Rekindling that ’70s feeling

Whether today’s kids know it or not, today’s brand of rehashed, recycled pop staples bear that distinct sound that screams vintage ‘70s. Digitized, remixed, and remastered beyond recognition, yesterday’s anthems have mutated into grotesquely-horrific dance versions by old and weary pop stars desperately aching for a last-ditch shot at the charts.

It’s a sad fate that can’t help but make yesterday’s pop heroes cringe and shake their heads in utter disappointment.

Yes, there were musical giants those days, but they earned their laurels the hard way. Back then, singers paid their dues by learning their songs the hard way – wearing out their records, hanging out with the band, and more importantly, feeling their songs instead of fussing over their wardrobes.

During the ‘70s, among the more popular groups in Manila’s progressive music scene were the Circus Band and the New Minstrels. The former group, known for its more eclectic repertoire and flamboyant outfits, served as the "training ground" for the eventual flourishing solo careers of its singers, who included Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro, Jacqui Magno, Tillie Moreno, and Pat Castillo, among others.

The more "conservative" New Minstrels, on the other hand, carved their niche via their compelling harmonies and outstanding showmanship. Its members included jazz songstress Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz.

Long-time OPM fans will be thrilled to hear of a special Mother’s Day concert at the Hard Rock Café, Makati City, featuring some of the Circus Band and New Minstrels alumni, namely: Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz.

Yes, it’s been decades since their heydays, but these artists haven’t lost their passion for their craft. Ding, for instance, had been singing regularly even when he was based in Australia and Vancouver. When he came back in 1996, he concentrated more on musicals, and is currently president of Concorde Entertainment Division.

Eugene Villaluz, whose hit record Gulong ng Palad still echoes in many a babyboomer’s ears, also dabbled in musicals such as Rama at Sita, Larawan, Noli Me Tangere, Jesus Christ Superstar, and most recently, Judah Ben Hur which held its world premiere in Singapore.

Among the four, Eugene and Pat eventually worked as label managers for different recording companies. It was a refreshing task – they claim – for former artists to have been given a free hand in the decision-making process.

"It was tough, in a way," recalls Pat, "because a lot of times, you’d have to stand by your guns even if your superiors think otherwise. One time, there was this newcomer who I thought had great potential, but who my bosses didn’t like at first."

"Well, after some time, they heard this song over the radio which was then doing well in the charts," she continues. "Well, guess what? My boss asked me, ‘Who’s that singer?’ to which I smugly replied, ‘Oh, that was the artist who you didn’t like’."

Despite winning most of her artistic battles, Pat quit that highly-stressful job.

It’s Pat who has recently become more active again in the music scene. She recently formed her own band, Forte, which performs regularly at Merk’s Bar. Asked why she returned to her first love, Pat replies, "It’s because I would get embarrassed when people would ask me to jam with them. I figured it would be better if I kept myself in tiptop shape all the time. We do ’60s, ’70s stuff, but we tweaked it to sound jazzier."

For Jacqui Magno, life beyond pop stardom has still been ruled by her self-imposed journey towards knowing her "real self." Tagged as the jazz diva during the late ’70s and early ’80s, Jacqui had her share of the limelight – an experience which she claims to have "numbed her senses and left her feeling empty" most of the time.

"I’ve resolved some issues," chants the ardent yoga devotee, "but it’s a never-ending quest to know yourself. See, I never even thought I’d be a singer. I would have wanted to become a psychologist. I guess I’m more attuned to music’s psychological aspects, especially its healing powers.

While not exactly a musical healer now, Jacqui willingly coaches a group of fledgling singers — mostly her son’s friends. "It’s not exactly the technique that I share. It’s more of trying to find your own voice," Jacqui stresses.

"When I started with Circus Band, they said I sounded like Karen (Carpenter), but I tried to veer away from that. Part of one’s musical fulfillment should really be finding your own style," adds the reluctant diva.

For their Mother’s Day show at the Hard Rock, the quartet will do some of their more requested OPM staples, including a medley of Sergio Mendes hits and other popular 70s classics.

Asked if this gig will be a ‘Best Of’ for each of them, Eugene succinctly replied, "It’s not really a ‘Best of Pat’ or ‘Best of Jacqui.’ It’s more like a ‘Best of Us."