Merry Christmas from RJ

It was quite disappointing scanning the lists of new music releases here and abroad and not finding a single new Christmas album. Have music sales so deteriorated that nobody wants to put up funding for Yuletide albums anymore? It certainly looks that way. But then just when I thought all the major music stars have decided to pass up on recording Christmas music this year, along came RJ. 

Life saver RJ is of course, Ramon Jacinto, businessman, who we all know best as the entertainer, singer, composer, music producer, radio DJ, TV host, band leader, etc. and most especially, a guitar player for these past 55 years. Mind you, he is no ordinary guitarist. He is one of the best players around and is certainly an authority on the guitar. In fact, he is known as the Guitarman. He does not only play the guitar very well, he makes and sells his own guitars.

RJ’s latest stringed baby is the RJ Super Vintage and this is what we should all thank for making this album possible. The reason why is told in the album liner notes. 

“RJ operates 20 guitar stores in the Philippines. Known for his innovations and inventiveness, he has been designing his ideal guitar since 1988. Tired of switching guitars mid-gig from his favorite Fender Jazzmaster, Fender Stratocaster to Gibson Les Paul and Gibson ES-335, he designed this RJ Supervintage Guitar, which can switch to these five guitar sounds without modeling or electronic processing.

“The Supervintage keeps the pure natural tone while improving the volume and kick of the pick-ups. RJ will launch the guitar to the world in January, 2016 in the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.” The full title of the Christmas album is actually RJ SuperVintage Christmas Guitar Instrumentals. This is because it is in this album that that the rich, pure tones of the RJ SuperVintage can be fully experienced.

Back in the days when there were no music-minus ones available for regular folks who love to sing, a guitarist can be found present on most occasions. And these range from amateur contests, school programs, to parties, to the after hours “tambayan sa kanto.” Back then there was thriving guitar industry in the country, particularly in Cebu. Visitors from Cebu almost always came home with a guitar as a souvenir. But then the one-man-band came along and then the karaoke and nobody needed the gitarista anymore to be able to sing. 

Another reason was that the local guitar makers lacking guidance and funding were not able to keep up with new developments in the industry. That RJ realized this and decided to do something about it makes him the best thing to happen to the Filipino guitar. I also admire the fact that he is giving local musicians access to well-made instruments without having to pay an arm and a leg for the imported versions.  I do not know who helps him make his guitars but it is great that he is introducing innovations and now wants to sell them worldwide. Add to this the fact that he is an expert working from his own needs and experience makes this exciting development even better.

Good luck to RJ at NAMM. Filipinos are a talented people. All that they need is exposure and in the case of guitars, RJ is staking his name on his product. For more information about the SuperVintage, go to www.rjguitars.ph where RJ himself demonstrates what his guitar can do. 

You can also listen to the Christmas Guitar Instrumentals to hear the varied sounds that the RJ Supervintage, which was used for all the electric guitar sounds, is capable of. I recall an old album of instrumental Christmas songs by the Ventures from ages ago. But this one is better with RJ using mellow jazzy and twangy country notes to spice up the usual rock and roll. 

Included in Christmas Guitar Instrumentals by RJ are Silent Night/O Holy Night Medley, Feliz Navidad, O Come All Ye Faithful, Jingle Bell Rock, Mary’s Boy Child, Little Saint Nick, Silver Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, White Christmas, Jingle Bells/ Here Comes Santa Claus Medley, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town/ Frosty The Snowman and Green Sleeves.