Thursday, July 16, 2009

Letting Go, Moving On


I've never felt so good watching my band play up onstage. The album launch that happened last night is one scenic event I will surely want to remember. We have never prepared something as big as that before. Credit goes to Thrina and the rest of the band who made great strides and effort make the Album launch happen. I know that it was not easy for them to come up with the program and at the same time be holed up in the studio for the past few days practicing for their set. I learned that they even spent the wee hours of the evening in the last two days prior to the album launch practicing. As I've made mentioned in my Facebook blog entry, this might very well be my last gig with the band before I leave them temporarily to take care of other personal stuffs. It was a very fruitful 5 year run. And I will always be thankful for those who believed and supported us every step of the way. During the whole set of the band, I was standing and watching them intently from afar with my arms crossed, enjoying every moment, every sound, each music that flowed through the entire evening. I didn't even had to keep myself busy because usually I do the photography stuffs in our gigs so that I could update our site. But tonight, I purposedly chose to concentrate on just watching the band's performance. I wanted to savor it all before I start missing them soon. And as I intently watched them, I could not help but ponder and recollect on the road that we took to reach whatever standing that we now have. The growth that we have achieved in all those years of perseverance and unwavering faith.

Thrina (vocalist/guitars) grew with the band. There is no perfect personification of the band's growth without Thrina in mind. We started our music when she was still as young as 15 years old. Now, she's on the brink of graduating the academic life and preparing herself to face the world out there. All those years I've been egging her to start learning to play the guitars, last night, she finally donned her guitar and was strumming like there was no tomorrow. She totally blew the house down bantering with the audience. She owned or rather through her, the band fittingly owned the evening. If there was a right image that I would want to remember her with the band, her performance that night was definitely it. But music wasn't the only thing that I tried to impart to her, along the way, I've also imparted tons of life's learnings to her as well. Some that could be of use to her, some she could improve on.

Adonis (drummer) was the other longer serving member of the band. His knack for songwriting is what rejuvenated our band to accomplish the new album. Sure I could write the lyrics and Wilbert could still provide the music, but the youthful sound that Adonis is creating brings new dimensions to the band. I was able to recruit him to the band when our original drummer went down with an appendicitis and had to leave the band for health reasons. But even long before he joined our band, he has already been writing songs with his church. But getting him with us, I would like to believe that he also has learned quite a few tricks under the direction of Wilbert's songwriting while I try to help out in lyric writing tips. But for me, the greatest gift that I have ever imparted to him is the Job that he currently holds in a prestigious company. This is beyond music.

Erickson (lead guitarist) on the other hand was Adonis' personal recommendation when we lost our original guitarist. I could remember that at first it felt awkward for him fitting in with the band when he was the new guy around. He brought his own style just when the band was playing under Wilbert's shadow. And he brought himself up to improve his craft, plus under the guiding influence of Wilbert, his improvements makes him worthy as Wilbert's successor. His guitar works on the band's songs are also valuable. If this aren't impressive enough, I don't know what are. But this actually does not impress me as much as I'm impressed with his level of faith. You can never take this guy away from his Church's music ministry commitments. With that, I take a bow.

Doris (bassist/backing vocals) is the latest addition of the band. But even if she just recently joined us, her whole time with the band is as if she was there from the beginning all along. She provides the tie that binds them all. Coming in, she gives the band balance. I've been long looking for another female member for the band. And my eyes had always been set on Doris since before. There is a lot of music in her. A lot of songs in her that I believe the band has yet to cultivate. The future of the band's songwriting department surely belongs to her. It is just so sad that I won't be able to stay with the band for her for a longer period of time. But I trust the other members of the band to be there for her.

It is hard to let go of such a beautiful thing. But sometimes we need to move on in order for a certain group or a certain team to grow. I know the last time I left an organization, things got messy. I wasn't able to train the successors quite well on how to combat opposition. But Thoughts And Notions will be different. I could feel it. I can trust them. You build something from scratch and you nurture them. But at the same time you don't do it by yourself. You do it as a team. Thrina has been the constant, as do Wilbert is, albeit in spirit.

I guess it's time for me to move on. Other things need my utmost attention. Is this a goodbye? Hardly. I know one of these days our paths would cross again. And I still have unfinished business to attend to. For now, geographically, we will be apart. But I always believed in long distance relationships. I might no longer be physically present in their gigs, activities, practices, meetings, and all. But in spirit, I will always remain.

