2 special nights 'jazz' for lovers

MANILA, Philippines - Huge concert arenas or posh hotel ballrooms may be the popular venues for your typical Valentine shows. But to those who prefer a laid-back or more intimate setting, with the usual frills of celebrating the day of the hearts, Merk’s Place offers an ideal treat this Valentine’s.

First-rate jazz icons Richard Merk and Jacqui Magno team up for the two-night show, My Foolish Heart, on Feb. 12 and 14 at the new Merk’s Place in Makati.

The show’s title was taken after Johnny Astor’s original standard hit song, revived by a number of other artists including Sarah Vaughn, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Matthis, Tony Benett and even Al Jarreau.

My Foolish Heart promises an interesting repertoire of romantic tunes, standards and light jazz ditties that only Richard and Jacqui can inimitably deliver. The two artists have become synonymous with jazz and are known for their incredible vocal range and versatility.

Their re-teaming for Valentine is apparently a follow-up to their highly-successful and well-received Birdland reunion concert, which they headlined last year at the then Merk’s Bar and Bistro in Greenbelt Makati.

Their professional musical alliance dates back to the late ’70s, when they used to sing at Birds of the Same Feather, a popular night haunt in Quezon City which later became Birdland.

Before Richard and Jacqui take centerstage at Merk’s Place, hotshot lawyer Ferdie Topacio will serenade guests with his unique take on standards and love songs. He sings during the happy hours from 6 to 8:30 p.m. accompanied by pianist Mel Santos.

“It’s both a dream come true for me and an honor to share the stage with Jacqui,” Ferdie offers. “I used to see her only on TV.”

Singing is undoubtedly a passion for all three artists.

Richard, acknowledged as the country’s jazz prince, has made singing a significant part of his life. Merk’s Place is where he allows seasoned artists and music upstarts to showcase their talent — his noble way of giving back.

“We want Merk’s Place to be a cradle of love,” Richard grants. “Merk’s has become known as a venue where any artist can perform. I want to maintain it that way.”

For someone who never imagined herself as a singer, Jacqui has made an enviable stride in music. However, she left at the peak of her career to pursue personal interests.

“I don’t regret it,” Jacqui allows. “I found myself. I found peace. I’m happy I went through that. It was a learning process for me. I’m the type who learns her lessons the hard way.”

For those who have been raring to listen to Jacqui more regularly, here’s a piece of good news especially to music fans from her Circus Band days. She will soon be seen performing again with fellow Circus Band member, Pat Castillo and erstwhile New Minstrels alumnus Eugene Villaluz and Ding Mercado. The quartet, however, has yet to get a name.

“The idea of forming a group was hatched last year when Eugene and I started singing together in Pagcor venues, which now feature OPM talents,” Jacqui shares. “I realized it’s a sin to give up singing totally, that’s why I’m starting to focus again into it. Whenever I get the chance, I still go out of my way to perform.”

Ferdie, for his part, rekindles his first love which is singing whenever he’s not in court defending high-profile clients. Performing onstage is also his way of de-stressing away from the usual intense and nerve-wracking atmosphere inside the courtroom.

“I believe that singing complements my legal profession,” Ferdie maintains. “Singing is like lawyering. How the song will end depends on how you start it. Just like a case, you have to know when to stop or end it. The song can’t go on too long, no matter how good the piece is. It will be boring.”

My Foolish Heart will be backed up by a four-piece band of noted session musicians — Mar Dizon on drums; Uly Avante, percussion; Colby de la Calzada, bass; and Alvin Cornista, sax. Musical director is Ehlmir Saison.

According to Richard, the show is not simply for Valentine’s alone. They plan to bring it to other venues in the coming months.

The new Merk’s Place is at the second floor of Colbella Building, 910 Pasay Road, Makati (fronting Greenbelt Residences)