Richard Poon tells his story in Songbook

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Poon’s latest release 

The Crooner’s Songbook: The Best of Richard Poon 

may seem just like another compilation, but the multi-platinum recording artist quickly clarified that this album is more than just a collection of his hits.

“Unknown to many, almost 85 percent of the tracks included in the album are new recordings,” explains Richard. “I don’t look at this as a mere Greatest Hits album. This is a celebration of everything I’ve been through in the industry — the good and the bad, the triumphs and disappointments. So, I made it a point that this collection defines who I am as a singer and as a musician.”

Richard admits that he is his worst critic, so he made sure that he is proud of everything included in the album even if he had to shell out his personal money. He saw the release of the album as an opportunity to do what he wanted to do for the longest time — improve his previous hits.

“When I was told by my bosses in MCA Music that they will release this album, I really asked if they could give me just two weeks to rework some of the tracks because I really wanted to re-record some of my previously-released singles,” shares Richard. “You see, as I mature as a singer and musician, sometimes, I cringe at the work I’ve done in the past.”

He is mighty proud of the new, fuller sound of his voice and the orchestra in his previous hits like All Of Me, I’ll Take Care Of You, Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, Portrait Of My Love, Moon River, among others.

“This album is a milestone project for me, and with the work I’ve put in this, I can really say that it has the Richard Poon seal of approval,” he declares. “This (album) is my story, and I hope everyone will join me as I celebrate my more than first five years in the industry via this album.”

He will promote the album in the following Robinsons Malls: Tomorrow, Aug. 4 (Metro East), Aug. 5 (Imus), Aug. 11 (Star Mills Pampanga), Aug. 12 (Sta. Rosa Market), Aug. 25 (Magnolia), Aug. 26 (Galleria) and Sept. 8 (Pangasinan).

Richard also paid tribute to his manager-friend Erickson Raymundo of Cornerstone Talent Management Center by printing a part of their conversation in early 2007, where the latter challenged the former to go solo and be the country’s Big Band Crooner.

After breaking grounds re-introducing the Big Band sound to a much younger audience, his albums received record awards — I’ll Take Care Of You (two-time Platinum), For You (Platinum) and I’ll Be Seeing You (Gold).

The Crooner’s Songbook, since its release weeks ago, has been consistently topping the album sales charts of record bars nationwide.

“I am thankful that I was given all these projects,” says Richard. “Exciting projects are lined-up for me, so I pray that my fans will continue to support me and I am also looking forward to meeting new friends.” 

Richard is also excited to start working on his first album under Universal Records, where he will join its elite roster of talents like Gary Valenciano, Jose Mari Chan, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Spongecola, Callalily, Sam Concepcion, Gloc-9, Jay-R, Emmanuelle, Jaya, among others.