Thoughts And Notions, until the next gig that I'm "physically" present!
See you, Good Luck and God Bless!

Thoughts And Notions Album Launch at Daru Folk Bar






The night was a complete blast. We served food and beverages. Great performances by guest bands Southrace and Tabularaza. One whole set from our band including cover versions of songs by another CDO band Drizzle as we give honor to them. The album we brought sold out. We are very thankful to those who joined us as we celebrated this momentous event.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Album Launch/Giving Back

I'm all pumped up and excited for our band's Album Launching this coming July 15, 2009 at Daru Bar, Buena Oro, Cagayan de oro City. I think we have never organized something like this in this kind of magnitude before. And personally, I see it as a great opportunity for me to finally give back to all of those who have supported our music all these years. This ain't just your any ordinary album launching. We are preparing this with all our hearts, sweat, and tears. We are coming up with a program that not only would entertain you with our music, but also with guest participations of two of Cagayan de Oro's biggest bands to date, Tabularaza and Southrace. We would also serve food and beverages free of charge to our guests. All you need to do is to buy a copy of our album at Musicvision or at Coffeeworks and present it at the entrance of the venue for easy access. We guarantee you that everyone will be having a blast on this particular night as we've prepared as much as 30 songs for the entire evening. We really do hope to see you there. This is our way of thanking all of you guys for giving your support and inspiring us to continue writing the kind of songs that Thoughts And Notions have been known for.

With that said, it's time for me to post my personal sentiments. This event could very well be my last public appearance with the band. With the wedding preparations coming in full swing, I guess it's time for me to finally lay low and allow the band to grow without my guiding influence. This July 15 event is a very important event for me. There's too much words, or definitions to call this event. Album Launch, Post Birthday celebration (Thrina and Me share the same bdays on July 13), and Thanksgiving party. But for me, it's simply my farewell party. In the coming months, my focus would be my upcoming Wedding. There's too much things to be done, tasks to accomplish, and not to mention adjustments to be made. And after the Wedding? I guess i'll be making major adjustments that would leave me no spare time to do some things that I used to do. For the past 5 years of my life, my band and my music has been the most significant thing that ever happened to me. I've nurtured it and built it from scratch to achieve whatever achievements that we were able to accomplish. Of course we may not have reached the level of popularity that other bands have accomplished by appearing in national TVs, Wowowees, the SOPs, ASAPs and all or even embarking on a nationwide tour. But for what we are, a Christian Band, the Christian Music scene has been a work in progress. And I would like to believe that we did our part in pushing for the Christian Music scene to be accepted in the mainstream market.

I believe my work with the band and the vision that I seek to achieve with our music is far from being done. There are still some things that I should be working on. A lot of projects that would link me up with other Pinoy Christian bands as we try to push forward the Christian music scene in our country together. Contracts to be signed for our new album's national release (which I should have been working on because the Record Company who is interested to distribute our album is only waiting for me). In other words, the 5 years of constantly immersing myself in the music industry has left me with so many doors and opportunities to pursue. And it might all come to a pause. True, there are times that I question myself if all of these has just been a waste of time. And I believe that this is true if we would base our answers on the financial rewards. But if we would base our answers on the countless of emails that I received from all over the country from people that I haven't met, telling us that our songs has touched them and inspired them in some way, I could say that this has been a worthwhile experience. Throughout the whole time that I was with the band. I never held any money. Whatever money I received, I gave it back to the band. If this was purely a business thing, then I would have closed shop years ago. The least that I would want to happen is that our earnings would be able to pay the band expenses. That is something that I really hope and pray for in order for the band to survive. Specially now that I would be detached from the band.

But enough of that. Before we start dwelling on the future, let us take this moment to enjoy the upcoming July 15 event. I rarely go up the stage to share our story, but for this event, I'm willing to give it one last shot. This could very well be my swan song. What the future holds for the band without me, that I don't know. But I would like to believe that I was able to instill in Thrina, Doris, Erickson, and Adonis all of the characteristics that Thoughts And Notions should have. What traits that they should posses in order for them to achieve the band's mission and vision. And as always, I take a bow at our one true band manager, our savior Jesus Christ. He will take this band even further than where I took them if he so wills it.

