Previous Story
Saipan to access Chedi.Com
|
Posted on Feb 26 1999
She needed a group to back-her up and she found one that needed a singer. Once they got together, they needed a name. In the thick of brainstorming, it occurred to them that they do spend substantial amount of time in front of the computer.
Eureka, the Chedi.Com was born.
Next Saturday, the local community can access Chedi.Com. Not just through the internet but live at Ada Gym, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
But, first, who is Chedi.Com?
The only member my generation could recall, and probably the next group after us, is Chedi, the lead female singer. After leaving Smokey Mountain to become Geneva, Chedi took her post armed with the same talent.
During her stint with the Smokey Mountain group, she’s best remembered for her “Paraiso” (paradise). After the group was disbanded, she explored theater arts and returned to her first love, singing.
According to the band’s profile, her music influence includes Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin and Erykah Badu.
Now, with her new band, she leans on the vocal back-up of Rommel Lumanog and Mark Esqueta. Both share her love for Motown music.
For the rhythm side, the band has Raymond Golamco (guitarist) Jaco Pastorius (bass), and Alex Fidel (drums).
Behind the group is musical director Nikki Caberdo, touted as one of Manila’s best. The group also belongs to Artistation Inc., the same company that handles Side-A band.
When Chedi.Com was formed, members wanted to bridge the gap between old-school and contemporary music by putting the soul back in R&B.
In the Philippines, they have been gracing shows held at Strumms in Makati, Zu of Shangri-la Hotel and other popular spots where well-heeled people would flock.
But make no mistake, their music earns them to have this AB crowd following but they are also at their best before people from the streets. After all, their repertoire includes popular selections to the oldies.
But these are just glimpses. Get the bigger picture by watching them perform live at Ada Gym on March 6. The original venue was set at Mount Carmel, but the track field will best accommodate a bigger crowd.
