New Park in Hong Kong: Theme by Disney but Music by Filipinos
by Ron Nethercutt

On September 12^th, the new Disney – Hong Kong opened for business. But months prior to then the Disney administrators traveled through Asia recruiting actors, dancers, singers, magicians, and other entertainers.  When they looked for band members, they struck gold in the Philippines. One of those, Sumin Kim, was a student of mine at the UP-Diliman College of Music.

Sumin and I have been in communication since he departed Manila several months ago and provided much of the information for this story.  He said the routine there is very different from that found in academia, but all of the musicians have developed into a cohesive family. One of the difficult tasks is playing much of the same songs several times a day, and the next day, and the next day, etc. “It is hard to stay mentally and musically attentive with all the repetition” says Sumin.  He continued by adding, “It creates a lot of stress, but it is manageable.”

According to him, there have been lots of people in the park, especially for the grand opening.  But prior to the opening, there were several practice openings with guests so that the kinks could be worked out prior to the big event. 

There are two bands working at Disney Hong-Kong; the Disneyland Band, and Fantasy Band.  Sumin Kim was made leader of the Disneyland Band and says they “play march music in "MainStreet USA" with drills, drum cadences, formation changes and the it is off to the Sleeping beauty Castle to play one featured "Disney" number and exit.”  They are also the band that usually plays in the "Rope Drop Ceremony"(opening event) every morning and the "Disney on Parade".

Personnel for the Disneyland Band is as follows:

Trumpets:
  John Ralph Campo
  Roberto Feliciano
  Edwin Esguerra
  Rizalino Atanacio
 
Trombones:
  Sumin Kim-Band Leader
  Lau, Yan Yan* 
  Joseph Tadeo-bass trombone

Saxophones:
  Benjielon Lontoc-alto sax/piccolo
  Dennis Villianueva-alto sax
  Mary Joel Senase-tenor sax
  Marlon Erni-baritone sax

Percussion:
  Saturnino Tiamson-snare drum
  Lam, Suet Yee* - tom-toms
  Jonathan Lim-bass drum

Bass:
  Choi, Kenson*

All of the members of the Disneyland Band are Filipinos except the three Chinese marked *
The Fantasyland Band usually performs in front of the Cinderella carousel and play excerpts from Disney medleys and classical pieces. They also perform with a juggler and other entertainers on occasion and plays in Main Street USA when the Disneyland band is off.

Personnel for the Fantasyland Band are:
 
Raul Capili-trumpet
Dennis Abes-trumpet
Oliver Cura-trombone
Jose Villante-tenor sax and Band Leader
Edwin Cervantes-alto sax/clarinet
Marlon Cruz-bass
 
I extend my congratulations to all of these fine young musicians.  The experience they receive during their year contract will proved valuable to them in their career.  We look forward to seeing them upon completion of their year contract when they return to finish their university studies.

Folks, the Candid Jazz Festival is over now, but more details about the outstanding artists who appear can be seen on the Festivals page. 10/09/2005

CANDID & PODIUM MALL SINGS ‘AND ALL THAT JAZZ’

The biggest event in the next couple of weeks, as far as the ‘jazz and other non-mainstream music’ jurisdiction goes, has to be the CANDID JAZZ INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2005. Over the next few weeks, this fine independent label will be celebrating in style in various ways with formidable local and international artists under its label, all lined-up for 5-nights of performances at The Chill Area of The Podium Mall. The CANDID JAZZ INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL is presented by Candid Records Philippines, the Podium Mall and Crossover 105.1 in cooperation with Astroplus, Modern Graphics and The Jazz Society of the Philippines.

Kicking off the festival on October 3 (Monday) is the highly-respected and legendary jazz vocalist MON DAVID with bassist Colby dela Calzada, saxophonist Mike Guevarra, pianist Mark Lopez and Jorge San Jose on drums as he launches his new album ‘LIFE & TIMES’ with Candids’ new ISLA sub-label.  The 14 track album is ‘a cocktail of various musical genres – ballads, sambas, traditional, folk songs with a playful modern twist, fascinating off-beat creations, moving anthems that celebrate life, memories and inspiration (Jim Paredes)’.

Awit Awards nominee, singer / songwriter and pianist ISHA releases her 4-track ‘all-OPM’ CD-lite under the new ISLA sub label.  Her CD-lite proudly includes 4 all-original OPM songs including a theme song of a new Yul Servo film directed by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos.  Her superb back-up musicians on October 4 (Tuesday) include Simon Tan on bass, Jayvee Torres on drums and Tinnie Esguerra on guitars. Often compared to other adult contemporary singer/songwriters including Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos, ISHA found new fame with her first solo album via ‘TIME & AGAIN’ garnering a commercial success through her ‘jazzed-up’ renditions of 80’s hits including Madonna’s ‘Cherish’ and The Go-Go’s ‘Head Over Heels’.

Picking up the baton - metaphorically speaking - on October 5 (Wednesday) fresh from its sterling London performance, “Manila’s jazz superband”, Johnny Alegre Affinity, with drummer Koko Bermejo, bassist Simon Tan and Joey Quirino on piano, performs a selection of tracks from the group’s album ‘JAZZ HOUND’ re-titled for its European release.

On Thursday (October 6), Candid Records features 18 year old American singer/songwriter CATHERINE TUTTLE as she unleashes her 13 track self-titled debut album under ZONE 7 / CANDID.  US critics raved about “her shockingly adult voice, merging the soulful yearning voice of Dusty Springfield with Tori Amos’ injured emotionalism…” and “her style is nothing short of brilliant for a young talented musician…that usually comes with age.”   At a debutante’s age, CATHERINE TUTTLE joins the tradition of singer/songwriters like Laura Nyro and Carole King who produced high-grade work in their teens.

The GRAND FINALE on October 7 (Friday) features MISHKA ADAMS and her superb band ‘The Blue Echoes’ including Loui Talan (bass), Koko Bermejo (drums), Mike Guevarra (saxophone), Ria Villena-Osorio (piano), Arnold ‘Budeths’ Casinto (percussion) and Edgar ‘Koyang’ Avenir (guitar). Fresh from her 2-day sold-out performance in Soho, London and her newly-released album,‘GOD BLESS THE CHILD’, in the European market, MISHKA ADAMS is often compared to legendary vocalists from the golden era of the American Popular Songbook and breathes new life into this tradition with her outstanding renditions.

This year’s festival is truly special as it showcases other musical genres from the Candid catalogue with the conception of its sub-labels including Zone 7 (pop/dance/R&B), Big City (world/latin) and ISLA (Filipino music at its finest). The festival creates diverse musical palettes spawned from the grassroots that the label adores and respects – jazz & blues. For more information, please log on www.candidrecords.com.ph or call Candid at 724-4832.

For more detailed artist profiles and photographs, click here to go to the Festivals Page

 © 2003-2005 Jazz Society of the Philippines, Inc.
All rights reserved unless specified otherwise within this web site.