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Monday, May 05, 2003
Power play at the Kanto
By Jojie Alcantara
IT WAS about to rain last Saturday night, but successive phone calls from John Irene and Gene Arcena, Matina Town Square's hardworking bosses, prompted me to watch this supposedly special guy play rhythm and blues at the Kanto.
Besides, I can't refuse Mike Ayala's invitation. He rarely asks. I noticed, though, how he and everybody else sounded excited about the prospect of this certain Bruce Conte performing in his bar. We are talking about a 70s icon. I am, after all, an 80s girl, and a discophile at that. What do I know about jazz, anyway, except...ugh...Kenny G?
So before I went to meet Nelson at Kanto, I checked out his website, www.bruceconte.com so I'd know what to interview him, if ever.
Bruce Conte played with the popular band Tower of Power in 1972 to 1979, who has produced unforgettable albums considered to be a major influence to most blues musicians Monday. An accomplished, highly skilled guitarist and vocalist, he has contributed quite an impressive influence in the history of the music industry. He is also considered as one of the best guitarists in the biz.
Apart from TV credits and special guest appearances, he has toured opposite the Rolling Stones, George Benson, Santana, Sly Stone, B.B. King, The Temptations, Herbie Hancock, the OJays, the Staple Singers, and many others. Currently, he is planning a tour with a member of the Earth, Wind and Fire. He also leads his own band, the Bruce Conte Band, playing in Las Vegas.
In Bullet Proof, his recent solo album, Conte assembled an all star cast for the twelve-song CD including guest vocalists Gavin Christopher (Rufus), Bobby Kimball (Toto) and former Tower of Power band mate, Lenny Williams, who sings the title track. The new songs fit the current Blues style while retaining the Funk and R&B sound Bruce is famous for.
Kanto was filled with a good crowd (mostly jazz lovers, musicians, and a majority of adoring male fans at that) despite a threatening onslaught of heavy rain.
Sure enough, it rained heavily throughout the night, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the audience who were heavily grooving to Conte's guitar performance along with three impressive Pinoy artists who tried to match him skill for skill: Meong Pacana on the Bass, Wowie Posadas on keyboard, and Mar Dizon on drums (all from the Buhay Band who does stints in Manila and abroad). The night was electrifying as we listened to really good music and tasted a whiff of nostalgia.
To top it off, the three musicians flew over to meet their idol Bruce for the first time and just rehearsed a few hours earlier.
It was awe-inspiring to watch them instinctively pick up on one another's tune at the nod of a head, an encouraging smile, or a twitch of an eyebrow.
They blended so well they sounded like a formidable veteran band. Plus, Bruce was a sight to behold as he played his guitars so coolly and smoothly like he was in it for fun.
True enough, he has been staying in the Philippines for a couple of weeks for rest and recreation upon the invitation of Charlie, his good friend who is married to a Pinay. Charlie, in turn, contacted Mike for a free gig at the Kanto, just for kicks (Bruce was itching to play again after a long rest). The rest will be history.
That night, we were honored to watch an icon play his best in Davao. A friend who casually observed Bruce's Pinay friend in another table enjoying the superb performance could not help but comment, "This is the best. Bruce is playing for love." I couldn't agree more.
Special thanks to MTS hosts and our GRO for the night, Otek Durante of Danni 101.9 FM. You did such a good job as emcee and our entertainer. More of those vegetable strips and dips, please!
(May 5, 2003 issue)
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