Martin David

Growing up, I remember staying at home on a Saturday afternoon listing down the hist from 40 to 1 via RTs Top 40. Back then, the net was non-existent and this was the only way you could really be in touch with American Mainstream. Back then, America’s current hits would only hit the Phils a month or two after. I prided myself for having the coolest tunes. Friends would take a gander at my CD albums and return it, not knowing a single artist, only to find themselves digging the same tunes 2-3 months after. I must say, those afternoons paid off real well.

I was in high school (around ‘96)  when groups such as Incognito (Beneath the Surface), Workshy (Love is the Place to Be) and the Brand New Heavies (Never Stop, Stay this Way) hit Mainstream Manila. While others were digging on Side A/True Faith or Bone Thugs n’ Harmony/Snoop/Dre/2Pac, I was into the whole acid jazz scene. Don’t get me wrong, I loved them cats too (practically grew up on the whole East/West ish), but Acid Jazz was something that really got my wheels turning.

Fast forward to 2010. It’s been about 15 years after and I finally got the chance to experience one of my favorite groups live. BNH was scheduled to perform with a host of other jazz artists for the Philippine International Jazz Fest 2010. I needed the hook up to see them up close. Last night was the night! The Brand New Heavies brought the ish with all the hits they played. I would’ve wanted them to play more of their funk set from the early 90s than the mainstream stuff. But I’m not hating. They played all the good stuff- People Get Ready, Never Stop, Stay This Way, Dream Come True, Dream on Dreamer, Midnight at the Oasis, Brother/Sister, World Keeps Spinning, Sometimes, Have a Good Time, Ride in the Sky, BNH, Spend Some Time, You Are the Universe, and Let’s Do It Again (did I miss anything?). It was also great to see them interact with the patrons throughout the show. They even got the kids to dance on stage and even strum on their guitars! It was truly a great musical experience. It was a treat and a huge chunk of Manila missed out on this. If you do chance upon their album somewhere, try it out. This is real music. Lady Gaga and the Backstreet Boys (who also had their concert the same night) got nothing on BNH.

Much love to Jomar/Angge of the US Embassy for hookin’ us up with the tickets. You guys rock!