Top sans Freestyle & vice versa

It was a painful break-up for Top Suzara and Freestyle. That was not at all surprising. Fifteen years together is a long time and in this case those were truly very important years. Freestyle was a young band from Davao whose members dreamed of making it big in Manila. Top was the vocalist, songwriter and keyboard player. Success came early with the band’s first single Before I Let You Go and the ride to stardom continued over the years.

Then the break-up happened. Judging from the buzz that went around, it seemed like the parting of ways left those concerned shattered, angry and very bitter. If it were a divorce, it was the ugly sort like what Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman went through. Words, not very pleasant ones, were said. The media got into the game and played up the problems. The jaded people in the music industry took one look at them and wondered which one from among Freestyle and new solo artist Top Suzara will survive.

Several months later, all that happened is now water under the bridge. We still do not know if things will ever be right again between Top and Freestyle. How about a reunion concert in 2010 or a reunion album? No answers to that yet. But the great thing that is happening right now is that both Top and Freestyle are determined to continue making music and to make good even without the other or I should say others. And I do not mean just doing the usual gigs, I mean the production of new albums calculated to reinforce their standing in the local music industry.

Top, whose main strength is his songwriting, came up with an album made up entirely of new originals. This is quite a feat considering that it has been less than a year since he left Freestyle. The result of the separation was probably a writing binge that produced the songs in the album. The title is Carry On... which I suppose is expressive of his personal plans. He means to carry on, even without Freestyle.

There is strong temptation to look at every cut in the album as relating to the break-up. I have to admit though that songwriting is a very personal undertaking. If leaving the group brought in songs to rival Before I Let You Go, then by all means, Top should carry on. The first single out which you must already be familiar with is Sabihin Mo Na. It has all the makings of a hit.

The other songs are Carry On, Run Away, Overcast, On the Inside, No One But You, Angel Eyes, It Ain’t Easy, Breathin’, Another Lonely Chapter, Kinabukasan, On the Sand, Anywhere But Here, Magpakailanman (Tagalog Angel Eyes) and Overcast (British Trip).

In the case of Freestyle, starting anew meant replacements. Still with the band are original members Tat Suzara, who if I remember right is Top’s cousin, Nikki Cabardo, Gerard Banzon and girl singer Jinky Vidal who is married to Tat. The original bass player Carlo Tapia migrated to Australia last year with his family. Barbie’s Cradle bassist Rommel de la Cruz took over. Then came the new singing recruits taking over Top, Joshua Desiderio and Mike Luis.

To get the new group going, Freestyle decided on a live album of covers of popular songs. These are Someone, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, Still, Changes in My Life, Half Crazy, I Don’t Wanna Lose You, Time Will Reveal, Ebony and Ivory, After the Love Has Gone, The Girl is Mine, Ordinary People, Cherish and One Hello.

While this is not the group’s first live recording, this is the first without new originals. Is this the effect of Top’s departure? No matter. The new Freestyle is a solid band which can infuse any song with its own distinctive sound and market reaction to the CD is very positive. Looks like this Freestyle is starting out with a hit album.

The Madrigals’ homecoming concert

For all of you out there, who enjoy beautiful songs performed by beautiful voices, check out The Philippine Madrigal Singers in another triumphant homecoming concert. Entitled Chansons Du Champion, which I suppose means Songs of the Champion, the concert will be held on July 11, 8 p.m. at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Expect only the best because the group only recently scored a major victory by winning the Grand Prix at the Florilege Vocal de Tours 2006 in Tours, France.