BERT NIEVERA - MANCINI SUITE - TIMELESS 5 - 1993

Danny Tan's Throwback #170
Listening to his interpretation of the immortal love songs of the legendary Henry Mancini from my arrangement of a MANCINI SUITE made me realize that Mr. BERT NIEVERA was one of the best crooners the Philippines had ever produced. You could actually feel him pouring out his heart and soul, unafraid to expose his vulnerability to the entire world. The impressive control of his voice and emotion could melt anyone's heart.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to videotape this 5th edition of the Timeless Concert Series in 1993 because of diplomatic protocols. That night, President Fidel Ramos was the special guest of Bert Nievera and Carol Hernandez-Nievera. As an alternative, we recorded the concert live for commercial release.

BACKSTORY: While studying at the UP College of Music in Diliman. Quezon City, I aspired to set foot on the Cultural Center of the Philippines stage one day. Performing with, arranging for and conducting the CCP's resident orchestra - The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra - were never in the cards. But there I was, standing on stage, still stupefied by the sudden turn of events!

I had never met nor ever worked with Mr. Bert Nievera before TIMELESS The Concert. Out of nowhere, just through the recommendation of our National Artist for Music, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, Ms. Carol Hernandez Nievera and Mr. Bert Nievera hired me. I accepted the challenge put before me. There was no way I would fail them. What came out of this collaboration was a lifetime of beautiful memories and friendship with Bert & Carol Nievera!

Ms. Carol Hernandez Nievera: " In May 1989, I met Bert singing at Tito Rey's Lounge in Malate, Manila. He came back from Hawaii to try to make a comeback. When we got together, he said ...you're going with someone who is at the end of his career. I was not able to fulfill my dream of performing with an orchestra... I said, we will fulfill that dream. So we went to CCP to meet with Mrs. Guevarra who was shocked that we were asking PPO to do pop music. She said she would try asking PPO. After several meetings, PPO agreed. A date was set. Bert asked Ryan Cayabyab to be his musical director & conductor (who he knew as he sang a few songs on Ryan Ryan Musikahan). He was in the middle of a project so he suggested Jun Latonio. I was happy because Jun and I grew up together. Our families would spend almost every Sunday together but we lost track of each other when we were in college. One month to the concert date, Jun's schedule would not match the production's timetable. Bert went back to Ryan. He suggested Danny Tan. Bert kept on saying that Danny brought out the voice he never had."

Danny Tan: "Thank you, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab - National Artist for Music - for having faith in me! This was not the first and last time you recommended me to producers, directors and artists. I am forever grateful and indebted to you. I would not be where I am now if it were not for you!"

MANCINI SUITE
Musical Arrangement, Orchestration & Vocal Arrangement by Danny Tan

TIMELESS 5 - PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
March 13, 1993
Musical Director & Conductor: Danny Tan
Executive Producer: Carol Hernandez-Nievera

MUSICIANS
Piano: Marc Lopez
Guitar: Cezar Aguas
Bass: Roger Herrera
Drums: Jun Regalado
The PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (92-pc Orchestra)
BackUp Vocals: Cathy Castañeda, Elise Cortez, Yogee de Jesus

RECORDED LIVE with no overdubs, PICC Reception Hall, March 13, 1993
Sound Engineer (Live): Bobbit Jacinto
Recording & Mixing Engineer: Willy Munji, JR Recording Studio
Remastered at Greenhills Sound Prods., Inc. by Jun dela Paz

Special thanks to Ms. Carol Hernandez-Nievera. I am forever grateful to you for giving me your trust and friendship! We had wonderful memories together with the love of your life - Mr. Bert Nievera!

Видео BERT NIEVERA - MANCINI SUITE - TIMELESS 5 - 1993 канала Danny Tan