Jay Durias minus South Border, for now

Admit it. You’ve always wondered how South Border keyboardist and musical director Jay Oliver Durias would fare as a solo artist. After all, he’s largely considered “the main man” behind the highly-successful band, having composed and arranged most of South Border’s hits including Rainbow, Love Of My Life and Kahit Kailan, and having sung the well-loved ballad Habang Atin Ang Gabi. He’s the silent musical genius behind a lot of hits including Ikaw Nga (OST of GMA 7’s  Mulawin) and Di Na Nag-iisa (OST of Darna).

You can’t help but think, when will someone like Durias, with his soulful voice, boyish charm and unquestionable talent try to do something on his own, away from the image of South Border? While it’s difficult to imagine South Border without Durias, it’s not difficult to imagine him without South Border. The man has what it takes to produce hits. There’s just not been a chance for him to fully showcase his gift.

Fortunately, that chance is here... now.

Durias is finally giving the music world a touch uniquely his own via a solo album titled Songs I Grew Up With (produced under new label Open Mic Records, distributed by Star Records). And, no, the project should not be misconstrued. It has the full blessings of his bandmates and is in no way an indication that he’s leaving the band.

The album is a collection of carefully chosen ditties which have made quite an impact in Durias’ young life. The album has 10 tracks: Do That To Me One More Time, Light and Shade, Him, Reward, Birthday Song, You Can Do Magic, My Cherrie Amour, Goodnight Girl, Sa Hangin and the carrier single, I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song.

Before you dismiss the album as just another bunch of chopped covers, one must realize these songs represent memories. Hence, unlike other albums that either try to match the original artists’ high notes or try to focus on the songs’ commercial appeal, the songs on the album are stamped with candor, warmth and individuality. Because Durias sings them honestly and from the heart, the songs become different. Every song has new details and Durias’ genuine artistry reflects on each.

Songs I Grew Up With boasts of a lot of attitude, beautifully re-arranged tunes and solid, powerful vocal varieties. The album can be considered a journey of sorts. From the days when Durias was still feeling his way in the world to the days of pure gratitude, the listener is transported to the happy, sad, upbeat and thankful days of one of Davao City’s pride and joy.

While the entire album generally has a magical feel to it, one should not discount the fact that every song has a distinct touch.

I’ll Have To Say I Love You, for instance, is one of the pleasant surprises on the album. Trained and untrained ears alike may probably never know what’s coming, judging by the first few notes of the songs. Then, a few seconds later, it becomes a light bulb moment — you can’t but mutter to yourself, “How’d he do that? Now that’s good music.” The carrier single is peppered with spice and everything nice. It embodies an album that you know will underscore Durias’ silent but laudable gift.

Do That To Me is another pleasant surprise. A few seconds into the melody and one will realize that the ditty has evolved into something rich and playful. The beautiful thing about this is that it hasn’t totally veered away from its classic feel that’s reminiscent of sweet love.

My Cherrie Amour has a nice twist, too. It has become sexier, more provocative but with a whiff of tenderness. Listeners will love the easy-on-the-ear vocals and the different take on the melody. It’s as lovely as a summer’s day!

Another noteworthy track is You Can Do Magic, which can most likely be an easy favorite of many. Durias laced the songs with amazing, danceable flavor — almost salsa-like. Who would ever think that the inclusion of doo doo doo‘s could make the ditty more interesting?  One cannot help but wonder how Durias ever thought of re-interpreting that best-loved standard and even making it into a distinct star of a song on its own.

Let it be emphasized, however, that Songs I Grew Up With is not just a showcase of Durias’ arranging skills — although for sure industry experts will agree that the album can and has now set the rules, if not raise the bar, in terms of musical arrangements. Vocals-wise, the album can be considered a treasure trove of sorts.

Light and Shade and Him highlight Durias’ poignant, intriguing and beautiful voice that can only be compared to artists like John Legend and Brian McKnight. Birthday Song is sexy, sweet and interesting.  Reward, which is incidentally a praise song, features his heart-wrenching rendition of love and longing. It can easily be a favorite of a lonely soul, who wants to reiterate the promise of redemption and faith. Durias’ vocal prowess is also showcased via the emotional rendition of Goodnight Girl. If one listens to it deep into the night, it should not be a surprise if tears come soon. The only original and Filipino song in the album, Sa Hangin, is a certified blockbuster hit in the making. It has already gained quite a following, after its initial airplay in several radio stations. Sa Hangin is a fitting finale of an album that is sure to not only bring listeners down to memory lane or to a sentimental journey but also to let them take a peek inside Durias’ colorful life.

Songs I Grew Up With, with all its artful arrangement, smooth vocal power and meticulous choice of significant tracks, has all the ingredients of hardwork, talent, ingenuity and commercial success. The quality of the production is obviously high and fans will have their glorious fill of Durias’ great musicianship. Seasoned musicians and people who have yet to succumb to Durias’ spell will enjoy listening to the album. It’s a tranquil, introspective ride anybody would be happy to take.

Lastly, listeners will cherish the album as it reflects a new creative direction for one of today’s most admired musical geniuses. Songs I Grew Up With is a celebration, a reminder that once in a while, someone like Durias comes along, shakes things up in a good way and lets us realize that yes, good music is still very much possible.

Get yourself a copy of Songs I Grew Up With. It’s money well spent. It’s a toast you can’t help but raise a glass to.