Noel Cabangon adapts to changing music landscape

Late last year, Noel Cabangon asked his fans on what songs they want the singer-songwriter to record for his new album. This new record, produced by Universal Records, contains Noel’s refreshing take on 12 new modern classics.

The new album, titled “Acoustic Noel,” covers OPM classics from various decades. It had a media launch at the Universal Records yesterday, with Noel singing “Nandito Ako,” an Aaron Paul del Rosario composition popularized by Ogie Alcasid and used as a title of a movie which starred Megastar Sharon Cuneta and action superstar Robin Padilla; and “Pagdating ng Panahon,” an Aiza Seguerrra hit song.

Noel said he was overwhelmed by the requests he received when they asked his fans to name the songs they would like him to include in his “Acoustic Noel” album. The call for requests was only for a week but it took them several months to complete the tabulation to find out which were the popular choices.

The acoustic singer says the music market is changing and a singer should be able to adapt his music, since changes are inevitable. “One should be able to adapt to change to enable him to reach out to a bigger audience, especially to the young,” said Noel.

Other songs included in “Acoustic Noel” include “Himala” (popularized by Rivermaya), “Araw Gabi” by Basil Valdez, “Harana” by Parokya ni Edgar, “Makita Kang Muli” by Sugarfree, “Tuyo Ng Damdamin” by the APO Hiking Society, “Bilanggo” from Rizal Underground, “Itanong mo sa mga Bata” by Asin and a lot more.

He also recorded a socially relevant song titled “Awit ng Bahaghari,” which he first recorded in 2005. With the recent calamities that struck the country last year, Noel says a song like “Awit ng Bahaghari” is uplifting.

Noel, who is one of the officers of the OPM organization, said that there will be an OPM summit to be held on March 19 where they will discuss the many concerns of OPM with various stakeholders.

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“The Circus Band and The New Minstrels Greatest Hits Reunion” concert that figured in five successful shows last year, will be back for Valentine’s Day.

This all-new and bigger presentation titled “We Got The Love – The Greatest Hits Reunion” will be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center at the CCP Complex on Roxas Boulevard on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 and at the SMX Convention Center Davao, 3rd Level, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City on Feb. 15.

The New Minstrels and the Circus Band are two legendary show bands that dominated the local entertainment circuit in the 70s.  Many members of these groups later made it big as solo acts and these are the stellar names that make these Greatest Hits Reunion concerts an unprecedented success.

Set to perform are Hajji Alejandro, Tillie Moreno, Pat Castillo, Jacqui Magno and Basil Valdez of the Circus Band and Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado, Joey Albert, Ray-An Fuentes, Chad Borja  and Eugene Villaluz of The New Minstrels. Former Circus lead guitarist Rudy Lozano is the musical director.

Prepare for an evening of R&B, disco, rock, funk, romantic ballads and other great sounds from the 70s like The Stevie Wonder Medley for the boys; a Disco Medley of hits by Donna Summer and other disco queens for the girls; Listen To The Music, We Got The Love, A Bacharach Medley, Earth Wind & Fire Medley, The Harder I Try, Celebration, and others from the 70s and 80s eras plus Motown, Santana, Manilow, Sergio Mendez, and many more.

Tickets are available at Ticketnet 911-5555; SM Tickets 470-2222; TicketWorld 891-9999; PICC 789-4734; and Viva Concerts 687-7236.