Eighteen-year-old aspiring musician Kahlil Durias—the only daughter of South Border’s Jay Durias—invited us recently to check out a gig featuring an all-female lineup at ASpace, which resembles an art gallery and a creative working space on the second floor of The Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City.
Turned out that the performers are arguably the finest Filipino singer-songwriters of today’s generation. They remind us of Joni Mitchell, the Canadian music artist whom critics described as “one of the greatest songwriters ever” and “may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century.”
A tough act to follow, but comparisons aside, the music we heard from Coeli, Keiko Necesario, Leanne and Naara, Clara Benin and Reese Lansangan resonate with intelligent yet honest lyrics, as well as melodies and rhythms that reflect their enormous talents.
Their songs talk to their audience—the dilemma and confusion in Coeli’s “Magkaibigan o Magka-ibigan”; the idealism in Necesario’s “While We Are Young”; the romantic candor in Leanne and Naara’s “Again”; and the heartache in Benin’s “Parallel Universe.”
Their technical skills are equally noteworthy, especially Benin’s quirky, unconventional guitar plucking.
All these artists, by the way, have a big fan base, even as we think more people should get to know them. A good start is by following their respective websites.
ASpace, 3/F Fort Strip, 20th and 7th, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
