Slumdog Millionaire's best original song

It seems we have finally passed that era when the Academy Awards would hand out Oscars for Best Original Song to such sweeping and sentimental ballads as CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT, YOU MUST LOVE ME, and MY HEART WILL GO ON. In more recent years, the statuettes have been given to less predictable but more cut through pieces of music. Consider these: Eminem's LOSE YOURSELF (8 Mile), Jorge Drexler's AL OTRO LADO DEL RIO (Motorcycle Diaries), Melissa Etheridge's I NEED TO WAKE UP (An Inconvenient Truth), and most recently A.R. Rahman's JAI HO (Slumdog Millionaire). How refreshing.

While Rahman has become wildly popular in his native India, he has managed to stay relatively under the radar in the international scene, but breaking through in the 2001 flick LAGAAN (a lavish musical epic which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars). He has since scored such diverse works as WARRIORS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH (a Mandarin language film), ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE, and the stage productions of BOMBAY DREAMS (as commissioned by Andrew Lloyd Weber), and THE LORD OF THE RINGS (with Finnish folk music band Varttina).

Rahman's success can perhaps be attributed to his wide range and versatility. Although he has a degree in Western classical music, he is exceptionally skilled in Carnatic and Hindustani music, and entertains a natural affection for rock, jazz and reggae. Through all these musical genres, he has developed a curiosity for the synthesizer, which he believes imbibes the perfect combination of music and technology--an interest Rahman pursued in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.

The movie's Oscar-winning song, JAI HO, is an inventive blend of Bollywood pop and European dance, making it both local and universal, with world music charm and mainstream appeal. Ironically, the tune was written for another movie but was rejected for that production. Fortunate for us, it received a second lease in life through SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, and so now we can all bob our heads as the Indians do while we listen.

Here, from the Mozart of Madras A.R. Rahman, is JAI HO:

Whatever happened to Melinda Doolittle?

As things heat up on this year's American Idol, one wonders if any of the eventual finalists will be as stellar (or lackluster) as those who made it to the final 12 in earlier seasons. For me, among the most phenomenal vocalists discovered by the reality show is Melinda Doolittle--talentwise, if any of this year's contestants come near the 3rd placer of season 6, then we would have found a real gem. 

But what has happened to the former back-up singer, who despite being safe week after week on American Idol, was suddenly eliminated right before the finals? After bowing out to runner-up Blake Lewis and Idol winner Jordin Sparks, Doolittle began performing with Michael W. Smith on his concert tours, and then recorded her first single, My Funny Valentine--a piece she sang to much acclaim on the Idol show.

This month, however, Doolittle released her first allbum, COMING BACK TO YOU, which sold a modest 10,000 copies on its first week. True, during her stay on Idol, the artist was criticized for appealing to a more mature and niche audience compared to Jordin Sparks (who's debut CD sold 119,000 on its first week), but this in no way diminishes Doolittle's talent, which reaches new heights in the album. A compilation of tracks with a rich, soulful vibe, COMING BACK TO YOU fuses her bluesy Tennessee musical roots with her penchant for Motown, retro R&B, and Gospel (after all, she once sang back-ups for Michael McDonald, the Winans and for Kirk Franklin). The result is an album reminiscent of the projects of Tina Turner and Glady's Knight--but with an all-female back-up track plus updated instrumental arrangements.

Maybe her album will penetrate more the Adult Contemporary rather than the popular R&B charts, but hey--there's no denying this woman's a vocal force to reckon with. Check out below the single Melinda Doolittle is currently promoting, IT'S YOUR LOVE.

Dianne Reeves in Manila, March 2

Four-time Grammy winner for best jazz vocal performance Dianne Reeves is set to perform live for Filipino music enthusiasts at the Rockwell Tent on Monday, March 2, 2009. The news has been confirmed by organizers of the Philippine International Jazz Festival (PIJF), which stages the annual event to promote jazz in all its forms to local audiences. The PIJF is on its 4th run this year.

