|
|
 |
|
Rites of Passage
Singer songwriter Paolo Santos through Acoustic Gold Productions releases his second full-length studio album entitled Rites of Passage. From the pure spontaneity of his first album “Playlist” (2003) and the simple heartfelt renditions of his next two albums “Wave Sessions 1 &2” (2004) culled from his radio show, Rites of Passage is literally an affirmation of Paolo’s musical maturity and his relentless pursuit to express his own creative style. For this album, Paolo forged an alliance with Pido, already one of the musical pillars in the country, to handle the production chores. In addition to that, Paolo was provided the opportunity to play alongside the country’s premier musicians and session artists like drummers Mar Dizon, Wendell Garcia, and Benjie Mendez; guitarists Pido, Cacoy Legaspi, Noel Mendez; keyboardists Elhmir Saison, Wowee Posadas, Nikki Cabardo; bassists Rommel Dela Cruz, Jeri De Leon, Tata Balane, Simon Tan; as well as appearances from Tots Tolentino, Mike Guevarra, Top Suzara, Jen Panuncio and Egay Caole.
The album’s first song and its carrier single “Patawarin” is a melodic Tagalog number that tells of a man’s realization of incompatibility despite giving the relationship his all. The next song “Iba Na Pala” takes this similar theme but in a more whimsical tone. The very melodic and slow tempo “Victims”, featuring Tots Tolentino on Shakuhachi (a Japanese Bamboo Flute) and backup vocals by Top Suzara, reveals another view of life presented in an introspective manner. One of the highlights of the album is “Unwanted”, a ballad that immediately tugs at the heartstrings of all that have given unconditional love. After this initial journey of emotional and gut wrenching songs, the album shifts to a positive note starting with “Buo Ang Aking Linggo” (penned by Laverne Ducut), a great love song with simple guitar and percussion arrangements. The upbeat “Coming Home” and “Have a Little Bit of Faith” is a reflection of Paolo’s musical influences and his creative response to merge these to produce a rather unique sound. Paolo’s versatility in doing different musical styles is reflected in his only cover song in the album, the Thicke original, “Stupid Things”. Arranged as a jazz standard, this songs evokes images of a small jazz joint in the mid 1900’s. Also included in the album is Paolo’s first musical composition, “Little Darling”, which he wrote back in 1997. “First Time”, the first song recorded for this album is an elaborately arranged piece and is a rebirth of sorts for a man who is experiencing an explosion of love “for the first time.” “You Got Me Up”, featured in his first album “Playlist,” is given a fresh and spruced up arrangement featuring Pido’s electric guitar prowess and Jen Panuncio’s charismatic harmony vocals. The album ends appropriately ends with “Sa Daigdig Natin” (written by Jungee Marcelo), a message of hope for the world.
Rites of Passage is, in fact, a haunting collection of endearing songs sure to linger in one’s head long after listening to it.
Rites of Passage is produced by Acoustic Gold Productions and distributed by Warner Music Philippines. Available in all record stores Nationwide.
|
|
