist himself, did a terrific job producing the album.
The album is available at Backspacer Records in Pasig or ordered online at www.backspacerrecords.com.