Filipinos came to know Reeves best through her recording of BETTER DAYS in her 1987 self-titled album. The song remained in the playlist of many local radio stations, prompting every belter-wannabe to mimic the artist's indelible style in amateur singing stints. In truth, Reeves's career started much earlier, originally recording BETTER DAYS in her WELCOME TO MY LOVE album 1 full decade earlier (in my opinion, this was a better version), and before that, touring with Brazilian keyboardist, Sergio Mendes.

Lately, she has been prolific in recording music, winning Grammys for four of her albums since 2001, and earning the distinction of being the only singer to have won best jazz vocal performance in three consecutive recordings.

For a complete listing of the acts performing in the 4th Philippine International Jazz Festival, visit: www.pijazzfest.com

Meanwhile, do watch out for details on the upcoming shows in Manila of such artists as John Legend, Craig David, and Natalie Cole--all in March 2009.

Herbie Hancock in Manila?

Teaser ads over cable TV have already announced the staging of the 4th Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival next month. And while viewers have been advised to stay tuned for more details, the festival committee already revealed months ago a wishlist of the artists they are aiming to wow Filipino audiences with.

Headlining their dream team are iconic keyboardist Herbie Hancock, pre-eminent jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, platinum-selling brassman Dave Koz, renowned Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivan Lins, award-winning vocal ensemble The New York Voices, and 6-octave vocal jazz legend, Flora Purim.

Will organizers of this year's festival be successful in their pursuit? Last year's roster included such electrifying artists as Raul Midon, Kurt Elling, Lee Ritenour, and Incognito. I guess we should know about this year in just a few days.

The Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival is slated from February 22 to March 4, with campus tours and workshops to be mounted alongside the highly-anticipated concerts.

Stay tuned for more details...

Friday the 13th: Chick Corea in Manila this February

Today is my lucky day. 

The jazz world has known for some time now that Chick Corea and his newly-formed Five Peace Band are kicking off 2009 with performances in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. But I just discovered this morning that even before heading down under, the jazz greats will be heading here.

Many know Corea through his most famous work, Spain. I myself first encountered the man when I was 9 via his take on Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, which he quotes as a prelude to his popular jazz track (later on, Al Jarreau recorded a version with lyrics).  Others know him for taking over Herbie Hancock's keyboards in Miles Davis's band when the former left, or for setting up his own group, Return to Forever, with bassist Stanley Clarke and vocal siren Flora Purim, among others.

But I remember him most for his mesmerizing album, The Mad Hatter (thanks George--for introducing me to the project), his avant garde brand of jazz, and his sublime improvisations on the Fender Rhodes...kaleidoscopic! Does anyone wonder why he has been Grammy-nominated 45 times and has won 14 statuettes?

Recently, Corea has re-teamed up with legendary guitarist John McLaughlin (they were together over 40 years ago in Miles Davis's band). With Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Brian Blade, Five Peace Band is poised to elevate new audiences and break down the borders of musical genres and generations.

And they will be in Manila for a one-night show on February 13, Friday.

CDs I Look Forward to This January

So early in the year and so much music to look forward to. A quick look at some soon-to-be-released albums has made my mouth water. Maybe yours would too if we shared the same taste in music. Find out for yourself in this list of 5 CDs from 5 different women, all albums due in record bars (at least in the U.S.) this month.

SKYLARK

RENEE OLSTEAD

Finally, four years after her debut album (when she was 14), Olstead releases SKYLARK with producer David Foster. The project promises to showcase once again, the young artist's mature interpretation and velvety vocals in this 13-track CD of jazz standards, modern classics, and 4 originals which she co-wrote. Oh, and has anyone caught her twist on Chaka Khan's THROUGH THE FIRE in a live concert with Foster? Too bad though that it's not in the CD.

