Phil. Star | No longer a singer in hiding

by Gian Carlo Vizcarra
Updated March 18, 2011 12:00 AM

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If Lani Misalucha was called Multiplex Queen before, then maybe singer Gail Blanco can be called Queen of Compilation Albums for she has lent her voice to seven highly-successful compilation albums. The list includes the In Love series (Bacharach, Manilow, Bee Gees and Christmas) and Kris Aquino inspirational albums (Songs of Love and Healing, Songs of Love and Inspiration, and Blessings of Love).

After a few years of waiting, Universal Records has released not just another compilation album for her, but a launching album billed Sweet Love, which features 16 of the most memorable love songs in history.

“To have been given this chance to record my own album, I am thankful and happy,” says Gail. “I got so thrilled when finally I got to see my picture and name in the album cover.”

With this achievement, Gail did not fail to acknowledge the immense help given to her by her label Universal Records, Kris Aquino and Jed Madela.

According to Gail, she was touched when Kris acknowledged her talent, as she lent her voice to the actress-TV host’s albums.

Gail and Jed’s friendship goes a long way back. In fact, they used to perform in a band together. She said, “because of Jed, I have been introduced to Universal Records and to Ms. Kathleen. He is really a good friend of mine.”

For her debut album Sweet Love, Jed and Gail performed the song Fallen from the Pretty Woman soundtrack.

Sweet Love also features the Gail’s romantic covers of Let’s Wait Awhile (Janet Jackson), Tonight, I Give In (Angela Bofill), Through the Fire (Chaka Khan), Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles), among many other beautiful tunes.

While doing this interview, news came that only two weeks after its release, Sweet Love is already making its presence felt in the music charts all over the country.

Thrilled, Gail said, “I don’t know what to say, except thank you. We all have worked very hard for this album. I hope you all grab a copy of this album.”

She adds that she also dreams of having her original compositions be recorded soon and to have a chance to collaborate with fellow Universal Records’ royalties like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Jay-R and even Parokya ni Edgar.

“But I am not in any hurry,” concludes Gail. “For now, I am very thankful that I am no longer just that ‘voice.’”

Source:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=667368&publicationSubCategoryId=70

"Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites" CD Out Now

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Singer Gail Blanco’s name may be new to the public’s ears, but not her beautiful singing voice. She is, in fact, the voice behind several highly-successful easy listening compilation albums, which includes the In Love With Bacharach, In Love With Manilow, Acoustic Love Affair, By Popular Demand and Kris Aquino inspirational albums.

In Universal Records’ latest release, “Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites” however, the lovely singer has finally been given the chance to present herself as a singer. Produced by Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, “Sweet Love” contains Gail’s silky interpretations of some of the biggest pop-jazz hits of the seventies and eighties.

“It feels so good to have been given this chance to record an album, which I can really call my own,” says Gail. “It thrilled me to finally see my name and picture in the cover of “Sweet Love.” She adds that she is thankful to Universal Records for giving her this opportunity to record her own album at this point in her career.

Before recording all these albums, Gail has done the rounds as a young singer – joining singing searches and losing, performing with a band, doing back-up for other singers, among others. She used to perform with World Champion Jed Madela in a band years ago and it was also Jed who introduced her to the Universal Records family, which gave her the break to be featured in the several compilation albums. “I am so thankful to Jed because he introduced me to all these generous people,” enthuses Gail. “Without him, I wouldn’t have been given this chance to fulfill this lifelong dream. The longtime friends perform “Fallen” for her debut album.

Asked to describe “Sweet Love”, Gail said that it is a celebration of love. It includes Gail’s rendition of Let’s Wait Awhile (Janet Jackson), “Tonight, I Give In” (Angela Bofill), Through the Fire (Chaka Khan), Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles), among many other beautiful tunes.

“From the interpretation to the arrangement of the songs, we really ensured that love will be felt and experienced, not only heard,” assures Gail. “For those people who love love, “Sweet Love “is for you.”