Come July 15, 2009 at Daru Bar, Buena Oro, Cagayan de Oro City, we are giving back the love and support that you guys have give us. We truly hope to see you there.

P.S.
My run with Thoughts And Notions consists of 2 albums containing a grand total of 22 songs. The track listing and songwriting credits of the songs are as follows:












In Awe of His Amazing Love (Released in 2005 Independently, In 2006 with Praise Music)

1. My Love Song (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
2.Savior (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
3.Earthbound Angel (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
4.A Love So Real (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
5.Strength I Need (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
6.Healer (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
7.Repentance (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
8.Defender (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
9.Brand New Day (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
10.My Journey Ends (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan, Thrina Dimaano)













Thoughts And Notions (Self-titled sophomore album, Released in 2009 Independently, Nationwide Release-Upcoming)

1.Arise (Jasper Tan, Adonis Berongoy)
2.Runaway Angel (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
3.When (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
4.Cloudy Day (Adonis Berongoy, Erickson Gloria)
5.Like A Child (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
6.Beloved Savior (Adonis Berongoy)
7.A Promise (Wilbert Tan)
8.Safer In My Heart (Jasper Tan, Adonis Berongoy)
9.Like Heaven (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
10.Stronger, Higher, Further (Jasper Tan, Thoughts And Notions)
11.Pagsapit ng Panahon (Jasper Tan, Wilbert Tan)
12.Kevin Sardines Theme (Adonis Berongoy)



Saturday, July 11, 2009

The Long Fall Back To Earth

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Music
Genre: Alternative Rock
Artist:Jars of Clay

I've never heard a really good Jars of Clay album for quite sometime already. So I guess it's just about time that their latest release "The Long Fall Back To Earth" has put them back on it's musical excellence. The band has always been experimental in their songs, dabbling from Pop, Rock, Folk, Alternative, you name it they have it. In fact their previous release the critically acclaimed "Good Monsters" album, sounded so "unJars of Clay" like that I found a hard time digesting the tracks. Took me a couple more spins before I get acquainted to the new sound that the band is trying to come up with. But for this album, every single track sounds so good that I was ecstatic in breaking down the songs track by track. It is evident from the first track that the band has really gone a long long way since their debut album. The songs in this album sounds more fuller. Incorporating a lot of keyboards, drum loops and digital samples, which makes their songs more melodic. I could easily reminisce the synth laden pop songs of the 80's while listening to the songs (very evident of this is the song titled Don't Stop). The carrier single of this album is the song called Two Hands, a very intense song that speaks about breaking free and allowing ourselves to be redeemed from the chains that binds us to distrust. Asking us to cooperate in building a community. One heart, one mind. The song Weapons on the other hand is a very upbeat track that speaks about asking us to lay down our weapons and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and feel genuine relationships that aren't shielded from skepticism. Break down the walls that serves as barriers from the hurts and pains that might come. Because truth to tell, feeling the hurts and pains makes us human in just the same way as feeling love and valued. I think my favorite track in the album is the song called Hero. Some parts of the song reminds me of Coldplay but I couldn't actually put an exact Coldplay stamp on the song since all indications points out to that Jars of Clay stamp on it. Actually it is hard to pinpoint one favorite track in this album filled of musical gems because each track could really stand on their own. No filler tracks. There are enough songs for everyone to enjoy even for those who are looking for the more traditonal acoustic driven Jars of Clay sound. There are some songs that starts with the acoustic guitars before the synth keyboards and electric guitars take over.

I can truthfully say that The Long Fall Back To Earth is the best album that I have ever heard for this year thus far.




Thoughts And Notions will be having an album launching this coming July 15, 2009 7:30pm At Daru Folk Bar, Aluba, Macasandig Cagayan de Oro City. Food and beverages will be served. Present your Thoughts And Notions album as your entrance fee. The album can still be purchased at musicvision and Coffeeworks! See you there!


Monday, July 6, 2009

Thoughts And Notions Album Launch!



