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Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Serna: Real McCoys
By Roger Serna
Sounds and images
Personally, for a concert goer to expect a group, which was formed ages ago, to still be composed of the original members or those which were in the group when it attained vast following due to recorded hit songs is more or less like looking for the impossible.
For one, one or most members may have already answered the call of the creator or, if still alive, may have already been resigned to the fact that their times were a thing of the past.
It could also be that, for one reason or another, these former members may have realized that their lives were not meant to be in the limelight, and have branched out into other fields of endeavor.
But, as the adage goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. What better proof does a music fan want than the actual voice behind the songs that have somehow been made part of someone’s real-life soundtrack?
That John Claude Gummoe’s voice sounded like or resembled the one that raised the songs like Dreamin’, My First Day Alone, Angel on My Shoulder, There’s A Reason, Was I Dreamin’, Lucky Guy, Punch and Judy, The Last Leaf and, of course, Rhythm of the Rain, among others, to global consciousness was more than enough reason for their starstruck followers to holler and applaud to their hearts content considering that, at one time or another in the not-so-distant past, these ditties were associated with colorful memories (be they happy or sad) that accompanied the enthusiastic things of a past aggressive and young love life.
For the second time this year, The Cascades came to Cebu not only to delight their faithful followers with their now classic and immortal love songs, but also to disprove rumors about the group’s kicking the bucket in a plane crash decades ago.
True enough, even the first strains of the intro music were enough to send the crowd to unimaginable frenzy. The group’s charm, including the vocalist’s ‘cute’ way of expressing his delight over the audience’s apparent appreciation by engaging in a dance step that could have sent dance enthusiasts into trance-like states during that time, did not escape the audience’s keen attention and thus added to its very enthusiastic response to every song.
Charm-wise, The Cascades’ keyboardist Gabe Lapano (you’ll marvel at his ability to brandish his high vocal range despite his age) has got the most of it. He could make a teener wonder what could family or home been like with that musically-gifted, good-looking and charming man as a grandpa?
Lead guitarist Chuck Crews and bass guitarist Tony Grasso were also given their chance to shine in separate song numbers. As a tribute to the Filipino audience for being the most loyal followers the world over (or words to that effect), the group included two songs in its latest CD album, namely: Warm Manila Nights and My Manila.
Why not Philippines? How about Cebu and the other places in the country? Tsk-tsk-tsk! Well, that’s the group’s prerogative and artistic license, I presume. Whatever.
Uttered more than once was the phrase: ‘Thank you for being so generous’ as the crowd broke into raucous applause after every song.
The group likewise showed its generosity to the Filipino musicians Area One which did the front act of The Beatles songs, by giving them the chance to pitch in a line or two in a rock and roll number. Area One’s keyboardist Carlo was even given the chance to play keyboard beside Gabe Lapano in that number. Beautiful.
Production-wise, the show was undoubtedly a success. It was, however, not so attendance-wise. Coming back so soon (with just four months interval) and doing the same show could be the drawback.
Or could it be the absence of the voluptuous local ‘diva’ as front act that did it? Couldn’t exactly tell.
***
The weather was not so good that Saturday when the Sacred Heart Parish Social Action Ministry staged Children of Eden, but, boy, was the Waterfront Pacific grand ballroom filled to capacity for the matinee at 3 p.m.
I learned that the 8 p.m. gala was also well-attended despite the inclement weather. The warmth of the audience and the enthusiastic performance counteracted the effect of the weather.
It was a treat, a fresh rendition of the story of creation and that of Noah, a spectacular performance by the Out of the Box Theater Company and a marvelous display of talent by young thespians honed under the watchful eyes of Daisy Baad.
With 80% of the show sung and danced, it was a spirit-lifting musical and visual treat as it underscored the omnipresence of the Father in heaven watching over us and providing every need (as contrasted to want), picking us up when we stumble, and giving a second chance altogether.
The weather notwithstanding, most, if not all, went home inspired and renewed. Well, hopefully.
(September 20, 2005 issue)
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