Jed Madela does go beyond limits

JED Madela. photo:august dela cruz

Right from the opening number of his first major solo concert “Beyond Expecations” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it was clear that Jed Madela was out to prove his versatility as a vocalist.

Instead of the usual power ballads that he belts out in

ABS-CBN’s Sunday variety show “ASAP Rocks,” Jed set the tone with a surprising song selection, the brooding rock-rap anthem by Evanescence, “Bring Me to Life.”

He can dance!

In a brown-and-gold marching band vest, Jed showed that he could bust out some dance moves. The 31-year-old performer segued into a dramatic version of Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way,” working the stage with the Addlib Dance Crew.

Jed then launched a series of songs from a wide range of genres. He injected much-needed soul to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” then mellowed down with a jazz-flavored “Superstar.” For this one, Jed reined in his vocals, focusing instead on delivering rich R&B.

He was next joined on stage by mezzo-soprano opera singer Clarissa Ocampo. Jed more than held his own in their duet of “Mi Mancherai,” an Italian song popularized by Josh Groban. Sweet music suffused the air with Jed’s rendition of “Se” and “You’re still You,” composed by Ennio Morricone for the films “Cinema Paradiso” and “Malena.”

Best moment

With Christmas just around the corner, Jed and the UP Madrigal sang “Munting Sanggol” by Ryan Cayabyab, the concert’s musical director. This was Jed’s best moment in the whole program.

A frustrated theater artist, Jed treated the crowd with a medley of songs from “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Here, in spite of the excellent singing, the show became a little unwieldy, with the audience lost for a while: “Where are we, exactly?”

But talk about talent: Not only did Jed show he could cross genres, sparring with guests Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera and Gary V; he changed characters at will, tackling both the Jesus and Judas parts.

At one point, Cayabyab told Jed, “You know what Lea Salonga told me? You can’t possibly be human!”

Among the best-applauded numbers was Jed’s take on the ’90s OPM hit and videoke staple, “Ulan” by Aegis.

The packed crowd cheered in amusement—and approval. “Ginawang pang-CCP!” a man cheered.

“It’s pretty obvious that Jed can sing anything,” said Nievera. “His only problem now is how to do sing-able songs, for the normal voice.”

The humorous banters between the two were welcome breaks in what would otherwise have been a very straightforward concert. To raucous laughter, Martin wiped Jed’s forehead with bare hands, saying, “If there’s one thing we have in common, it’s sweat!”

Endurance

The two got down to the business of “sing-ables,” with Peter Cetera classics “You’re the Inspiration” and “Glory of Love.” While he seemed, in parts, a spectator in his own show because of Nievera’s antics, Jed let his singing do the talking.

Alcasid and Gary V both sang some of their biggest hits with Jed, who said his guests’ presence was, for him, the biggest singular compliment.

To end the evening, Jed unleashed the theatrics in “Remember Me,” from the epic film, “Troy.” His approach was testament to both his powerful range and his endurance.

As he hit—and sustained—the last glorious note, the crowd feted him with a spontaneous standing ovation and clamors of, “More! More!” Seems Jed did go beyond expectations. But it was clear to us that he could do still more in the future, now that he certainly has much less to prove.