After just two weeks of release, “Sweet Love : 16 Easy Listening Favorites” is already making its presence felt in the sales charts of music stores – a surprise that keeps Gail more inspired to continue improving her craft.

“Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites” tracklist:

1. Initial Thrill (originally by Kenia)
2. Let’s Wait Awhile (originally by Janet Jackson)
3. It’s You (originally by Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick)
4. Sometimes A Love Goes Wrong (originally by Carrie Lucas)
5. Fallen ((originally by Lauren Wood)
6. Tonight I Give In (originally by Angela Bofill)
7. In My Life (originally by Patti Austin)
8. You Touched My Life (originally by Gwen Guthrie)
9. Hiding Inside Myself (originally by Kenny Rankin)
10. The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye (originally by Sergio Mendes)
11. Follow Your Road (originally by Pauline Wilson)
12. Forever Blue (originally by Swing Out Sister)
13. Just Because (originally by Anita Baker)
14. Through The Fire (originally by Chaka Khan)
15. Here Comes The Sun (originally by The Beatles)
16. Nightbird (originally by Kalapana)

"Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites" album preview:


Follow Gail Blanco:
Facebook Fanpage:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gail-Blanco/162455987108750
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/nightinGAIL_B

"Sweet Love" is Certified Number One!

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“Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites”, the album from Universal Records' newest signing Gail Blanco is the overall Number One album in O Music Video located at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center. O Music Video is the high end music & video store of Odyssey Records.

Singer Gail Blanco’s name may be new to the public’s ears, but not her beautiful singing voice. She is, in fact, the voice behind several highly-successful easy listening compilation albums, which includes In Love With Bacharach, In Love With Manilow, Acoustic Love Affair, By Popular Demand and Kris Aquino inspirational albums.

In “Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites”, Gail Blanco has finally been given the chance to present herself as a singer. Produced by Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, “Sweet Love” contains Gail’s silky interpretations of some of the biggest pop-jazz hits of the seventies and eighties.

“Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites” tracklist:
1. Initial Thrill (originally by Kenia)
2. Let’s Wait Awhile (originally by Janet Jackson)
3. It’s You (originally by Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick)
4. Sometimes A Love Goes Wrong (originally  by Carrie Lucas)
5. Fallen (originally by Lauren Wood)
6. Tonight I Give In (originally by Angela Bofill)
7. In My Life (originally by Patti Austin)
8. You Touched My Life (originally by Gwen Guthrie)
9. Hiding Inside Myself (originally by Kenny Rankin)
10. The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye (originally by Sergio Mendes)
11. Follow Your Road (originally by Pauline Wilson)
12. Forever Blue (originally by Swing Out Sister)
13. Just Because (originally by Anita Baker)
14. Through The Fire (originally by Chaka Khan)
15. Here Comes The Sun (originally by The Beatles)
16. Nightbird (originally by Kalapana)

"Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites" album preview:


Follow Gail Blanco:
Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gail-Blanco/162455987108750
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nightinGAIL_B

Mla Bulletin | Gail Blanco: Front and center at last

March 11, 2011, 12:33pm

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Singer Gail Blanco’s name may not ring a bell yet but her beautiful singing voice has already enchanted many people. She is the voice behind several highly-successful easy listening compilation albums including the “In Love With Bacharach,” “In Love With Manilow,” “Acoustic Love Affair,” “By Popular Demand” and the Kris Aquino inspirational albums.

In Universal Records’ latest release, “Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites,” the singer has finally been given the chance to present herself as a singer. Produced by Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, “Sweet Love” contains Gail’s silky interpretations of some of the biggest pop-jazz hits of the seventies and eighties.

“It feels so good to have been given this chance to record an album, which I can really call my own,” says Gail. “It thrilled me to finally see my name and picture in the cover of ‘Sweet Love.’”

Before recording all these albums, Gail has done the rounds as a young singer – joining singing searches, performing with a band, doing back-up for other singers, among others.

