For the love of Uly, a tribute

MANILA, Philippines - One of the country’s top musicians was undoubtedly percussionist Uly Avante. He worked with some of the biggest names in the music business — from top solo artists to bands and even foreign singers.

Uly passed away early this month and local entertainment grieved at the loss of one of its eminent session musicians.

“He was always very warm, humble and friendly,” remembers singer Tillie Moreno, who knew Uly since her Circus Band days in the late ’70s. “He even played during Circus Band’s last Haywire Act at the Ultra. Even my daughter, Maggie, grew fond of him. Thank you, Uly, for adding color and rhythm to our music.”

Gary Valenciano, on his Instagram account, posted, “Uly was the percussionist of many of us singers for many years now. He was also our percussionist for ASAP. We will miss you, Uly. What I do know is that at some point in his struggles with his health, he gave his life to Jesus.

“Personally, although health complications may have been the cause of his demise, I think the Lord just simply called him home. It was never intended for him to live his life once in a deteriorating body, but rather to live his life for all eternity with Him.”

Uly will be given a tribute today at the RJ Bistro at the Lower Level of Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. It will be a rare music treat open to the public. Some of the best bands, artists and session musicians will be featured in the concert.

Taking centerstage are Richard Merk, Pat Castillo, Jeannie Tiongco and Emcy Corteza with the Sticky Band — Henry Katindig, Colby de la Calzada, Mar Dizon and Rudy Lozano. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

“Aside from being a percussionist, his humility was his asset that made me like him at once,” says musician Jeun Nackorda of Uly, whom he met as a neophyte at the now defunct Birds of the Same Feather in the early ’80s.

In Uly’s wake at the Arlington Chapels in Quezon City, Richard led the music jam and dedicated all the songs to the percussionist. Musical director and arranger Jun Latonio played Dave Grusin songs.

“Uly loved Richard so much and he showed his love to me and our daughter, Manna, too,” offers Roni Merk, Richard’s better half. “Every time he saw us, he always looked for Manna. Uly valued family so much and he was happy to see our family intact.

“Uly was loving, caring and so unassuming. Music was his passion. He showed us that he played with his heart and soul, like worshipping and dedicating it all to God before he passed on.”

Drummer Mar Dizon fondly remembers Uly, whom he teased as “Sir Atek,” his usual, funny moniker for the musician. “’Yun ang pang-asar ko sa kanya,” Mar recalls. “Siya mismo natatawa ‘pag tinatawag ko siyang Atek.”

Rannie Raymuno describes Uly as the coolest percussionist-musician he knew. “I sang in falsetto and even in a crowded room, Uly would know it was me. I would always sneak behind his back and play the cascara on his shoulders and automatically, Uly would say, ‘Rannie!’

“Oh, how I love Uly. He can play the shaker na steady at pantay. He was responsible for getting me out of the wood works as a drummer. I have not stopped playing since then. What a percussionist-musician. What a friend. One heck of a brother. Keep the clave steady. We will play again one day.”