After her series of song releases, music progeny Nicole Laurel Asensio has embarked on the improv (read: improvise) type of musical processes to come up with an innovative work of art.
It is an experiment of picking up sounds and rhythms already available at the digital studio that could add unique tunes not departing from the concepts of the original idea.
In her new single “Kiss Me Now,” Laurel Asensio partnered with Gabe Dandan (producer, co-writer and composer of her previous hits “Bawal” and “What Matters Most”) to try out possibilities and limitless boundaries in Filipino musicality.
“Most our songs usually stem from improv jams but usually just between the two of us, this time it was nice to do improv with an entire band of talented Baguio based musicians,” confirmed Gabe.
“Tobi (Drums) and Brad (Keys) and I began jamming chords and rhythm as a sound check to test the levels and Nicole immediately caught the vibe and extemporaneous lyrics and melodies began to flow from her lips, together the synergy was instant and we decided to make a song out of the free-jam in no time,” he recounted.
Nicole took it from Dandan’s initiative. “When I got back to Manila, I sent the track to Krina Cayabyab who arranged beautiful backup vocals performed by premiere jazz group Baihana with additional vocals from my mom (Iwi Laurel and Gabe)…I was stunned that this vocal section was comprised of such an all-star cast and that they were willing to join in the extemporaneous fun. Michael Guevarra and Gabe recorded a synchronized guitar-sax solo from home.
“The track was mastered by multi-awarded recording engineer Angee Rozul and Mastered in Abbey Road UK by Alex Gordon.”
It’s obvious that Nicole worked hard with Baguio-based musicians including studio owner Shadiel Chan.
Publicist Toots Tolentino echoed in his press briefs Laurel Asensio’s adventure in Baguio that incidentally made history in the creation of her new music. “I’m not usually the type to let things just happen…but perhaps I was missing the thrill of the unknown…I needed a change of environment…so I hopped on a 3 am bus alone to Baguio and booked myself an afternoon session in Openheaven recording studios for the first time…Gabe was tapering off a Baguio series of gigs and met me at the studio to join in the collaboration. Initially I had planned to work on a different song, award-winning producer Shadiel welcomed us into his studio and introduced me to his band,” recalled Nicole.
Everything went on smoothly like piecing together various juggles in a crossword puzzle.
Laurel Asensio excitedly announced: “Let’s record it!”
As they say, the rest is history.
Photo Courtesy: Nicole Laurel Asensio Facebook Page
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