Music | Laura Fugi err Fygi

Not about food! 

Bewitched

I do know the spelling of her name. Except she misspelled MY name even after I spelled it out for her so right back at you, diva. Hmpf.

Well. Maybe she was tired. She did give a very charged and energetic performance after all.

For those of you who are not into jazz, this is Laura Figi - errr, Fygi:

 

(If that video doesn't work, check it out here.)

I confess now: I dream of singing. Since Inquirer Lifestyle has written about it, I guess there's no point in keeping it a secret any longer. Since there was a photo included, I can no longer deny that I occasionally grab the mic and say it's another Margaux (I used to deny it when Neal Cruz wrote about me and my political/corp principals would ask if it was true, hehehe!) And since people now come with expectations, it's time to shape up!

As with food, the best way to learn is by being exposed. And I had always heard the name Laura Fygi. What a blessing that she came to Manila! 

I didn't even know that she was in town. But thankfully a Twitter friend randomly and generously shared the news:

Of course I was elated over the news and immediately texted my Fairy Godmother if I could get tickets. Happily, she said yes!

So I find myself six hours later at the lovely Fairmont Hotel, anticipating the arrival of a celebrated international jazz singer! 

But just as exciting as the main act were our own artists. Laura's front act: no less than Jeannie Tiongco, Jacqui Magno and Richard Merk! Jeannie Tiongco was the greatest revelation. She performed a very different, upbeat version of God Bless the Child that I hope to get a recording of!!! 

Richard Merk, Laura Fygi, Jacqui Magno, Jeannie Tiongco (from their press con)

Of course Laura electrified the stage once she got on it. She was a ball of fire. So much energy! 

She started with a favorite of ours, Let There Be Love. (My sister Goldee found this song and we love it because it mentions chili con carne, her boyfriend's signature dish!) 

 

Followed by her version of Bewitched, the title of one of her 11 albums. It was a beautiful and heartfelt rendition that made Goldee remember, "It's just like Keith Urban says on American Idol, you're telling a story!"

Then she got the audience singing a French song with her. After which she proceeded to sing Fly Me to the Moon in French.

After she'd had her fill of French she said it was time "to take the show to Brazil". We thought she was going to sing the usual Girl from Ipanema. But she surprised us with a bossa version of Charlie Chaplin's Smile. AND - and this was really a treat - her version of the Bangles' Eternal Flame. 

She sang a few songs in Spanish. Apparently she grew up in Uruguay and her Spanish is excellent (not that I'd be able to tell!)

Then she tried to get the audience to dance to Cheek to Cheek from Top Hat, that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicale. But hay nako the audience just kind of sat there. Boring.

So I think she just decided to have her own fun. And started playing with the bassist. She gave a very sexy version of Fever. Loved that. And tried to seduce Tito Colby (dela Calzada). Laugh trip. 

Clockwise from top left: 1) "We don't give enough credit to the bassist and drummer." 2) Fever! (fingers crawl up Colby's arm) 3) Am I getting to you yet? 4) Forget it.

But the highlight of her night would have to be when she picked up this really cute dude from the audience. I can't even remember the song she sang because we were laughing so hard on how she was seducing this poor guy! 

"What's your name?" she asked him. "Cesar," he replied. "Ceeezar?" she said before abruptly lying down in his lap, adding, "Then I'm Cleopatra!" Kaloka! In the middle of the song she literally put her boobs to his face LOL. And then in the end she kissed him. Poor guy was cringing the whole time haha. But it was a lot of fun. I guess that's jazz?!



After purchasing her CD for P1,800 (IKR?!!), we got the opportunity for a meet and greet.

Meanwhile, Goldee, who couldn't care less about this genre, was just happy to get her Singapore Sling (not cheap, by the way). 

Thank you, Laura Fygi, for your excellent performance. I'm sure Vice President and Mrs. Jejomar Binay and Rep. Imelda Marcos - who were in the audience, by the way - loved the show!
   

More concerts please, Fairmont Makati! Hmmm maybe Esperanza Spalding next time? ;) 

Fairmont Makati
1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue
Makati City, Philippines

TEL + 632 555 9888
FAX + 632 555 9899 
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