Christmas tunes with a twist

For the first time in his singing career, Richard Merk paints the holiday season with warmth and cheer with the release of his first Yuletide album, Merk Christmas, a compilation of well-loved holiday tunes given a new twist in the exceptional arrangements of the songs.

The 13-track album is dear to Richard’s heart since it contains his original composition, Manna, an eponymously titled piece especially written for his eight-year-old daughter. With additional lyrics by Jacqui Magno and arrangement by Toti Fuentes, Manna speaks of a father’s utmost admiration for his child, but also imparts the Biblical blessings and gift of life.

“I was humming the melody for that song when Manna was only a few months old,” Richard shares. “Last year, I made it into a full-length song and we decided to include it in the Christmas album.”

Doing back up for Richard in all selections is the Fifth Gospel, a six-man group which sounds like a 50-member choir when they do a chorus,” Richard beams.

At the helm of the CD is international pianist and musical arranger, the late Toti Fuentes, who collaborated with Richard in all the tracks. A respected name in the industry, Toti has worked with such big name international artists as Pauline Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Sergio Mendes, Gary Lewis, The Lettermen, Tony Orlando, Julia Fordham and Kevin Lettau, among others.

Toti regarded the CD as one of his best works and his passion shown in the sleek styling of songs rendered by Richard. Vocal supervision, meanwhile, was done by Jacqui Magno.

Merk Christmas brings a festive holiday mood, made extra meaningful with Richard’s heartfelt rendition of popular carols like O Come All Ye Faithful, Silver Bells, The First Noel, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Holy Night, Jingle Bells, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and My Grown Up Christmas List.

Roni suggests Merk Christmas is an ideal gift of corporations or individuals to clients, relatives and friends. Many have listened to the album, like film director Maryo J. de los Reyes, who plays it anytime, not just for the Christmas season.

Richard points out his favorite in the album is O Holy Night, particularly because of its jazzed-up version. “You have to listen to the CD to appreciate the songs,” he says.

Music has undoubtedly become a significant part of Richard’s life. Singing as early as 12 years old, he has rightfully earned the tag as the undisputed “prince of jazz” in the local music scene. He brings his vocal versatility to the Christmas album that is replete with heartwarming tunes.

Up to this day, music is what keeps Richard going. “There was a time I had to survive and that was where singing came,” Richard grants. “Music is there in all the ups and downs of my life. I will always turn to music, no matter what.”

He continues his passion in singing as he takes pride in his Merk’s Bar and Bistro, an ideal restaurant and music lounge where he gets to perform regularly, accommodates other artists, discovers new talents and hosts showbiz get-togethers and even fundraising concerts.

Every Christmas, Richard and his wife, Roni, make it a point to share their blessings with the less fortunate. Hence, part of the proceeds of Merk Christmas will go to Children’s Hour, a fund-raising and grant-giving non-government organization that taps individuals, employees and corporations to donate at least one hour of their earnings once a year to fund projects committed to promote the welfare of Filipino children.