Why singing with Patti Austin significant for Jaya

Patti Austin (left) and Jaya

Patti Austin and Jaya make quite a formidable combination. The awesome chanteuses join forces in “Soul Divas” on Dec. 6 at the Theatre at Solaire and on Dec. 9 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna (call 891-9999). Let “ChristMush” begin!

Here’s my chat with Jaya:

What Patti Austin song is most significant to you? “All Behind Us Now,” which I first heard in 1982. That was the time when I was so amazed at her beautiful voice, and it gave me the inspiration to really pursue singing.

What excites you and makes you nervous about performing with Patti? I’m just excited to sing with her because I can learn so much from her. In order to enjoy my precious moments with her, I’d better not get nervous and just concentrate on doing my best.

Do you still get jitters before a concert? Oh yes, I still get anxious before going onstage. But I just talk to God and pray for strength and wisdom. He seems to always get me through the whole deal.

How will you and Patti manage not to upstage each other? I don’t see upstaging happening at our concert. And I will just be too starstruck to even think and blink, let alone upstage her (laughs).

What love advice from your mom do you still follow? I didn’t follow any of them (laughs)! But seriously, she and I have different beliefs when it comes to relationships or love. I’ll just leave it at that.

What moment with your mom stands out in your memory? The moments that I made my mom laugh are the most memorable for me. They say it’s hard to make comedians laugh, but I cracked her up all the time. And also, sharing the stage with her was the most fun!

GUESS LIST: A PR guru lamented to me, “I’m allergic to talent managers who have no manners. They make it feel like I’m beholden to them. I am a paying client, and I give them business. I feel bad for the artists who work hard but are oblivious to their managers’ behavior and tone with the brands. So, actors, show biz personalities and influencers must realign with their managers. The work ethic of their managers may build or destroy their reputation. We run in small but solid PR circles.”

We find it ridiculous for the handler of these show biz newbies to tell the staff of a network that his wards can’t be interviewed because they are focused on their studies. Why the heck did they join show biz, in the first place? Doesn’t the handler know that interviews are part of the newbies’ job description?