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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Impressions from Cueshé
Manny Pangaruy brings Show to our fellow Cebuanos’ big, if rainy, night.
“Lagi na lang umuulan….”.That probably was the concert goers were humming when finding their way to the Music Museum last December 10. It was a rainy day and the drizzle didn’t stop until the opening song. Judging from the queue, the crowd was a horde of teenagers and students. I braced myself for the screams.
Lights off started roughly at 9 p.m. Shrieks came thundering in from every corner. Light sticks glowed like glowworms everywhere. A short video of Cueshé’s struggles and journey was flashed on the big screen. It was a collage of videos and photos of the band with the fans (autograph signing, meet-and-greet, etc.). Shrieks started to get louder and louder, giving a nice contrast to the Stay overture played by the rhythm guys, Jhunjie Dosdos (keyboard), Mike Manaloto (drums), Fritz Labrado (guitar) and Jovan Mabini (guitar) who was in the center, trapped by a single white spotlight. The image was indeed stunning, perhaps a cinematic aide memoire of the Batman Begins movie poster.
The overture ripened when Jay Justiniani (vocal) entered the stage from the right side. No drama whatsoever, just straight from the black curtains. Shrieks.
He was wearing a pair of distressed jeans, a black top and brown jacket. He opened the show with The Calling’s Wherever You Will Go. During gigs, Jay would always dedicate the song to all the fans. Ruben Caballero (vocal), in black and brown , came in next with Hoobastank’s The Reason.
As the concert progressed, the repertoire started to look like an extended bar gig. The familiar covers were included with aplomb: Matchbox 20’s Push, Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (which remains to be a crowd-pleaser) and the trusted Queen medley, Cueshé’s way of paying tribute to their icons and influences.
I remember Gerard Salonga in one of his interviews in PDI about Ryan Cayabyab’s advice for him in taking up Music at Berklee. Mr. C mentioned that it’s fine to “do” a musical style as copied (note by note) from the masters. Have a hang of the style, then graduate to something more of a personal artistry.
Everytime I watch Cueshé perform a cover song, I find it to be a learning process for them.
After four cover songs came an original cut from the album, 24 Hours. Followed by four more from the album Half-Empty, Half-Full. The OPM medley of Parokya ni Edgar’s Harana (sung by Jay) and Rivermaya’s Kisapmata (sung by Ruben) was definitely a highlight. Their version was one of the sincerest renditions that I have heard. Then Ulan, their third single, came right after, complete with lightning and rain ( confetti poured onstage when they sang the chorus).
Sheryn Regis was the special guest, rendering a beautiful duet with Jay (Evanescence’s Bring me to Life) and a solo number (another Evanescence hit, My Immortal).
The best part of the concert for me was the medley of The Police songs. I was informed by ate Jane (Fritz’ wife) that Sting’s songs are too challenging to perform because of some mute chords. The band did a wonderful rendition, something that will make Sting smile and the fans, ecstatic. As the concert came to an end, the band performed a slightly more acoustic version of their first smash hit, Stay (which is the most fitting finale song) as they left the crowd wanting for more.
Cueshé unquestionably enjoyed their own concert. You can count how many times Jovan and Fritz ran through and across the stage just like kids with their lollies. Ruben acknowledged the presence of his two daughters whom he addressed as “ladies”.
You could sense the gratitude in their aura that night, in sharp contrast to their “state of mind” in the Myx interview backstage 30 minutes before the concert.
“Kinakabahan po kami”.
The learning curve and the room for acceptance for mainstream rock will always be long and wide for them. Cueshé: The Big Night at Music Museum is a constant reminder for the band on what living the dreams is all about.
(December 27, 2005 issue)
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