Martin & Patti: Perfect combination

Musical events of this magnitude and significance do not happen too often, if at all. While it is true that Martin Nievera has performed in the US with almost every significant Filipino artist in back-to-back concerts, Martin had yet to pit his talents with a mainstream American artist of note. Last month, the Fil-Am community’s most awaited concert event of the season, finally happened in Los Angeles (at the historic Shrine Auditorium) and Chicago (at the Rosemont Theatre) as our very own Concert King shared the stage in a back-to-back concert with one of America’s favorite pop jazz artists, Patti Austin.

It was a match made in musical heaven. The chemistry was clearly there. And Martin may have finally found his match in Patti, both musically and in terms of performance style. "It was a delight to perform with Martin and we had such a great time onstage," Patti said after the show, "because we are both more than just singers, we’re entertainers and I’m hoping that our sense of humor gave everyone a great time as well". Martin and Patti performed her now-classic duets Baby Come to Me and True Love. The duo likewise wowed their audience with a medley of old standards which were given a contemporary jazzy twist. But among the most anticipated numbers was the Michel Legrand duet How Do You Keep the Music Playing? which Patti originally recorded with James Ingram. True to form, Martin infused his unique style into the song and together they came up with a perfectly-rendered Martin/Patti version of the song.

The concert was truly a proud moment for the Fil-Am audience who witnessed our very own OPM superstar go head-to-head with one of America’s music icons, and how! Even Patti’s very own management group was impressed by Martin’s talent, professionalism and generosity as a performer. But for many people who came to see the show, Austin was also a major revelation. Oliver Dacanay, a columnist of the American-Asian Peoples Journal who was never seen Patti perform commented, "This crooner with an immaculate, soothing and effortless voice is a music lover’s delight. She made me an instant fan."

Austin, who considers the Philippines as one of her favorite concert destinations felt right at home with the predominantly Pinoy audience in both cities. "I love the spirit of the Filipinos. I love their smiles. I love their enthusiasm for life and their hospitality. They always make me feel like all the hard work I’ve put into my career really meant something for them," the New York born singer says. Having gone back and forth to Manila at least six times over the last 10 years, Austin is considered one of the most consistent big sellers in the Philippines. This may be due to the fact that her music has touched a chord in the hearts of sentimental Pinoys. She adds, "People in Manila know all of my songs and that makes me feel like my music has truly touched them."

Martin on the other hand professes to being a huge Patti Austin fan. "Never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me that I would be doing a back-to-back tour with her, its nakakakilig!", he confessed. He recalls the one and only time the two of them met, at the set of his late-night talk show on ABS-CBN, when Patti did a promotional guesting in 1997. "When she guested on Martin Late @ Night, she had just gotten off the plane so like anyone would be, she was exhausted. But after a couple of questions about our common hometown in the bay area, she kicked her shoes off and lay on the couch. It was smooth sailing all the way!" the indefatigable crooner muses. "She is a funny, free-spirited soul with a great sense of humor, and boy, can she sing!" Patti remembers that very same moment with equal relish. "Martin is such a friendly, engaging person. He welcomed me on his show as if we were long time friends and that made me feel so good!".

This event was truly noteworthy because two cultures that are worlds apart were brought together by music. A Filipino artist on equal footing with a mainstream American performer. Martin, who is still piping hot from his very successful headlining stint in Las Vegas had hoped "that Patti and I can help each other when our worlds come together joined by a song or two." Patti herself was thrilled about the possibilities of this unique experience: "It is always so wonderful to engage the music of another culture. I have sung in different languages in the past and I have always found it both challenging and rewarding. Love songs are the most fun because the emotions are so beautiful in any language."

The two were backed-up by an all-American band led by Manila-based musical director, Lorrie Illustre. "We wanted to give them a show that will touch their hearts, make them cry and in a small way help heal our world," Patti says. Basing it on the rousing applause and ovations the duo received after their performance, it was clear that the pair did just that. As a postscript, our concert king had this to say: "There really are no differences, no walls, no boundaries – music brings all cultures together on and off stage and should reverberate love, camaraderie and peace. You don’t have to be on the same side of the world to harmonize."

Pinoys are in for a treat when Patti and Martin bring the show to the Philippines early next year. Already scheduled is a performance at the Araneta Coliseum on Jan. 29. The team will be at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel a day earlier on Jan. 28. Tickets are now available and reservations are now being accepted. A 10 percent discount (only until the end of October) is being offered for earlybirds who may want to grab the best seats in the house. For ticket reservations, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 and for ticket inquiries, call Maxi-Media International at 551-7777. This is one musical event Filipinos should definitely not miss!