Jacqui tackles the standards

The idea came from musical director Toti Fuentes, who is in the midst of a crucial battle against the Big C these days, but remains totally committed to creating music. Why don’t I record an album of standard songs with Jacqui Magno? Merkmedia’s Manna Records replied why not. Why not, indeed? The songs are there for the taking and Jacqui was simply waiting for the chance to do them her way.

The result is The Very Thought of You where Jacqui sings some of the most beautiful songs ever written. These songs have been recorded by so many other artists, but I am still glad Toti and Jacqui and of course Richard Merk of Manna Records have decided to do them again. Cool and jazzy, I honestly believe these are what Jacqui was born to sing.

I know she excelled with top 40 covers during her Circus days and dared do difficult projects like Paglingon: The Return of the Native with jazzed-up Filipino songs. But the poise and ease with which she delivers these standards in this new album is something to behold.

Toti’s arrangements and performance are as always in great form and I am happy to note the quality of the recording is very good. Now I have to admit that while I am an admirer of the noteworthy albums Manna has been producing, I was also often frustrated by the quality of the recordings. Hey, Annie Brazil deserves something better! Not with this one though, where Toti’s piano sparkles and Jacqui’s vocals enchant.

The songs included are Day by Day, Our Love is Here to Stay, What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, Days of Wine and Roses, How High the Moon, Someone to Watch Over Me, The Very Thought of You, Lullaby of Birdland, Smile, I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, The Nearness of You, I’ll Be Seeing You and The Very Thought of You.

From the mailbox

Baby B. Ferolin of Lot 353 Block 7, Sinikway Lapuz, Iloilo City, wrote in searching for news about her two favorite singers.

"I just want to request you to feature in your column the latest news about Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block and acclaimed actress/singer Deborah Gibson of Beauty and the Beast fame. They’re both very talented performers and I love their great music. I hope you can feature them together with their colorful photos."

Hi, Baby 2! Thanks for writing. The photos depend on the space available in the STAR but thanks to you I was able to find out some new things about Jordan Knight and Deborah Gibson. Jordan, who had the best voice among the guys of the hottest boy band of the ‘80s, remains active as a solo star. He has a new album entitled Love Songs which is coming out this month. I hope we get it here soon. It has songs like One More Night, Careless Whisper, Drive, No More Tears and because it is also Christmas, Little Drummer Boy.

Coincidentally, guesting in Jordan’s album is Deborah Gibson who sings Say Goodbye. She will also come out with a new album soon. She has also remained very active in her career as singer, songwriter and actress. Most of her recent appearances have been on Broadway and the West End, including Beauty and the Beast. Sadly though, aside from her early hits like Foolish Beat and Lost in Your Eyes, what most people remember about her now is the dishy nude pictorial spread she did for Playboy Magazine a year ago.

From Karen Tan of New Manila: "I noticed that you have not come up with any new lists of great Filipino songs. I find these very interesting and helpful in informing people about what a great musical heritage we Filipinos have. I have listened to many of the songs you mentioned and they are truly beautiful. I live in Canada and I feel connected to my country whenever I listen to those songs."

Thanks, Karen. Don’t I wish all Filipinos feel the way you do about our music.? I promise to come up with more lists as soon as I get them. As for my e-mail address, you can reach me at [email protected] anytime.