Blurring the lines

Cover of the author’s latest album

NEW YORK—Yes, indeed, I have a new album that just came out, one that I’m very excited about and proud of. I had mentioned it in a previous column, but didn’t write about it in greater detail. So please, kindly indulge me for a few minutes.

Titled “Blurred Lines,” the album is a live recording of my Feinstein’s/54 Below debut engagement from last year. Material was recorded over the course of four performances, with the best bits of each day ending up on the CD.

Since the start of my US tour, it’s been available at each tour stop, but the album has been more widely available since May 5 (check iTunes and Amazon for copies).

With Larry Yurman on the piano and Jack Cavari on guitar, the set list consists of just about every genre of music there is: standards, pop, jazz and, of course, musical theater.

Each selection was road-tested in either a cabaret performance or a large-venue concert (“Blurred Lines,” for example, was first performed in my “Playlist” concert in Manila, 2013), and how we managed to narrow the list down was a matter of which songs made our hearts flutter.

So, to say that my heart has been skipping a beat since the opening night of this Feinstein’s/54 Below return engagement would be absolutely accurate.

As of this writing, I’ve completed seven performances, well on our way to 15, setting a brand new record for the most number of consecutive shows in one engagement.

It would also be a personal performance record for me; I don’t think I’ve ever done this many solo performances in a row. For as long as I can stay healthy and well-rested, we’ll be fine. Gotta keep my eye on the prize here.

The album was named “Blurred Lines” because the lines between genres are now less clear, more obscured.

Blurred, if you will. Pop songs are given a jazzy feel, musical theater selections sound new with new arrangements and, from my perspective, singing these songs one after another—it all makes sense as a set of songs with accompanying stories. It was so much fun last year, and even more so this time around.

To everyone who has a copy, I hope you’re enjoying the album. We certainly had (and are having) a ball performing them for you.

‘The Voice Teens’ update

And the teens keep on coming!

As always, thank you so much for tuning in to “The Voice Teens!”

So, added to our ever-growing roster of teens are: Carlos Navea and Andrea Badinas (Kamp Kawayan), Patricia Bonilla and Jeremy Glinoga (Team Sharon), Ivan Navares (Team Sarah) and Mia Villaflores and Shell Tenedero (FamiLea).

Blind Auditions aren’t done yet, folks, so stay tuned, please! There are just a few more talented teens to meet!

“The Voice Teens” airs on ABS-CBN on Saturdays after “Home Sweetie Home” and Sundays after “Goin’ Bulilit.”

You can catch up on previously aired episodes via IWanTV.com.ph (in the Philippines) and TFC.tv (outside the Philippines).