The Dawn opens new era with Prodigal Suns - SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Baby A. Gil

The new album by The Dawn is titled Prodigal Suns and the reference to the Biblical parable is quite obvious.

The members of the local group liken themselves to the prodigal son because they were once lost to things other than Pinoy rock music for a while but were warmly welcomed with a feast of adulation when they decided to come home after being away for seven years.

And as we have always known the dawn is what heralds the arrival of the morning sun and this album marks the beginning of a new era in the life of the legendary band.

The Dawn broke into the music scene in 1986 and easily carved a niche in the hearts of music lovers with its distinct sound. The fact that they have indeed arrived was proven when instead of being disastrous, the sudden violent death of guitarist and founder Teddy Diaz caused wide-spread mourning and catapulted the band to greater heights. After several years of success, The Dawn officially disbanded in 1994 with members Jett Pangan on vocals, Francis Reyes on guitar, Atsushi Matsuura on guitar, Caloy Balcells on bass and JB Leonor on drums and keyboards going off to pursue their individual interests.

But as with what usually happens with disbanded famous groups, The Dawn staged a reunion concert at the ULTRA in 1997. This show was so well-received that they were asked to reunite again. And again. Now, you can only reunite so many times. And since it was already a few reunions too many, the guys decided they might as well make it permanent. Last month, the announcement that The Dawn is indeed back became official with the release of Prodigal Suns.

The band has not lost its touch and the album can be compared to a delicious, satisfying meal. The music of Prodigal Suns is the same unique, enduring sound easily identifiable as The Dawn’s but it is also new and vibrant with life. Truth to tell, even the group’s earlier albums pale in comparison to this one with its well-thought out contents and performances that radiate confidence.

This is most evident in Jett Pangan’s singing. The talent and artistry of all the members of The Dawn are now beyond question but it cannot be denied that it is the sound of Pangan’s vocals that listeners will always associate with the group. This time around his bluesy tones have acquired a maturity that puts him on the same level as the best rock vocalists we’ve ever heard. Of course, it also helps that he wrote the lyrics to most of the songs in the album.

The songs included in Prodigal Suns are Kalayaan, Lift Me Up, I Saw You Coming In, A Lesson in Trust, Nothing Ever Lasts, Unos, Standing by Your Heart, Are You Still the One, Will We Ever Learn, Air of Jokes, Paano Naman Kami, and a new millennium version of The Dawn classic Salamat. Take special note of the instrumental interludes like Red Eye Flight and Ukigumo, as these give the cohesiveness that finishes the album.

Don’t miss out on this one. Prodigal Suns is a must.

Search for band member

Speaking of bands, a famous boy group is in search of a new member. Aspirants should have a high tenor range, be 20 to 25 years old, at least 5’8" in height, good-looking with a winning personality and can express themselves fluently in English and Tagalog. For those who qualify and are interested, auditions will be held on Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8, 2001, at Concorde Ent. Div. Bldg., 38 B&C West Avenue, Quezon City, beside Domino’s Pizza. Call telephone number 412-7431 or 371-7664 to register for an audition slot. Prepare one slow and one fast song, preferably R&B. Please bring your own music minus one.

People Power album available

Meanwhile EDSA Ikalawang Yugto, a commemorative album of the recent People Power II is now available in the market. Heading the line-up of selections is the moving Heal Our Land as performed by Nora Aunor with an instrumental version of the same song by violinist John Lesaca. Other cuts included are Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ave Maria by Eugene Villaluz, Ama Namin by Jaya, Isang Lahi by Regine Velasquez, the Jubilee Song by Donna Cruz, May Bukas Pa by Wency Cornejo, Awiting Pilipino by Mike Hanopol and others. Every copy of the album comes with a free VCD containing memorable moments of the EDSA uprising.