Catching up with Boy Katindig again
Practice makes perfect (from left): Joey Puyat, Ryan Peralta, Michael Guevarra, Rommel dela Cruz, Boy Katindig. Photo by Serafin Pua
“This Boy won’t stop playing,” said the title of a story written by Pinky Aseron.
It was an engrossing interview with esteemed Filipino musician Roland “Boy” Katindig — who was then visiting from the United States, where had settled, to play some gigs and hold a songwriting workshop in the Philippines.
In the interview, Katindig recalled some of his most memorable times in the US.
“In 1987 I formed my own band in Los Angeles; we played fusion Wednesday nights. Rippingtons percussionist Steve Reid, who wasn’t known yet at the time, checked out the gig for a possible slot in my band. Mike Baker, who used to work with Whitney Houston, and Stanley Smith (of Jeffrey Osborne) both played drums for me. Mark Van Wagenigen of Ray Obiedo and Dwayne Smitty Smith played bass. Allen Hinds (of Randy Crawford and Down to the Bone) played guitar. In 1993 I produced the album ‘In Time,’ in which I played alongside Abraham Laboriel, Russ Freeman, Brandon Fields, Brenda Eager (of Luther Vandross) and Gerald Albright.”
Recently he flew back to Manila to perform again and launch a new album. First date is June 28, 9 p.m. at Fin & Claw Grill, a new seafood place on 69 Scout Torillo corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City — where Katindig will likewise play tracks from his latest record, “East-West Connection.”
Inquirer caught a glimpse of Katindig on keyboards rehearsing with hand-picked sidemen, virtually an all-star lineup composed of Joey Puyat (guitar), Michael Guevarra (saxophone), Rommel dela Cruz (bass), and Ryan Peralta (drums), with vocalists Marga Jayy and Russel Figueroa.
The local jazz community, where Katindig spent many years especially after the Circus Band broke up, is looking forward to catching up with this Boy again.
