The first ever Boy Katindig Jazz Competition was held at the Hard Rock Café in Makati last Saturday, July 28. It was an opportunity for some of the biggest names in Philippine jazz to get together to witness a night of great music and friendly competition.
In honor of the contest’s namesake, the eight competing bands had to perform an original composition and their own interpretation of a Boy Katindig song. This added flavor to the contest as bands showcased their varying jazz styles and influences.
The grand prize winner was the band Baihana, who bagged the Best Jazz Band award. Baihana is led by Krina Cayabyab (daughter of Ryan Cayabyab) on vocals, alongside vocalists Anna Achacoso-Graham and Melinda Torre, Tim Cada on guitar, Adriel Bote on keyboard, Joshua Royeca on bass, and Karmina Santiago on drums. As the big winners, Baihana will have the honor and privilege of attending the World Youth Jazz Festival in Malaysia next year with Boy Katindig.
Cayabyab also took home the award for Most Outstanding Instrumentalist. A surprised Cayabyab received the award from Katindig, who stressed that “the voice is also an instrument.” She bested musicians Dave Berk of Connect 4, vibraphone player Jaimar Palispis, flutist Angelo Mateo of Camerata Jazz, and JC Magsalin of JC3.
Best Jazz Composition went to the song “Puso’t Pag-ibig” by Monet Silvestre of DaMoRe Trio. It was Silvestre’s first award.
Judging the contest were composer Jun Latonio, record producer Willy Villar, Atek Jacinto, jazz violinist John Lesaca, singer Rico J. Puno, and Serafin Pua, who runs the jazz-themed venue Birds of the Same Feather.
One of the evening’s highlights was Katindig doing a medley of his biggest hits with top musicians from some of the eight competing bands: “Away From You” with Jennifer Ramos, “Capture the Changes” with Jacqui Magno, and “I Will Always Stay in Love This Way” with Baron Barbers.
It was definitely an evening for the jazz books. For those who missed it, you can catch Boy Katindig and the grand finalists of the competition as they get together for an open jam this Saturday, August 4, at Gweilo’s Makati, 8PM.
