Now, this is a surprise. Bamboo Mañalac is doing a Christmas concert. Not that there is anything wrong with it save perhaps that this is a bit of news we have learned to expect from the likes of Basil Valdez or Martin Nievera. It is just that we have always thought of Bamboo as a rock star and while rock stars might record a Christmas song or two or even an album, they seldom do Christmas concerts.
But this is just what will happen in Christmas With Bamboo on Dec. 14 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila. Bamboo will sing Christmas songs and because he is Bamboo, he will be doing this with a twist. The twist will be grand as in Christmas-y grand. It will include a 15-piece orchestra and a choir. Then, I do not know how he will do it but he will fly to Boston to give the audience a peek into how Christmas is celebrated there.
Very strange for Bamboo. On the other hand though this is Bamboo, a guy from whom we have learned to expect the unexpected. Remember that time when he was part of the band Rivermaya? They were doing so well with one hit album after another. So they went off on a US tour. And what do you know, Bamboo stayed behind in the US of A. He did not come back. He left Rivermaya while the group was at its peak.
For some years, fans wondered if he would ever return to resume his career. I recall talks wherein people expressed regret that Bamboo had chosen to “retire” because he was really a great singer. Then just when everybody had given up on finding Bamboo back on local shores, he was back with a new band also named Bamboo and they were very good. For a few years, Bamboo, the group, recorded hit albums and did concerts and seemed like the hottest thing ever.
Then again, Bamboo, the band was gone. This time it was no US tour that did the trick. For a still unknown reason, the members decided it was over for them all as a group and time to look for other pastures. Unlike before when he left Rivermaya, Bamboo, the rock star, did not go off to hibernate somewhere. Instead he plunged himself full blast into a solo career.
The acclaimed album No Water No Moon became the beginning. From there Bamboo was found testing his vocal chops with other types of music, guesting in TV shows and trying out acting and hosting. I think the change became complete when he started wearing a suit and tie in his appearances. He looked dapper and handsome. He still rocked. He was still a star but brighter and of a different sort.
From this, it was but an easy step for him to move into the role of coach and judge in the Philippine edition of the hit reality show The Voice. Bamboo has now been with the show for two exciting seasons, plus an extra one with The Voice Kids. Being with Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas week after week has made him a household name.
It is no wonder then that Bamboo is doing a Christmas show. Having so much success and having been allowed to reinvent himself several times over are blessings to be thankful for and we do that, especially well during the Christmas season. As for me and I am sure also for his many fans, we would love to see how he would sound with Christmas music.
Tickets to Christmas with Bamboo are available at Ticketworld (tel. no. 891-9999), Ticketnet (911-5555), SM Tickets (470-2222) and at the Resorts World Box Office (908-8000 local 7700). Tickets are priced at P5,270.40, P4,392, P3,843, P3,294 and P2,745.
Speaking of Christmas sounds, I just listened to the great Holiday Grooves selection from The Crossover Café series of albums. Jazzy enough for a relaxing feel during these hectic times, the two-disc set boasts of 36 cuts, all of them by big-name artists like Boyz II Men, Diana Krall, Patti Austin, Brian McKnight, David Benoit, Yutaka, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vanessa Williams and others.
I love Carl Anderson’s version of O Holy Night. He was the original Judas of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar so that should give you an idea of how impressive his singing is. The soul group Ledisi’s What A Wonderful World is utterly beautiful. Russ Freeman’s guitar dances through My Favorite Things, you have never heard Sleighride, the way Laura Fygi does it and what Boyz II Men does with Silent Night is always a joy.