When the Eraserheads take to the stage at the SM Festival Grounds for their much-awaited reunion concert this December, they will have a little help from some friends.
Jazz Nicolas, the drummer, lyricist, vocalist, and producer extraordinaire of the Itchyworms, will be playing keyboards and rhythm guitar, on stage for Huling El Bimbo, the Eraserheads’ reunion concert this coming December 22 at the SM Festival Grounds.
“Am excited,” Nicolas said. “It doesn’t get any bigger than this.”
It isn’t Nicolas’ first time working with the Eraserheads, he has at one time or another, performed and recorded with all the different members. Several years ago, Nicolas’ band, Itchyworms recorded and released a double-A-Side single with Buendia – “Pariwara” and “Lutang.”
“I am a fan of the Heads,” he said unabashedly. “Any time you get to work with them is good; an experience to remember.”
Ciudad vocalist and guitarist Mikey Amistoso is also on hand to help out. However, he mostly stayed by the side helping out Nicolas from time to time.
The podium at the Dolphy Theater inside the ABS-CBN compound is where the Eraserheads have come together for their first rehearsal for their upcoming show. The stage is decked with monitors, amplifiers, and a variety of musical instruments.
There are a couple of guitars that Eraserheads’ vocalist and guitarist Ely Buendia will be using for the show. Those guitars are from Iman Leonardo of the bands Frank Zappa-esque-inspired Prank Sinatra and Sugar Hiccup (and formerly of the goth band Dominion).
Leonardo stood two feet away from where guitarist Marcus Adoro was stationed. For those in the know, it was a surreal moment. The madcap, Zappa-inspired Leonardo meets Punk Zappa.
Leonardo has a collection of 500 guitars. If you think that is huge wait until you see his record collection which is currently at 8,000 and counting.
Even when there are foreign artists who come over to the Philippines to perform, the show producers frequently approach Leonardo to rent guitars.
When Buendia messaged him about renting some guitars, Leonardo thought that he was being pranked.
“But it was really Ely,” Iman said. “That’s Ely Buendia.”
Leonardo’s job is also to prep the guitars for Buendia. A job he does not take lightly.
“Am happy to be a part of this,” he said.
After a lunch break, the band returned for the second half of the first day of their rehearsals.
“We’re not yet halfway,” remarked Buendia of the proceedings. “But we’ll get there.”
After one particular song, the four members gathered in the middle of the stage with Nicolas nearby.
They were working out the chord progression for one song that required a bit of a few takes. However, the seasoned veterans they are, it all worked out. The old classics are somewhat given different spins to accommodate changes in vocal range as well as their dexterity and skill level.
If the first rehearsal is any indication, the real show come December 22nd, will be one to remember.
Image credits: Rick Olivares