Random thoughts on composer ka lang concert

Louie Ocampo celebrated 45 music-making years at The Theatre in Solaire last Feb. 4 and 5 with a concert series titled Composer Ka Lang. I see no need for him to prove anything as a composer, but I am so very glad he did the show. Directed by Paul Basinillo with Louie himself as star and musical director, it resulted into a most enjoyable experience. Here are some thoughts I had while mesmerized by what was going on onstage.

I missed Danny Javier. It initially did not seem right, having only two members in the APO Hiking Society. But then it was revealed that Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo actually had a third member that night, Louie, who was actually their fourth one in the old days.

Louie is very special to the APOs. He holds the distinction of being the only songwriter ever and I am sure for all time to have composed songs for the group, Ewan, a Metropop second prize winner and Ana. The APO wrote all their songs except for those two by Louie.

It would have been nice to have had Danny there, but then Jim and Boboy, their college boy charm still intact, proved themselves capable. For a few minutes there, there was joy getting nostalgic, feeling young again like they were over 40 years ago.

Veteran composer Louie Ocampo (on the piano) celebrates 45 years of music-making with a concert series titled Composer Ka Lang. His guests at The Theatre at Solaire include APO Hiking So-ciety's Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes.

Drop-dead gorgeous with vocals to watch was the mother and daughter team of Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle. Among Zsa Zsa’s biggest hits were Louie’s Point of No Return and Points of View. She did both with Karylle joining her in the famous duet of the latter. And because there is no way that a Louie Ocampo show would be without Tell Me, Karylle did that, too.

Duty Free Philippines should start thinking of again using Louie’s jingle Babalik Ka Rin. Performed by the original singer Gary Valenciano, who joined the show on video, the song remains the true expression of what balikbayans feel when coming home. And I must say that many years later, Gary V still has the vocal chops and most importantly, the well-remembered moves for the song.

Louie anointed a new Birit Queen. Welcome to the major league, Katrina Velarde. Her spot-on rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak set to Louie’s power rock arrangement will be talked about and admired for years to come. This girl has vocal chords of steel.

Heartthrob vibes, albeit the matured variety, came from the charming Marco Sison, who did a rousing duet of his big hit, Si Aida, Si Lorna at Si Fe with composer Louie.

Drop-dead gorgeous with vocals to watch is the mother and daughter tandem of Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle. Among Zsa Zsa’s biggest hits were Louie’s Point of No Return and Points of View.

I wonder why nobody had thought of putting together top balladeers Basil Valdez and Martin Nievera on stage. I also had doubts but then their vocals, though so different, amazingly gelled together in Say That You Love Me, a song that they both recorded. Basil was staid, laid-back, using only his expressive vocals to sing. Martin was all emotions as he put his entire body and voice into the song. The experience was electric. It brought the audience to its feet.

No Louie celebration would be complete without Martin. Those two are not only together as singer and songwriter. They are best friends and Martin was there to show off Louie at his best. And Louie’s best means the songs he gave Martin to record and to turn into hits. Three of them, From Now On, Kahit Isang Saglit and I’ll Be Here for You are among the most personal. They were inspired by important events in Louie’s life.

I felt afraid for Sharon Cuneta. Coming in as the finale number with Hagkan and Ikaw, I wondered if she would be able to top Martin’s show-stopping medley of Louie’s hits from the movies, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, Forever and You are My Song. But Sharon is not called the Megastar for nothing. She silenced The Theatre as she nailed every note beautifully and brought the show to a fitting, satisfying conclusion.

Coming in as the finale number with Hagkan and Ikaw is Sharon Cuneta.

Louie Ocampo handily answered the question posed by Sam Concepcion in the opening number. He is, indeed, a composer.

By the way, Composer Ka Lang will be back at Solaire for a special Valentine presentation on Feb. 14 and 15. It will be special indeed for joining the cast will be Joey Albert who is flying in from Vancouver who will, of course, sing her Tell Me and the Concert Queen Pops Fernandez to do her Don’t Say Goodbye. You can now add lots of kilig moments to the superb music.