Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Potestas: Jazz in blue By Clint Holton P. Potestas show and tell
SHE first took your blues away with her song Love Moves in Mysterious Ways. But now, she’s bringing back the blues...all the way from the United Kingdom (UK).
Julia Fordham renders her all-original jazz music composition, collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Grant Mitchell, in her latest album China Blue.
“China Blue was only released in the UK. We released it in the international market because I feel that the songs are relevant to anyone,” she said during the press conference at the Ocean Pavilion, Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa last Feb. 11.
Her other hits in the Philippines are Baby Love, Invisible War, and Girlfriend. “I have two Filipino friends. They said that Filipinos are very romantic and they love the karaoke. That’s why they sing it all through,” she said.
Tomorrow, Feb. 13, Fordham will hold a concert at the South Surface Parking Area of Ayala Center Cebu at 6:30 p.m. Here’s an excerpt of the interview with the British singer.
Clint Holton P. Potestas (CHPP): The lyrics in China Blue seem to represent a person.
Julia Fordham (JF): I was in Japan when I was writing it. I found out that people . . . everybody looked up to China—a beautiful place. So, I twisted the what-and-the-where of China to the-who (a technique of personification).
CHPP: When an artist revives a song, does it mean that he lacks inspiration?
JF: Oh, no! It’s just that someone appreciates the music; then the artist wants to create another version. I’ve listened to Nina’s version of Love Moves in Mysterious Ways on Youtube, and I think she gave another sound of it. The rendition is so strong—nice rendition. Plus, she’s pretty. I was informed that Jaya is also doing a revival of Girlfriend. I’d love to collaborate with other Filipino artists. They’re very talented.
CHPP: China Blue is your 10th album. You’ve reached 20 years in the industry. Share with us how your career moves every season.
JF: I can say that I’m fortunate enough that I have stayed this long and sustained (it). I think that it’s extreme balance. I am very fortunate that I have managed to coast along. It’s just under the radar.
CHPP: Claire Fordham, your sister, wrote the book, Plus One: A Year and a Half of a Hollywood Nobody. Comment on the rumors of a coming film based on the book.
JF: Yes, there’s a plan. We’re right on the middle of it. The book just says about my sister being the “plus one” wherever I went. She worked as my assistant, my companion. I’m not sure yet. But there’s a coming movie inspired by my life. And I’m not expecting it to be a blockbuster film.
