MANILA, Philippines - One sure mark of success for a band is when days are spent ruminating in mornings and airports because of the rigorous touring that comes with success. Such is the inspiration behind the title of Sugarfree’s fourth studio album Morning and Airports under PolyEast Records featuring the lead single Hay Buhay.
This is Sugarfree’s fourth studio album following their debut CD Sa Wakas (2003) and Dramachine (2004) and Tala-Arawan (2006). Sugarfree (photo) has a number of radio hits such as Mariposa, Burnout, Hari ng Sablay, Makita Kang Muli, Dear Kuya and Wag Ka Nang Umiyak, among others and has garnered numerous awards.The celebrated its anniversary last year via a sold-out concert at the Music Museum with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, which PolyEast released as a live double-disc album in 2008. Sugarfree will have a chance to duplicate the feat on Aug. 28 and 29 at the same venue with Dekada, a celebration of 10 years of making great music. But the most important barometer of success for the band composed of Jal Taguibao (bass), Kaka Quisumbing (drums) and Ebe Dancel (lead vocals/guitars) is the adoration of fans nationwide.
Morning and Airports was recorded at Sound Creation studios by Hazel Pascua and award-winning studio whiz Shinji Tanaka. It was produced by musicians and producers Romel “Sancho” Sanchez and Buddy Zabala who also co-produced the top-selling album Dramachine. Dancel shared songwriting credits with bandmates Taguibao and Quisumbing and the latter’s sister Yvonne. The band included English songs from previous two albums. Sugarfree also invited musicians Chino David and Anjo Inacay of Silent Sanctuary (strings) and Richie Gonzaga of Corporate Lo Fi (trumpet) to play on the album. The album packaging carries an airport theme (passport and airline motifs, a map of the places Sugarfree has been blessed to tour in and even the band’s requisite tech rider) executed by award-winning graphic artists Inksurge, Inc.