Gabby, reluctant recording artist

Author: Malaya
Column: Entertainment

"At last, a recording company was gutsy enough " starts Gabby Concepcions acknowledgment in the sleeve of his first album.

Indeed, Warner Music Philippines, which produced the actors CD of love songs, is undaunted by the fact that the much-missed star is better known as a matinee idol than a recording artist. But in the US, where he stayed more than ten years, he had the chance to practice his singing prowess.

"I ask people in the US if they know me, and they say, Yes, we want to hear you sing. Sing for us, Gary They think Im Gary Valenciano," he jokes. Seriously, though, the former matinee idol usually performed for Pinoys while he was still in the States. It was there where he got to sing with Jam Melendez, a friend who coached him about singing by giving him tips on breathing and performing.

The much-missed movie star completes his comeback with his album. Returning to the country after a long hiatus in the US, Gabby is picking up where he left off, with movies, TV shows and endorsements deals left and right, taking his celebrity status a notch further this time with a singing career also on the horizon.

Home of multi-platinum artists such as Nina, Christian Bautista and Sitti, Warner Music is pleased and proud to add Gabby Concepcion among its talented roster, seeing his potential as a performer and someone who has undeniable appeal and an established connection with a wide range of audiences.

Although he was never officially introduced as a singer during his younger years as one of Philippine cinemas heartthrob, Gabby has been busy exploring his musical side, singing all-time favorite love themes and Pinoy ballads to his Filipino fans in the States. The record deal with Warner allows Gabby an opportunity to explore his love of music while at same time giving his fans something new to look forward to.

What fans can expect in the self-titled debut album is a tasteful selection of songs a mix of classic OPM ballads, good ol standards and a few surprises in between. Each track in the CD represents a memorable episode in Gabbys movie career and personal life. He is happy to have re-interpreted in one album these hits popularized by his music idols: Rey Valera ("Kung Kailangan Mo Ako"), Joey Albert ("Iisa Pa Lamang"), the late Ric Segretto ("Give Me A Chance"), the former "Kilabot Ng Kolehiala" Hajji Alejandro ("Nakapag-tataka"), James Ingram ("Just Once"), Wency Cornejo ("Hanggang") Hotdog & VST Company ("Manila"/"Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko" Medley), Apo Hiking Society ("When I Met You"), Bryan Adams ("Please Forgive Me") and a host others. Of the many songs considered for the album, one track that Gabby Concepcion made sure included is "Come What May" for a very personal reason done with Nina as a duet.

There is one original song included in the project, "Ako Pa Ba?" which is his indirect way of gauging whether his fans are still ready to support him, after more than 10 years of being away from the limelight.

As someone who has been in and out the limelight, having had his share of controversies, Gabby finding his voice and exploring a singing career is a welcome change. He will surely find no trouble charming his way back into our hearts with his debut album.

Source: Malaya