Brownman Revival’s amazing feat

MANILA, Philippines — Not every band gets to perform continuously for 25 years. That’s an amazing, enviable feat for Brownman Revival.

Interestingly, the etymology of the group’s name, Brownman Revival, has been an “age-old question” for members — drummer and back-up vocals Dennis Concepcion, trumpet Alexander Abundo, percussions Januarie Sundiang, bass Hiro Ambo, keyboards and backup vocals Ranz Mercader, lead vocals Benjah Perez, guitar Nhoel Austria, alto sax Ian Sumagui and tenor sax PJ Aguilar.

Simply, they just proudly beam, it’s “Pinoy pride,” whenever that question pops up for the group.

The most difficult obstacle that Brownman Revival hurdled in its 25-year existence was being “partially” recognized in the Pinoy music realm. “We were already 11 years in existence when a major record label — Sony BMG that eventually became Sony Music Entertainment — finally gave us the opportunity to record our first full-length studio album,” Dennis grants.

The group’s biggest musical influence, undoubtedly, is Bob Marley, the king of reggae. “That is almost gospel in the reggae world,” Dennis insists. “But the great thing with Marley’s impact is that it deepens your love of reggae. It also pushes you to research and explore other artists who were likewise definitely inspired and touched by not only Bob Marley’s work but by reggae music and its cultural vibe.”

As a band that chooses to play a musical form that is not mainstream, Brownman Revival considers every album they recorded and released a musical highlight in their 25-year career.

“Every performance in the beautiful rural areas in our countryside that no one talks about is a highlight,” Dennis proudly says. “Getting to perform on TV, on the Internet, on the airwaves, in Doha and in Abu Dhabi are all highlights (for me).”

All their recordings are considered “memorable,” yet the more recent EP (extended play) releases, which were all original outputs from Eto Pa to New Arrival and of course, the newer releases including Nandito and Sa Pumipili, with Sulit as their upcoming single — all under Curve Entertainment.

Sa Pumipili will have a single and music video launch event on Oct. 11 at the 70’s Bistro, back to back with another Curve band, Four Sikatuna.

Their recording with their “idol,” Total Entertainer Rico J. Puno was “surreal” and totally unforgettable for everyone. “It was short, sweet and everything was a one take,” Dennis remembers. “He nailed each line without any effort. We spent more time trading green jokes and censored dialogue than actual recording. A very down-to-earth real person with an awesome, one-of-a-kind rasp.”

Through the years, Brownman Revival also went through the change of members. They don’t hold anyone to contracts that are normally binding. “Any transition is challenging, but at the very beginning, it was made clear to anyone joining the band that anyone is free as well to continue their journey outside the band if they felt they needed to move on. In the same manner, anyone joining the band would be part of the group of their own volition and the only requirement is that they play reggae music.”

How will they sum up the 25 years in the local music scene? “An absolute, wicked ride, so far,” Dennis grants. “We feel very fortunate to perform this long, at this level and to such a wide audience. Expect reggae music the next two decades.”