Henry Katindig: The jazz legend comes full circle

MANILA, Philippines - Jazz keyboardist Henry Katindig has been a figurehead in the local jazz circuit for the past decades. He has paid his dues as a respected leader, sideman and first-call session artist, and his prodigious chops have been immortalized in countless recordings and jazz festivals both here and abroad.

This year, the legendary jazz virtuoso comes full circle with the much-awaited release of his very first solo album, You and Me — a compilation of radio-friendly original compositions best described as “contemporary new jazz.”

The new category is evidently a derivative of the earlier “smooth jazz” genre — a label that has its roots in the radio formats of such local jazz stations as DWWK-FM 101.9 (during the late ’70s to the early ’80s), Citylite 88.3 (’80s to ’90s), Crossover 105.1 and the more recent Dream FM 106.7

Despite his clear grasp and mastery of such traditional jazz idioms as bebop, swing and fusion, Henry seems to shrug them off with a “been there, done that” nonchalance. Neither does he see the need to flaunt his wicked soloing chops, if only to prove his virtuosic prowess.

Ironically, a quick run-through of his album reveals a more naked, stripped-down approach that sounds more like instrumental R&B, with sparse but lyrical melodies weaving in and out of familiar yet adventurous harmonic terrain.

An avid listener himself, Henry cites strong parallels with the styles of such new artists as Gregg Karukas, the Rippingtons and Yellowjackets, although earlier influences such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans still run deep in his musical veins.

The 10 tracks include Just For You, You and Me, Love of Mine, Rainy Afternoon, I Love Lovin’ You, Butterfly Dance, I Thought About You, I Dream of You, Child’s Play and Cool Summer.

The album’s title reflects the intimacy between the man and his music, on one level, and the player and the instrument, at another. It’s a bond aptly captured in the album’s cover artwork, depicting Henry in total communion with his piano, basking in the sheer joy and ecstasy of spontaneous musical creativity.

For the recording project, Henry enlisted the help of long-time colleagues and equally-respected session artists including drummer Mar Dizon, bassists Noel Asistores and Bong Gonzales, percussionist Dingdong Boogie, saxophonist Rico Sobrevinas, guitarists Riki Gonzales and Ralph Bates. His wife, Jeannie Tiongco, flaunts her impressive range on I Dream of You.

Unlike most artists who make extensive use of overdubs, most of the tracks were recorded live at Tonequest Studios, and subsequently mixed at Backyard Studio.

Obviously, like clockwork, the band’s tight groove and seamless ensemble playing can be attributed to the countless gigs they’ve shared from years past.

Living up to his role as keeper of the jazz torch, Henry feels blessed with the new opportunities that have opened up to him in recent years, including the support of producer Mari Lagdameo (Dream FM) and other fellow musicians who have generously shared their time and resources.

In his own way, Henry hopes to bring his brand of jazz to a wider and younger audience. As part of the album’s promotional efforts, a bar tour series and radio/TV guestings have already been lined up in the weeks to come.

In lieu of traditional retail and music distribution channels, Henry’s You and Me album will be available at his regular gig venues, which he has also tapped as his itinerary for his ongoing album promo tour. These include Freedom Bar (Anonas, QC), Skarlet Jazz Kitchen (Sct. Ybardolaza, QC), Strumm’s (Jupiter Ave., Makati City), Musica Bar (Greenhills) and 19 East.