Chris Trinidad Y Cancion Tagalog
Iridium, 2020
8/10
Listen to Chris Trinidad Y Cancion Tagalog
A composer, arranger, educator and multi-instrumentalist, Chris Trinidad turns in a very diverse effort here, where a handful of esteemed musicians help him flesh out Afro-Cuban Danzon, Bolero and even Kundiman sounds as he reworks music rooted in Philippines and Cuba lineage.
“Alin Mang Lahi (Any People)” starts the listen with bright flute from John Calloway as Trinidad’s bass prowess guides the cultured rhythm, and “Mutya Ng Pasiq (The Maiden Of The River Pasig)” follows with soulful violin work from Kimwell Del Rosario as Raphael Geronimo’s conga work adds much to the orchestral meets world music display.
Near the middle, “Sampaguita (The Flower Of Manila)” flows with a vibrant spirt as Calloway’s flute and Bo Razon’s tres complement Trinidad’s sparing but effective vocals, while “Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan (In The Rocking Of The Cradle)” moves cautiously, but with much beauty amid Del Rosario’s violin and Razon’s okonkolo. “Iyo Kailan Pa Man (Yours Forever)”, an album highlight, then recruits Reggie Padilla on tenor saxophone as Trinidad brings cabasa to the jazz flavored climate.
The final 2 tracks, “O llaw (My Star)” and “Bayan Ko (My Country)”, are equally interesting, where the former is full of Latin influences that benefits much from David Lechuga’s guitar skills, and the latter welcomes some of the best singing on the record thanks to Raquel Berlind, as sax, bombo contribute to the eclectic finish.
Trinidad has a history in jazz studies, and he brings his large arsenal of ideas to this enlightening, exciting and unpredictable effort that you’ll never tire of, as each subsequent listen yields new avenues of interest.
Travels well with: Naima Shalhoub- Siphr; Marla Leigh- Rhythms Of Tof Miriam