Mon David in his element

AT SKARLET担 Jazz Kitchen (from L): Mar Dizon, Colby de la Calzada, Tots Tolentino, Mon David and Marc Lopez Sammy Samaniego

The lucky people who saw singer-songwriter Mon David’s successive shows with the AMP Band recently—a benefit for young musician-scholars held at Resorts World Manila’s Genting Club; followed by a repeat at the Peta Theater; and another fundraiser, for Tropical Storm “Sendong”’s victims, at Skarlet’s Jazz Kitchen with a quartet—are probably still relishing the high of experiencing jazz music performed exceptionally well by local artists.

David, who migrated to the United States in 2007 and is extending his holiday homecoming, was in his element as he let loose his quirky scatting in between spirited takes on Jobim, Gershwin, Sinatra, Mangione, even Nat King Cole and Lou Rawls, plus a number of originals and spontaneous Tagalog lyrics to Monk, Gillespie and Parker classics.

The proudly Kapampangan artist took time to chat with the Inquirer via e-mail:

You enjoyed yourself a lot in your homecoming shows. What did you miss most about performing with a local band?

I’ve known most of the members of AMP for years, worked and collaborated with them on many projects—including my CDs “Life & Times” and “My One and Only Love.” They’re the cream of the crop, so you’re talking very high musical standards here, both in studio and live performances. They continue to inspire me as a musician and I miss all the jokes with the alaskahan on the side. Masaya talaga dahil dama mo rin ang respect sa bawat isa. And of course the most important aspect is when we can collectively bring the quality of the music to a higher lever and involve the audience in the process. The result is a wonderful experience and a swinging lovely ride!

The songs you performed had a tremendous power to transport the audience to the past, but without the “corny” feeling of nostalgia. Have you always been aware of that power of music?

Oh yes, very much, it’s the same power that keeps me going … that keeps me inspired. To me, music, along with poetry, has the highest and deepest capacity to do that … Otherwise, these pieces would not be part of my repertoire. A song has to resonate in my heart before it lands on my list and becomes a permanent fixture. When that happens, it excites me even more to share it with the audience. That’s how I build a repertoire—the parts and its totality should express my visions not only as a musician (which explains the different grooves, styles and arrangements, etc.) but also as an artist who continues to evolve, learn and mature.

You’ve been away for quite a while. Tell us about life in the United States and what has kept you busy there.

I’ve been exploring the jazz scene for the past four years now (particularly LA and San Francisco). I’m having a blast meeting jazz artists and musicians from different parts of the globe—everyone sharing their unique styles and qualities, which is so inspiring! I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to perform in various festivals and prestigious jazz venues like Jazz Bakery, Catalina, Vitello’s, the Merc, Blue Whale, Culver Jazz Room, Savanna Jazz Club, etc.; and in art centers like The Ford and Lacma. I’m enjoying this part of my journey. On the side I conduct singing lessons while I continue to learn from colleagues. On the whole, masayang malungkot at masarap na mahirap. There’s that “saudade” (bittersweet) quality in it always, I guess, ’pag malayo ka sa ibang mahal sa buhay.

Why did you migrate? Have you ever regretted it?

That desire to continue exploring, expanding, searching has always been in me. One will never see the vastness of the ocean if he’s not willing to lose sight of the shore, sabi nga nila.  I can relate to that thought, which is very jazzy in nature. There is risk-taking involved (parang improvisations) and you have to plunge into it sometimes with eyes closed to discover new exciting things! It’s this outlook that will always give me that “beginner’s attitude.” Kaya walang puwang for regrets.

Your children Nicole and Carlo are staying put in Manila to pursue music careers. How did they discuss this with you?

After trying it out in LA for more than a year, they both decided to establish their careers in the Philippines. Feeling nila America was too huge for young beginners, at siguro di pa sila handa to leave their comfort zones, kasama na dun ang kanilang circle of friends. They write their own stuff, while interpreting favorite covers. We, as parents, respect their conviction. We will always support them. I keep reminding them it’s not an easy ride, but it’s a reward in itself when you’re honest and sincere about it.

Do you keep abreast of the music scene at home? There have been two jazz fests lately and a lot of bands had the opportunity to bond and network with each other.

I’m happy to hear that. Sana nga lumago pa lalo. Kung dati iisa lang ang jazz joint, ngayon yata may apat na ano? We should continue supporting these places.

What keeps you happy these days?

It’s pure joy to witness Nicole and Carlo and my other kids, their kuya Paolo and our bunso Mika, soaring with their respective dreams and careers! I still sing my song to them, “Nasa ’yo ang kalayaang maghayag ng sariling pananaw/Nasa ’yo ang karapatang makaahon sa mundo ng kababawan…” Nothing can replace that fulfillment. As the song goes, “As my children grow and evolve, my dreams come alive…” The other thing that keeps me happy? Learning a new tune that moves me.