The Black Cows, a nine-member Filipino band with a virtual all-Steely Dan repertoire, continues to make waves with a series of gigs this month: March 7 at Strumm’s Jupiter, Makati; March 10, Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast in Parañaque; March 18, at 19 East Sucat; and March 23 at The Smoking Joint BBQ in Chino Roces Ave. Ext. Makati.
Formed by Wowee Posadas and introduced November last year at 19 East, the band is composed of Pido Lalimarmo (lead vocals, guitar), Bolichie Suzara (bass), Rancis de Leon (alto sax), Ronald Tomas (tenor sax), Oyyo Danal (trumpet), Suy Galvez (vocals), Gail Viduya (vocals), Gibson Viduya (drums), and Posadas (keyboards). They’re all seasoned musicians, having spent years with various bands here and abroad.
Filipino musicians are famous worldwide for their playing note-for-note covers of songs by practically any band. But it doesn’t make the Black Cows just another cover band.
First, it’s not easy to perform original material by Steel Dan, whose principal members, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, were notorious for their complex song arrangements and obsession with perfection in the studio.
Second, it takes a special kind of dedication and passion for Posadas to keep doing what he has started, considering most of the Black Cows’ members have other bands and various commitments.
Third, and this is what I’m very glad about, Posadas and the band take pains to add more Steely Dan tracks to the Black Cows’ regular repertoire.
And so, as an old Dan hit declares, “Kick off your high-heel sneakers, it’s party time!
The Black Cows’ gig on March 10 at Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast also features DJ Jimmy Jam, and is sponsored by De La Salle-Toughed Boys Grade School 1977. Hotel guests get free entrance.
Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast, 35 Presidents Ave. BF Homes, Parañaque