Start:     Jul 15, '09 7:30p
Location:     Daru Bar, Buena Oro Subd, Cagayan de Oro City
Thoughts And Notions will be having an album launching this coming July 15, 2009 7:30pm At Daru Bar, Buena Oro Subd, Cagayan de Oro City with guest bands Tabularaza and Southrace. Food and beverages will be served. Present your Thoughts And Notions album as your Entrance Fee. The album can still be purchased at Musicvision and Coffeeworks for only P190! See you there!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Thoughts And Notions article written by Kelly Palaganas-Ramos

"The Mandala of Opposites" by A Painting by Kelly Palaganas-Ramos

Thoughts And Notions: Music review

“Toot-too-too-root-too-too..Jesus is just alright with me…I don’t care what they may do, I don’t care what they may say…”

There have been some pretty great Jesus songs throughout the ages. Especially notable are the Moody Blues song with its simple lyrics and a catchy tune, and Woodie Guthrie’s “Jesus” which tells the Jesus story with the interesting premise about what would happen if He had lived during the times when Guthrie was making his songs (we would still have had him crucified, once he started telling the rich to give to the poor). Add to that list the 2006 Thoughts And Notions song “Savior.” It goes “I am shaken, broken, failing in life’s uncertain ending…Lord Jesus my savior. You came and became my redeemer…I was lost but you saved me…I will live my life for you…forever.” Yes it is an outright worship song, and I am not so actively religious, but it has been my very own Last Song Syndrome (LSS) for about a month now, on and off. I am unabashedly enjoying this song. And yeah, I agree with the Moodys, Jesus is just alright with me.

This and other songs in the Thoughts And Notions debut album is sung by the angelic voice of Cathrina Tan Dimaano and backed up by Wilbert Tan on guitars, bass, drum, and keyboards. Jasper Lloyd Tan serves as lyricist and band manager for this local Cagayan de Oro Christian pop band. The 10 track debut album, entitled In Awe Of His Amazing Love, is amazingly full of original songs about God’s love. The other songs in this album are the singles My Love Song, Earthbound Angel, Brand New Day, and others. The band is strong on lyrics, simply because they have a message to tell. They are not so bad on the music side as well. The tunes are catchy and contemporary, the musical skill of each band member is quite impressive, the sound mixing of the album does not drown out one element of the music in favor of another, and this band seems to have its act together.

So, what’s in a name? It is quite an interesting story to tell. Coincidentally, the original members of this very promising band all had the same surname. They then decided to call their band Thoughts And Notions, which has an acronym that spells it out: T-A-N. For their second album, they were joined by Adonis Berongoy on drums, Doris Bangot on bass, and Erickson Gloria on guitars. The second album was finished in mid 2009. Simply self titled, it is conceptual in its packaging approach. The music is still good, not losing any of the qualities that were present in the first album. Three years after producing that first album, the band was able to come up with 10 new original tracks. The unifying theme is their journey in living out the faith. Runaway Angel is their carrier single, and the other songs are titled Arise, When, Like A Child, The Promise, and others. Cloudy Day is a good one. Some of the songs here can be interpreted as love songs, although all of them are said to share the message of faith in our daily lives. Interesting too are the two bonus tracks. It gives a rare look at the possibilities of this band. The two tracks are the Filipino song Pagsapit Ng Panahon, and the Visayan Kevin Sardines Theme. Pagsapit is actually becoming another favorite of mine. It was said to be an entry in a songwriting contest sponsored by the environmental group Haribon. This song was a sure winner, but the contest did not push through. The Kevin Theme is an advertising jingle for a company that band manager and lyricist Jasper Lloyd Tan’s family owns. The piece, however, deserves its place as a legitimate song. Its quality is too good to be consigned as mere jingle.

The novel idea which was conceptualized for producing and packaging this second album was in keeping with one of the band’s advocacies of keeping the local art scene active. This was done through cross-media collaborations with three local artists who were tapped to come up with three separate designs. All three designs were then used. How? The cd comes in a little brown envelope, not a conventional cd case. Inside the envelope are the means for making your own album cover. It has a sticker, a printed artwork, an alternative cover art, a lyric sheet, and the envelope itself features the hip album design of Jeniffer Aranaydo, otherwise known as Jenipur. The two other visual artists who were asked for designs are Alvin Carreon and me, Kelly Palaganas-Ramos. Yes, it has been my great pleasure to collaborate with this talented up-and-coming pop rock Christian band.

Thoughts And Notions will be having an album launching this coming July 15, 2009 7:30pm At Daru Bar, Aluba, Macasandig Cagayan de Oro City. Food and beverages will be served. Present your Thoughts And Notions album as your entrance fee. The album can still be purchased at musicvision and Coffeeworks! See you there!

For questions, comments, and suggestions please email artnanay@yahoo.com