Montano, Morrison pursue passion for music

MORRISON. Began acting on Broadway at age 12.

ACTORS ARE always in search of new avenues to express their artistry. But, it’s hard to take them seriously when they decide to dabble in singing. The more popular ones manage to come up with hits from time to time. However, when the dust settles and the “novelty” wears off, it’s easy to see that their efforts are, for the most part, mere exercises in self-indulgence.

But, we’re happy to note that Cesar Montano, the singer, doesn’t just wing it on will power and charm. With the release of his self-titled sophomore recording, “Cesar Montano,” the acclaimed actor knows only too well that a singer doesn’t pass muster just because he can hit some high notes or display a tight vibrato.

Revivals

His cool, smooth and confident baritone is on full display in the nine-track set, backed by winsome melodies and a guitar-driven acoustic vibe. More impressively, Montano doesn’t rely on revivals (there are only two in the repertoire) to sustain listeners’ attention. One of them, “Oh Babe,” isn’t even as ballad-y as its original version—the actor-singer gives it a reggae tweak.

The tunes are rendered with a light touch, but Montano’s self-assured singing makes them come alive. You’ll find yourself humming and grooving along with the ’80s swagger of Ramon Cajipe’s “Darating Ang Araw” and Rico Blanco’s leisurely “Panahon Na Naman.”

Another spin-worthy track is Noel Cabangon’s “Awit ni Melvin,” about a boy who succumbed to cyanide poisoning in Bohol some years ago. Then, Montano fuses novelty with elements of reggae in the self-penned “Andres de Saya,” the theme song of his upcoming sitcom on GMA 7.

Carrier single

MONTANO. Cool, smooth and confident.

Like Montano, Matthew Morrison (“Glee’s” Will Schuester) is a relative newcomer in recording. With the release of “Summer Rain,” the reggae-flavored carrier single of his self-titled upcoming debut album, Morrison pursues his passion for music. But, the 33-year-old TV star has been in the performing arts for many years.

Before he found fame on the hit musical-comedy series, Morrison first carved a niche for himself on the legitimate stage via the Broadway adaptation of “Footloose”—at age 12!

After his stint in the revival of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the actor firmed up his musical-theater cachet in John Waters’ “Hairspray,” where he was cast in the role of Link Larkin (played by Zac Efron in the big-screen version).

Another one of Morrison’s notable stage forays was in “The Light in the Piazza” (the musical will be staged in Manila later this year), where he earned a Tony nomination.

No question, the versatile performer’s album is something music buffs should look forward to—but, will its repertoire be more pop than Broadway, like “Summer Rain”? Let’s wait and see.