Cynthia Alexander’s Even Such Is Time Album Launch with
Ben&Ben
Post-Event Release
There is no denying of Cynthia Alexander’s
growing influence on a legion of local singer-songwriters and independent
musicians. As proof of her undeniable star power, the revered icon behind the
hits “Comfort In Your Strangeness,” “Malaya,” and “Weather Report,” made a
triumphant return to the big stage with a sold-out concert at the Music Museum
last January 13, 2017.
Joined by nine-piece folk ensemble, Ben&Ben
for a night of heartfelt songs and swoon-worthy jams, the homecoming show also
served as preview to the acclaimed artist’s new album, Even Such Is Time—a stripped-down and intimate release that Cynthia
recorded in her home studio in Seattle, Washington.
The highly anticipated gig earned rave
accolades from the press and concert-goers, with ABS-CBN’s Rick Olivares
praising the show’s production values and top-notch performances. “The stage
design that resembles a sala area with old lamps, chests of drawers, and books
gave the performance a warm and even more intimate feel,” he shares in his
review. “It was if you were in Alexander’s living room and she’s playing you a
song. What I loved about this was – you hung on to every word and note.” The
veteran music writer also commended Ben&Ben for their “earnest and
passionate performance.”
Top-notch
Performances
Ben&Ben filled the first part of the
concert with a stellar showcase of old and new songs, kicking it off with their
award-winning Philpop entry “Tinatangi.” The folk-pop band also serenaded the
crowd with fan favorites such as “Maybe The Night,” “Kathang Isip” and “Ride
Home,” as well as unreleased tracks from their soon-to-be-released debut
full-length record, which Paolo described as more intricately arranged than
anything they’ve released in recent memory. “We're tight-lipped about most of
the details for now, but what we can share is that we're planning to release
one either late next year or early 2019. We'll be blending more of our
world/ethnic influence on this one, to try and create something that hasn't
been heard before.”
Playing to a sold-out crowd, Cynthia
Alexander kept the audience on their toes from beginning to end, owning the
night with a fascinatingly regal performance. She schooled the younger
generation with the classic hits off her award-winning records, Insomnia & Other Lullabyes, Rippingyarns, Comet's Tail, and Walk Down
The Road, and gifted old music fans with songs off her latest album, Even Such Is Time. Performing with her
is a respected ensemble of musicians: Zach Lucero on drums, CJ Wasu on
percussion, Kakoy Legaspi and Rommel Sanchez on guitars, Louie Talan and Yuna
Reguerra on bass, and Abby Clutario and Mlou Matute on keyboards/backing
vocals.
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