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Gabby, the singer, goes from fizzle to sizzle
Written by staff   
Saturday, 23 August 2008 03:24

MANILA, Philippines—Since Gabby Concepcion’s unexpected return from his “exile” in the United States, his show biz endeavors and artistic pursuits have failed to impress us. (Of course, his unique ability to turn every intrigue into a career opportunity is another matter.) —Until now.

In the ’80s, Gabby’s reel-and-real romance with Sharon Cuneta was the stuff that Tinseltown’s fairy tales were made of. But, we all know how their marriage ended.

Among the celebrated love team’s indelible memories were their recorded duets: “Come What May,” “Abot-Kamay,” “Hanggang Kailan, Hanggang Saan?” and “Love in a Calendar,” which were lovely songs with dreamy lyrics and melodies. —Unfortunately, Gabby’s singing was far from lovely or dreamy! His messy counterpoints and barely-on-the-note vocal performances made us think he was either tone deaf or just plain bored.

Imagine our pleasant surprise when we recently heard the 44-year-old actor sing a few bars from “Ako Pa Ba?,” the only original song in his 12-track debut album, “Gabby Concepcion.” We couldn’t believe our ears—and that’s no hyperbole! Indeed, time gives people second chances.

It turns out that Gabby has been nurturing a lofty musical ambition all these years, and his 13-year hiatus in the States gave him precious time to hone his singing skills.

Insightful

As a singer, Gabby is insightful and intelligent, and his baritone possesses an unsullied charm and personality. There’s also a nice ring to his vibrato, which he uses judiciously—and he diligently sticks to a song’s melody.

Gabby gives fresh renditions of the album’s best tracks: The jazzy “When I Met You” and the infectiously funky medley of Hotdog’s “Manila” and VST and Company’s “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko.” When a song’s degree of difficulty appears insurmountable (“Just Once”), he takes the safer, smarter tack of simplifying the vocal curlicues.

It’s interesting to note Gabby’s decision to include “Come What May” (for personal reasons, he said), in which he sings with the splendid Nina. Ironically, his performance in the song also turns out to be his weakest.

Another curious inclusion in the lineup is the outstanding “Ako Pa Ba?,” whose beautiful melody and “suggestive” lyrics should make it a radio hit in no time: “Ako pa ba ang laging nasa isip mo? Kahit na malayo ka, malapit ka pa rin.” Hmm. Naughty man.

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