ANNIE BRAZIL-RICHARD MERCK (MOTHER & SON) JAZZ CONCERT TONIGHT
Quezon City, Jan. 27, 2000 - A mother-and-son jazz tandem representing two generations of jazz singers is the main attraction at the Downtown Club of Hotel Rembrandt tonight when US-based Annie Brazil and Richard Merk stage their first millennium concert called ''Jazz Between Us'' with Eddie Katindig as special guest.
“It feels good sharing the stage with your flesh and blood,” says Annie Brazil took time off from singing jazz three times a week in Greenwich Village, New York to attend Richard’s wedding to BPI’s Roni Tapia.
“Singing with her completes my jazz cycle,” says Richard Merk. “It was she who introduced me to jazz and it was through her that I met the jazz legends of our time like Duke Ellington, Count Bassie, and Sarah Vaughn. At some point, we led separate lives but it was love for jazz that kept us alive literally and figuratively.”
Annie Brazil started singing when she as six, had stints with stage shows and was actually at the CCP in the late ’90s sharing the stage with Ellis Marsalis (father of trumpet sensation Winton Marsalis). “He asked me to sing with his trio without any rehearsal. After hearing me sing, he asked me to join them.”
Richard is all praise about his Mom’s singing.
“It’s effortless,” he says. “Hindi siya maingay sa tenga. Masarap siyang pakinggan.”
Son admits that like any other normal family, he and Annie disagree quite a lot.
“But on stage,” he points out, “the rapport is automatic. I give in to her and she gives in to my suggestions. I really admire her a lot because she stuck to jazz even if at some point and in certain places where she used to sing, jazz wasn’t hot all the time. Me, I had to do pop at one point because the audiences needed other sound.”
Tonight’s concert is also special because it will serve as a reunion of jazz musicians he and his mom met during their three-year stay in Bangkok: Rey Cristobal, Roger Herrera, Roy Mercado, and Jun-Jun Reyes.
What did Richard learn from his mom?
“To respect the job and to have fun with the crowd,” he replies. “Because if you don’t, it will show in your performance. She always reminds me that whether you are performing for an audience of one or one million, the sincerity should always be there.”
“Jazz Between Us” could mark the start of a new life for Richard and Annie.
“Yes, the new millennium is a start of a new life for me and my Mom. After what we went through in the past, we are building a new friendship.”
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