We must have been doing something right!
In retrospect, I thought our band, Hustle Blood, still
had "a lot of rice to eat" as the saying goes in Pilipino, that is
still wanting and would take significant effort to get it's performances
"perfect" (acceptable).
Neither do I consider my guitar playing skills even close
(least to my ear) to any of the well known heavy rock guitarists whose rifts
and techniques I had studied and admired.
These bands and their leads I thought were par excellence perfect!
Their balance and harmony were simply amazing and their guitar lead runs,
consistently flawlessly clean and soulfully expressive, going through the
different emotions of the song.
While often quiet and shy, I was, on the other hand, very conscientious in trying to keep abreast of what was the "latest and greatest" to establish some reference point for
improving our performance.
That said, at one of our bar gigs, a guy approached me after
a set, offered me a drink and introduced himself. Handing over a business card (read senior
exec of a well known corporation, owns-runs large chains of restaurants, etc.), very
business like, he asked if I was interested to have the band performing at
Shakeys Taft and if we can prepare for a sample performance (an audition!, it
hit me) and meet with the franchise owner herself.
Upon hearing the offer, some nervousness kicked in, which I
tried to control by clasping my hands tightly together. I was well aware of
Shakeys Taft's reputation as the center venue in Manila for performances of top
"Pinoy" rock bands from all over the country, including those touring
from Olongapo City (famous for its "rock bars" catering to personnel from
the US AF Base).
Name the band and they, in all likelyhood, had performed at
Shakey Taft!
I hesitated and doubting the band's readiness for Shakeys
Taft, almost was about to beg off from the offer.
Sensing my nervousness and hesitation, the mentor reached out for a hand shake and assured me not to worry. He said the meeting
with the franchise owner, from what he'd just seen of our performance shouldn't
pose a problem and also added that he'll put in a good word for us.
And this he did, for the next day, I received a call from
the mentor and then a few minutes after, from the franchise owner's
manager to set up a meeting and audition appointment.
Long story short, the franchise owner and her manager,
auditioned us, on stage and already with some early patrons present.
Right after, we were led up to her office for an immediate briefing. I
was designated the go-to band leader and was advised to change our name, so I
came up with the name Magnus.
We practiced intensely, day and night, making some changes
to our repertoire as required. And just after a few nights of performance, we
were appointed the regular "House Band" of Shakeys Taft.
We played 3 sets alternating with 2 other bands (often
guest, popular named bands), 7pm thru 4am, 3 sometimes 4 times a week, and this
went on for about 9 years.
Looking back, landing
Shakeys Taft was providential as the management was fair
and kind – never had any issue with them
even when some night performances weren't as good as others. Compensation was beyond expected as well as
the musical appreciation, treats and tips from patrons and “fans”
some of whom became good friends - sustained us with sense of accomplishment
and enthusiasm.
Because of the work load the band required, I had to quit my
daytime computer job, and concentrated on the band and a family boutique
business in Makati.
Our corporate mentor had Magnus performing at other Shakeys
branches in Metro Manila as well, more often at the Greenbelt Makati and the
University belt Morayta branches during
our non gig days at Shakeys Taft.
The Band was also invited for gigs in Olongapo City's
bars but after a brief visit in the city, we opted to simply focused on Shakeys
and the occasional city concert gigs in Metro Manila.
Magnus once performed at a TV show called "Student
Canteen", also recorded 11 original heavy rock songs (English and "Pinoy"
songs that took me 2 - 3 weeks to compose) but didn't make it to the charts.
Indeed, I had some of the best times and
blessings of my life during the Magnus band days. While I've lost contact with its members, I am forever grateful to them for their friendship, commitment, hard work and God given talents.
Above, setting up, fine tuning and doing a
sound check, preparing for the 7pm first set.
On stage performing 5 to 7 songs per set, 3 sets per night,
7pm to 4am, alternating with 2 other bands
Band in between sets, enjoying the break and appreciation treats from patrons..
After a concert performance in Makati I met my lovely wife, Josie, standing among a group of young ladies in front of the stage... (Note: original photo was a solo of me taken after the concert gig, back at Shakeys, but for posterity, reconstituted to include her picture of around the same date.)
Eventually, this meeting led me to choose between band and
family, and rethink my band career plans.