She used to perform with World Champion Jed Madela in a band years ago and it was also Jed who introduced her to the Universal Records family, which gave her the break to be featured in the several compilation albums. “I am so thankful to Jed because he introduced me to all these generous people,” enthuses Gail of her friend with whom she duets “Fallen” in her album. “Without him, I wouldn’t have been given this chance to fulfill this lifelong dream.”

“Sweet Love” contains Gail’s versions of “Let’s Wait Awhile” (originally by Janet Jackson), “Tonight, I Give In” (Angela Bofill), “Through The Fire” (Chaka Khan), “Here Comes The Sun” (The Beatles), among many other beautiful tunes.

“From the interpretation to the arrangement of the songs, we really ensured that love will be felt and experienced, not only heard,” assures Gail. “For those people who love love, ‘Sweet Love’ is for you.”

After just two weeks of release, “Sweet Love : 16 Easy Listening Favorites” is already making its presence felt in the sales charts of music stores – a surprise that keeps Gail more inspired to continue improving her craft.

Source:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/308756/gail-blanco-front-and-center-last

Chrysta Jones talks about Workshy's new album "Bitter Sweet"

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If you grew up listening to the music of '80s pop-jazz acts like Sade, Everything But The Girl and Swing Out Sister, surely you have heard of the British duo Workshy.

For 2011, Workshy releases a new CD "Bitter Sweet" and Chrysta Jones talks to us about their latest effort.

1. Workshy's latest release is called "Bitter Sweet". Why did you call it "Bitter Sweet"?

It seemed like a title that reflects life as we know it now.Nothing is as sweet without the bitterside and it is the mixture of the two that life is about.

2. How long did it take you to finish the new album?

We dd it in about a year or so...it took us a while to decide to start...and then it took a while to get out, but only really took a year to do.

3. "Smile Again" was released in 2007, and you had significant amount of time in between. What did you do in between albums to prepare for the next?

Well to start with Michael had a bad accident just after "Smile Again", so it took him a while to recover ...he's fine now but he needed a good while to get back on track.

4. How is "Bitter Sweet" different from all your other albums?

I think maybe as a result of the accident this one's a bit deeper and more reflective at times...but then has the antidote up side. Hence the title!

5. You recorded a covers album "Soul Love". Have you thought of doing another covers album?

Michael not so much , but I would love to.

I love writing songs but also love the things interpreting other peoples material do your imagination and singing.

6. Workshy has strong fan base in this region particularly Japan. Why do you think after three decades you still have them hanging onto your every word?

I think there is a sympatico between Japan and the U.K., Tokyo and London....we are islands and have a similar mentality...I think the music reflects our common experience.

7. Do you listen to any new mainstream stuffs like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber?

Honestly , no...but I get to hear it as my daughters are 9 and 11 so they can't be avoided. I don't dislike.

8. What do you listen to these days?

I still listen to the good old things Stevie Wonder ...I like new things like Adele, Amy Winehouse and Plan B...and like really old things too old blues and Jazz albums Thelonius Monk, Etta James and others, and love the '80s music I was brought up with but didn't like then!

9. Who are some of your personal musical influences?

I have just named some but love Bacharach and David...Carole King as a songwriter, old Gershwin, Cole Porter as songwriters and torch songsters.I love David Bowie and know all the words to most of his songs off all eras.

10. You have been to the Philippines twice. Any fond memories or unpleasant ones?

Mainly great memories...always being treated well and lovely loyal people...

There always been choices you can make that you could regret but I choose to use it as experience and move on.

11. Can you give us three of your favorite tracks from "Bitter Sweet" and why?

Of our songs I really like "Bitter or Sweet" as its quite an emotional entreaty... it's a song about those moments where you realise you thought you new what you thought and then suddenly get a new perspective.

I also like "Silly Games" as its another emotional but a bit more uplifting tune..enjoyed what we did with it having known the song forever..and gving it a new flavour...

12. Do you have a favourite Michael Jackson song?

I love 'Ben". I used to sing it as a child and now i sing my children to sleep with it.

13. Do you have a dream collaboration?

It has to be Stevie Wonder!

