Ibo’s Moon of Compassion

There are several reasons why Moon of Compassion by Ibo is no ordinary jazz album. One is that although producer and composer Sean Power is Irish, the artists performing as Ibo are all Filipinos. They are vocalists Judith Alegarbes, Rowena Michael and Ma. Cielo del Carmen, also the percussionist of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra. Also featured are Alex Fidel on drums, Kim Lesaca on bass, Riki Gonzales on guitar, Ike Dy-Liaco on alto sax, Ruel Cabrera on trumpet, Ronnie Marqueses on trombone, Johnny Aguirre on guitar, Ric Mercado on guitar, Mike Guevarra on tenor sax and the string ensemble of Benjie Bautista, Ed Pasamba and Bernadette Cadorniga.

Of course, co-producer and arranger Victor Oria, better known as leader and keyboard player of Parliament Syndicate, is also Pinoy. Then, there is also the fact that the entire album was recorded and mixed at Digitrax Sound Production by co-producer Dodjie Fernandez here in the Philippines. Power, who teaches at the British Council’s English Language Center, has met many Filipino musicians and has long admired their talent. He had long wanted to work with them. He wasn’t hoping for much. All he wanted to do was a single but the dream project just grew and grew and grew until the group had acquired a name Ibo and released the first album Love is Where We’re Going on its own independent label.

Well, it looks like Ibo did very well with its first effort because Moon of Compassion, the group’s second all-original production was recently released in the local market. I see no trace of the Pinoy in the album, which is sad in a way because you really want to tell the world the music here is performed by Filipinos. But then I am also elated knowing that these singers and musicians can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best the world has to offer. These people are exceptionally talented and cosmopolitan. They can be anywhere in the world, they could be playing anything but they will still sound as good. After listening to the album I certainly feel like saying the title of one of the songs included "...and I’m amazed."

Other titles Power wrote and are included in the album are Pha That Luang, Honesty, Still Got That Magic Smile, This is the Day, My Socrates, Once, More Toast, Anyone?, Love is an Ocean, Not 2, Wayang Silhouettes and Moon of Compassion.

If you have any doubt as to how the much-vaunted musicality of the Filipino fares in the field of jazz, this album is proof of what he is capable of. After listening to Moon of Compassion, I am very sure you will agree that all the Filipino needs is the right break. Then, you can safely bet he will come up with his best.

If you want a good dose of acid jazz, you can really chill out with this one.

Smooth Jazz Takes

The jazz period continues with Smooth Jazz Takes, a collection of cool pop jazz selections endorsed by City Lite 88.3. Cuts range from Patti Austin to Kathy Troccoli to Estancia. They are lighter than the stuff usually played at City Lite which I’ve always enjoyed listening to, but it is a very good mix that will surely create interest and may bring in new recruits into the jazz fold.

Best of the lot is Pauline Wilson’s take on Stevie Wonder’s You Are the Sunshine of My Life. Although the duo is no great shakes as live performers. Workshy sizzles here with David and Bacharach’s I Say a Little Prayer while Patti Austin sounds like a gem with another David and Bacharach tune The Look of Love.

Other tunes in the album are My Cherie Amour by Nathalie; Where is the Love by Paul Jackson, Jr.; Happy Ever After by Sonia; True Colors by Claudia, Claudia; One Last Cry by the Michael White Project; Baby Come to Me by GTS featuring Melodie Sexton and Mark Sexton; Steppin’ Out by the Fantastic Plastic Machine; Breakout by Estancia; Rock with You by D’Influence; I Can’t Tell You Why also by Sonia; and I Want to Know What Love Is by Kathy Troccoli.