Mon David dazzles in latest album
LOS ANGELES—Mon David, who dazzled the “Jazzmopolitan 2012” audience in LA a few weekends ago, continues to soar artistically with his new album, “Solomon.”
Mon’s brilliant reinvention of Levi Celerio and Ray Alinsod’s “Ang Pipit” is, by itself, worth the price of the album. Pilita Corrales, who popularized the song about a bird whose wing was hit by a stone thrown by a man, will probably smile at Mon’s extended take, which showcases his renowned scatting skills.
We remember Mon performing his jazzified version of the contemporary folk song a few years ago. The LA-based singer confirmed that was around the time he first began playing with the song. “It was at the Catalina Jazz Club where I first performed ‘Ang Pipit,’” he told us in an e-mail interview.
DAVID. Brilliantly reinvents “Ang Pipit.” photo by Mika David
“The second time was at the first Jazzmopolitan event at the US-Japan Cultural Center’s Aratani Theater,” he recalled. “Nag-evolve na siya lalo at nag-expand, lyrics-wise. In my earlier CD, ‘Soulitude,’ I included my version and personal take on the Gershwin classic, ‘Fascinating Rhythm,’ and wrote Tagalog words to it and called it ‘Bu’ang’ with only the acoustic bass (Colby) accompanying me. It became a favorite among musicians and jazz lovers. That inspired me to look for a Pinoy classic that I could tweak and challenged myself to create a 5/4 rhythmic groove. I thought of this classic by Levi Celerio and Ray Alinsod.”
“Ang Pipit” is the standout track in “Solomon,” which was produced by Ronnie Silos, Carina Afable’s son and the husband of Fil-Am singer, Alma Silos, and with Alvin H. Reyes as associate producer. Mon described the album as “a compilation of some of my all-time personal favorites and a few originals and adaptations. These ‘evergreens’ have influenced and inspired me in many aspects of my life, at hanggang ngayon, hindi ako nagsasawang awitin ang mga ito. I’ve always wanted to come up with a ‘stripped down approach’ and intimate recording of them.”
Mon played the nylon acoustic (Takamine) guitar and the percussion instruments on all the tracks. He said, “That’s one of the reasons why I called the CD ‘Solomon.’ It was also to capture that feeling when I’m all by myself writing and rehearsing. It was just me and Ronnie, the sound engineer in the studio. He provided me all the space and time to just do my stuff.”
Downloads
The CD is released under Ronnie’s new outfit, The Orange Room Records, and is available for downloads at www.cdbaby.com/cd/mondavid1. When the physical CD units are out, Mon plans to hold launch concerts. In the meantime, Mon continues his conquest of the US jazz music scene with three concerts this Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center; Oct. 14, the 5th San Francisco Filipino American Jazz Festival at Yoshi’s San Francisco, and Oct. 28, KJazz 88.1 Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch at Loew’s Hollywood Hotel.
Mon’s description of “Solomon’s” other tracks: “Nature Boy” (Eden Ahbez) continues to inspire me with its universal message at naging panuntunan ko na sa buhay—“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.”
“If It’s Magic” (Stevie Wonder)—these words have been tucked in my heart for years: “If it’s magic, why can’t we make it everlasting. Like the lifetime of the sun. It will leave no heart undone. For there’s enough for everyone.”
“You Must Believe in Spring” (Michel Legrand/Alan and Marilyn Bergman): “Beneath the deepest snows, the secret of a rose is merely that it knows you must believe in spring.”
“River Man” (Nick Drake)—I came up with my own set of Filipino words. I called it “Bahaghari” and tried transforming the song into a more hopeful piece.
“I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” (Randy Newman )—a tune from a Bette Midler movie (“Beaches”).
“Tanaman” (Rene Alzadon/Mon David)—I was moved by its simple but beautiful message that reminds us that, in the end, what’s really important is how we live our lives and how we treat each other.
“Bilib Ako Sa Pinoy “(M. David)—my homage to the inherent goodness and galing of our kababayan all over the world—our fine qualities, values, traditions, etc.
“Peacocks’ (Jimmy Rowles/Norma Winstone)—It took me years to learn and finally record this personal favorite.
“Being Real, Being You” (M. David)—I was reading Donald Walsh’s “Conversations with God” when these phrases popped out of my head—“Slow down, stay quiet, stay calm, be still. There has to be more to life than just winning.” I had fun injecting the subtle swing blues feel to it.
“Jazz is a Very Special Taste” (Phil Swann/Mark Winkler)—I had a blast incorporating 7/4 meter in the rhythmic pattern and singing about the basic truths in this exciting musical art form—“Most people play it easy, live their whole life on the beat. But, I was born to syncopate it and play the stuff you can’t repeat. Jazz isn’t what you sing or say—it’s who you are inside. It’s the notes you choose not to play. A life that you can’t hide. Jazz is a special taste. Only for the chosen few. Not for the weak-hearted. It’s a blue note from me to you.” I can’t wait to perform this live!
And lastly, “When I Look In Your Eyes” (Leslie Bricusse).
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