Some Filipino showbiz fans may primarily associate Richard Merk more with the late singer-actress Nora Aunor than with his chosen music genre, jazz. That is understandable, considering the high level of fame bestowed upon the latter. Even if you’re the main proponent of a music style that is often misjudged, that claim to fame will go second.
Besides, whatever he says about the one and only Superstar will likely get the attention of Noranians, arguably more than his music would. And we’re talkin’ about a legion, a die-hard fan base that includes the masses.
“The Superstar chapter in my life was something I didn’t expect. We fell in love with each other. It was real. Very real,” he noted with poignancy.
Noting that some fans didn’t like him paired opposite their idol, he argued, “What was important was that we understood and loved each other.”
That’s from a jazz man feeling the right groove.
We’ll leave his time with a beloved National Artist at that.
Let’s peep into why he chose jazz when not that many are fans of it. Yes, Johnny Hates Jazz is a band name that comes from a real person who disliked the style. Two reasons why he likes it so much: he is the son of Annie Brazil, dubbed the Philippines’ Queen of Jazz, and his training ground was all jazz clubs like Papillon Bar and Vineyard Jazz Club.
He said, “It’s good training when you’re singing songs that make you feel good. Sometimes not for the money, but for the soul.”
Roni Tapia-Merk, whom he credits as a key force
behind the success of Merk’s Bar
and his enduring journey in music
To emphasize what he believes is a growing number of Filipino jazz musicians, Merk said he suggested to 19 East Bar owner Wowee Posadas that there should be a yearly jazz fest at the popular live gig place. If all goes well, that kicks off this March.
The self-labeled Prince of Jazz has been performing for Casino Filipino outlets, accompanied by pianist Henry Katindig. “Iba yung live music backup,” he stressed.
advocacy for jazz in the Philippines
A one-time actor and notable for being the face of the famed Merk’s Bar, the seasoned jazzer has a record on digital platforms called Dakilang Pag-ibig, penned by Boying Bergado of Innervoices. It is a cover, and he had it rearranged, same as his repertoire for live shows.
He gave credit to his late wife, Roni Tapia-Merk, for the success of their bar in Makati, which ran for eight years, always packed and producing fundraising shows. It even hosted the legendary Angela Bofill.
His advice to musicians, jazz lover or not: “Be humble. Be kind. Listen to music of all generations. Respect all kinds of music and your co-musicians. Improve your craft. There will always be room for improvement.”
He added, “If there’s only one person watching you, play as if the place is full. You’ll never know, that one could be a hotel owner or a big-time producer.”
That’s from a Filipino singer who went through it all, truly making sense, and all that jazz.