JANE MONHEIT

THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS, AND ME

Quite obviously, the CD includes a recording of RAINBOW CONNECTION. But more so, it contains tracks written by Paul Simon, Fiona Apple, and my favorites Ivan Lins and Corinne Bailey Rae.  Good pal and fellow jazz-enthusiast Jimmy Buencamino introduced me to this Grammy-nominated chanteuse, and I've been following her ever since. Expect a serving of sultry jazz, passionate yet mellow, quiet yet stirring.

ELIANE ELIAS

BOSSA NOVA STORIES

Just as the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova ended in 2008 (the genre came to life in 1958), Elias releases her BOSSA NOVA STORIES showcasing not only her dexterity on the keys (she was a child prodigy in the 60s) but so too her soothing vocal style. Born in Sao Paolo, Elias has earned a huge global following with her brand of music--a fusion of traditional Brazilian harmonies and rhythms, with modern jazz technique. The album combines Brazilian classics and American standards set to the true Bossa beat.

ERIN McCARLEY

LOVE, SAVE THE EMPTY

Let's go pop this time. Her music has been described as a mix of the Beatles, Aimee Mann, Alanis Morissette, and Amy Winehouse, while she credits Fiona Apple, Patty Griffin and Greg Laswell as among her major influences. Erin McCarley is a new kid on the block releasing her debut album which she calls a document of her search for authenticity in herself and in others. Intrigued? Watch out for this artist and listen to samples here: http://erinmccarley.com/albumpreview/

ROKIA TRAORE

TCHAMANTCHE

Ok, here's one that's totally from left field. For those who experiment occasionally with world music, you might want to sample Traore's latest project. Born in Mali and raised in Europe, Traore was exposed to a spectrum of music including classical, jazz and pop, yet she has never abandoned her African roots. As such, her songs employ traditional instruments like the balafon, n'goni and kora; however, her singing is unlike the wailing style common amongst her tribe. Her voice is smooth and gentle resulting in an overall impact that reflects both tradition and innovation.

A Love Song from Sara Bareilles

With the Grammy Awards coming up early next month, I felt it wise to brush up on some of the nominees whose work stirred up the industry in 2008. Late last year I took an interest in Adele Adkins, British soul-jazz-pop artist nominated for record of the year, song of the year, best new artist, and best female pop vocal performance. This time, I take a look at Sara Bareilles, who too is nominated for best female pop vocal performance, and whose LOVE SONG is contending for song of the year.  Incidentally, LOVE SONG was named by Billboard as the #1 hot adult contemporary song of 2008, beating even Alicia Keys's NO ONE and Coldplay's VIVA LA VIDA.

Upon graduating from UCLA in 2002, Bareilles began touring the circuit in local bars and clubs, slowly developing a following for her confident vocals and fearless keyboards. This eventually led to the indie recording of her first studio album, CAREFUL CONFESSIONS, and to bigger gigs, opening for the likes of Paolo Nutini, Mika, James Blunt, and college pals Maroon 5.

It was in 2006 when she began writing and recording material for her first major label album, LITTLE VOICE, and in June 2007 when iTunes featured her LOVE SONG as the free single of the week. Barely a month later, LITTLE VOICE became the most downloaded album in the music store. The artist's and the song's quick rise in the pop charts led to live performances in 2008 on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO and on the TODAY SHOW. Two months hence, LOVE SONG was a certified double platinum hit.

Bareilles confesses that because she's a girl who writes music with her piano, her work is often likened to Norah Jones's and Fiona Apple's; a pretty wide spectrum--Bareilles enjoys the two for the opposite reasons: Jones for her subtlety and Apple for her ferocity. But such is the music of Sara Bareilles--a delightful cocktail of the most sumptuous yet intoxicating influences, diverse as they may seem.  Consider this mix: Elton John, Police, Radiohead, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Bjork, Counting Crows, and Bob Marley, to name a few of her musical idols.

Yet pronounced in this concoction are the stories of Bareilles herself. Her music is laced with honest vignettes that narrate her life, relationships, and as she calls it, her "basket-case-ness."

Figure it out. Here's her most successful song to date, LOVE SONG.