KZ TANDINGAN scats, raps, ad libs.
Most singing contests are dominated by young hopefuls in the mold of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion or Regine Velasquez, tackling torch ballads that showcase expansive vocal ranges.
Then came KZ Tandingan, far removed from the usual suspects. With a distinct, soulful and sultry tone and original takes on popular songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Superstar,” KZ won “X Factor Philippines” and thus showed that singing isn’t just about hitting the high notes.
She scats; she raps. Her voice dips, quivers and swells. These improvisations she picked up from listening to various types of music. “Pop, hip-hop, R&B, underground—I incorporate things I pick up into my music,” KZ told the Inquirer in a recent interview.
In a coming gig, “Jazzified,” with Markki Stroem, KZ will be singing classic and contemporary pop songs with a jazz twist.
“My runs and ad libs, I got from listening to jazz,” said the singer, who cited Ella Fitzgerald and Lalah Hathaway as two of her favorite artists.
Carried away
The only drawback to her singing style, KZ explained, is that she tends to over-ad lib when carried away by the music. Laughing, the 22-year-old related that Star Records audio content head Jonathan Manalo teases her about singing like a drunk woman.
“I could get so emotional, that I no longer notice what I’m doing onstage. I’m trying to control that,” KZ said.
Aside from “Jazzified,” set on May 16 at Music Museum, KZ is promoting her new single, “Un-Love You,” from her self-titled debut CD under Star Records. The songs in the 10-track album are mostly original. “I enjoyed recording it because I was allowed to experiment and make my own arrangements,” she said. “Sir Jonathan told me to just enjoy the experience, to drown myself in the music.”
Considering that she almost quit singing a few years back after developing polyps on her throat, KZ is ecstatic that she finally has her own album. “I still can’t believe it; it’s been my dream since I was little.”
KZ’s versatility is on display across the tracks—from the buoyant “Love, Love, Love,” to the poignant, almost weepy, cover of Ebe Dancel’s “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak.” She scats in “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” then pours her heart out in the soulful and piano-driven first single, “Puro Laro.”
“The album isn’t super-
mainstream-sounding,” KZ pointed out, “and I’m happy that a lot of people are becoming more open to new sounds.”
Renovation
Winning “X Factor” changed her life. Now she gets to travel, to perform for Filipinos overseas. One of her big goals is to bring her family on one of those trips. “I’m saving for that. My priority is to have our house renovated,” said KZ, who hails from Digos, Davao del Sur.
A PAINTING featured in “I Am Love Marie: The Art and Works of Love Marie Ongpauco”
She’s grateful for the chance to share the stage with artists she only used to watch on TV, like Ebe, former vocalist of the band Sugarfree. “Nakakataba ng puso. Ebe and I had a show and I couldn’t sing ‘Wag Ka Nang Umiyak’ without tearing up,” she related. “It was a magical moment for me.”
KZ has many more dreams to fulfill—visiting more places, recording more albums, performing in the country’s largest venues.
But no matter where her career takes her, one thing’s for sure: “I’m going to stick to my music, and not do something just because it’s popular. I’ll continue to sing because I love it, not because I’m told to.”
“Jazzified” is the first part of Cornerstone Concerts’ two-night music series this month. Jovit Baldivino and Thor take the stage on May 17, also at Music Museum. For tickets, call 891-9999.
* * *
‘I Am Love Marie’
Love Marie Ongpauco, better known as actress-TV host Heart Evangelista, opens her solo art exhibit tonight at 6, at the ArtistSpace of Ayala Museum in Makati City.
“I Am Love Marie: The Art and Works of Love Marie Ongpauco,” features the artist’s oil paintings. The show runs until May 22. For inquiries, call 757-3000.
‘Priscilla: Queen of the Desert’
An adventure of self-discovery for three flamboyant friends who traverse the Australian outback aboard their trusty pink bus, “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” is a musical inspired by the 1994 film, which has been adapted numerous times worldwide.
COLORFUL “Priscilla” cast (from left): Red Concepcion, Leo Tavarro Valdez and Jon Santos
The Manila version of “Priscilla” stars Leo Tavarro Valdez, Jon Santos, Red Concepcion and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. In its retro lineup of songs are “I Love the Nightlife,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “It’s Raining Men,” and “I Will Survive.”
“Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” opens tomorrow at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. For information, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at 908-8833. Tickets are available at the RWM Box Office and TicketWorld outlets.
‘Happy Hour’ at Serendipity Lounge
Jazz vocalist Tricia Rivka-Garcia is the featured guest of Happy Hour sessions, Wednesdays and Fridays at Discovery Suites’ Serendipity Lounge.
Tricia bagged the Awit Award for Best Jazz Recording artist in 2012. She has shared the stage with international artists China Crisis, Wild Swans and Lenka.
Happy Hour is from 6 to 9 p.m. For inquiries, call 719-6822 or 719-8888.