14. What gives you more satisfaction? Recording or performing?

They cannot be compared one is thrilling the other is fulfilling I'll let you guess which is which.

15. Did you love music as a child and how did that lead you to become part of Meal Ticket?

That was my dad's band...but I did used to sing with them and we were always having people around with instruments when we were younger..

16. Workshy's music has been called "coffee table soul and smooth jazz", is that a label you are comfortable with?

It's a bit insulting and not really accurate! I think edgy easy listening would be more complimentary.

17. How do you guys decide who will sing which track?

It's usually about suitability but sometimes we write one for ourselves or the other one.

18. Do you have a favourite Workshy album?

I think I like the current one best 'cause it's new and fresh to me...and the others go in and out of favour like food types or wine!

I am fond of the range of songs on "Clear".

Workshy "Bitter Sweet" album preview:


Workshy "Bitter Sweet" CD will soon be released in the Philippines by Universal Records.

"Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites" CD Out Now

Share

Singer Gail Blanco’s name may be new to the public’s ears, but not her beautiful singing voice. She is, in fact, the voice behind several highly-successful easy listening compilation albums, which includes the In Love With Bacharach, In Love With Manilow, Acoustic Love Affair, By Popular Demand and Kris Aquino inspirational albums.

In Universal Records’ latest release, “Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites” however, the lovely singer has finally been given the chance to present herself as a singer. Produced by Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, “Sweet Love” contains Gail’s silky interpretations of some of the biggest pop-jazz hits of the seventies and eighties.

“It feels so good to have been given this chance to record an album, which I can really call my own,” says Gail. “It thrilled me to finally see my name and picture in the cover of “Sweet Love.” She adds that she is thankful to Universal Records for giving her this opportunity to record her own album at this point in her career.

Before recording all these albums, Gail has done the rounds as a young singer – joining singing searches and losing, performing with a band, doing back-up for other singers, among others. She used to perform with World Champion Jed Madela in a band years ago and it was also Jed who introduced her to the Universal Records family, which gave her the break to be featured in the several compilation albums. “I am so thankful to Jed because he introduced me to all these generous people,” enthuses Gail. “Without him, I wouldn’t have been given this chance to fulfill this lifelong dream. The longtime friends perform “Fallen” for her debut album.

Asked to describe “Sweet Love”, Gail said that it is a celebration of love. It includes Gail’s rendition of Let’s Wait Awhile (Janet Jackson), “Tonight, I Give In” (Angela Bofill), Through the Fire (Chaka Khan), Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles), among many other beautiful tunes.

“From the interpretation to the arrangement of the songs, we really ensured that love will be felt and experienced, not only heard,” assures Gail. “For those people who love love, “Sweet Love “is for you.”

After just two weeks of release, “Sweet Love : 16 Easy Listening Favorites” is already making its presence felt in the sales charts of music stores – a surprise that keeps Gail more inspired to continue improving her craft.

“Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites” tracklist:

1. Initial Thrill (originally by Kenia)
2. Let’s Wait Awhile (originally by Janet Jackson)
3. It’s You (originally by Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick)
4. Sometimes A Love Goes Wrong (originally by Carrie Lucas)
5. Fallen ((originally by Lauren Wood)
6. Tonight I Give In (originally by Angela Bofill)
7. In My Life (originally by Patti Austin)
8. You Touched My Life (originally by Gwen Guthrie)
9. Hiding Inside Myself (originally by Kenny Rankin)
10. The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye (originally by Sergio Mendes)
11. Follow Your Road (originally by Pauline Wilson)
12. Forever Blue (originally by Swing Out Sister)
13. Just Because (originally by Anita Baker)
14. Through The Fire (originally by Chaka Khan)
15. Here Comes The Sun (originally by The Beatles)
16. Nightbird (originally by Kalapana)

"Sweet Love: 16 Easy Listening Favorites" album preview:


Follow Gail Blanco:
Facebook Fanpage:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gail-Blanco/162455987108750
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/nightinGAIL_B