Zia Quizon makes her mark in jazzy debut

QUIZON. Stirring clarity and resonance.

It’s never easy for children of celebrities to make their own mark when they follow in their stellar parents’ footsteps. So, imagine how doubly daunting it was for Zia Quizon when she decided to pursue a career in the performing arts. After all, her parents aren’t just any show biz couple – they’re so popular they’ve even been accorded their own “titles”: Comedy King Dolphy and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla.

But, Zia’s self-titled debut album should silence her doubters: Covering the majestic but melodically complex “So Much In Love” is a bold gamble, because the rendition of whoever decides to revive it will surely (and unfairly) be compared to the sleekness of Sheena Easton’s original version or Sharon Cuneta’s sultry remake in the ’80s. Happily, the risky gambit pays off beautifully for the 20-year-old singer-songwriter!

Musicality

She renders the infectiously breezy “Ako Na Lang” with a sassy spin that will remind music lovers of Adele’s thick-bodied vocals and confident curlicues. More than any track in the collection, this is where the 20-year-old songstress demonstrates that she has inherited her mother’s musicality and her father’s performing flair – the tune is a joy to listen to!

No, Zia doesn’t have her mother’s high range and reach – but, that’s what makes her alto unique and her style distinctive. However, the provocatively arranged “Simple Girl,” while lovely, lacks the grown-up sizzle it requires from its interpreter.

In a moving gesture, Zia sings two of the tracks to pay tribute to her illustrious parents: With its Latin swagger, her revival of “Mambobola” isn’t really as good as her mom’s hit version, but at least it doesn’t sound like a knockoff.

She does better in her cover of the Charlie Chaplin standard, “Smile,” whose message she imbues with stirring clarity and resonance – a fitting homage to an iconic father from a grateful daughter – who’s finally coming into her own!