Getting Jiggy with JayR

For those not in the know, R&B or Rhythm and Blues, as a genre, originated from the merger of several musical styles -- jazz, gospel and the blues. So what does it take to be called an R&B artist? More than that, what does it take to be called The Prince of R & B? Here are some tasty tidbits on JayR. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Promo photos courtesy of GMA Network. Jazzy Jay Gaudencio Aquino Sillona III, more popularly known as JayR, comes from a family of musicians. He has uncles who were in a band so music has always been a norm in his life. It was no surprise then when he started showing a penchant for performing. One of his early childhood memories was when he was nine and he went onstage for the first time. When JayR went to Manila after living in the United States, it was only a matter of time before his star started to shine. His words, his beat, would soon be heard. In his first self-titled album, the tracks were undoubtedly R&B. The grooves were a bit different from what Pinoys usually listen to. So, iGMA asked him about his style in music, fashion, and performing. “My style? Style bulok!” he jokingly says. “Sa akin, simple style lang. When it comes to clothes, jeans lang and shirt. On stage, it’s totally different. Pag-stage gusto ko, glamorous talaga; talagang bling-bling. Shiny, ‘yun ang kailangan sa stage eh.” In his second album, Gameface, a more Pinoy sound was heard but was still undoubtedly R&B. It produced the smash hit, “Bakit Pa Ba.” Mention of the song spewed an unforgettable experience for JayR. He was performing at the Philippine International Convention Center. The stage was seven feet high and a barricade about six feet away separated him from the spectators. As he is used to interacting with his audience, he jumped over the barricade and dislocated his toe in the process! “So, the whole time I was singing in pain. I finished my song tapos may “Bakit Ba” pa! Pero, in fairness, I sang it pretty well.” He admits that it might be because he was literally aching. After the incident he had to be rushed to the hospital. Jay’s Blues He performs his usual best in SOP. But his foray in acting made him so much more appealing to a bigger crowd, appearing in two seasons of the kilig show, Love to Love. After which, the silver screen beckoned and he made three blockbusters, So Happy Together, Hari ng Sablay, and Exodus. After the continuous acting projects, he stopped, why? “I’m not gonna act anymore, siguro very seldom lang, not like before. Kasi gusto ng manager i-career ‘yung acting dati. Tapos I’m not a good actor, so I have to take time to really put my mind to it, to get good at it,” he answers humbly. Right now, he is busy producing content for his third album which will hopefully be finished by November. “I would rather spend my time in my music,” he says emphatically. Check out hot pics of JayR in his gallery! Get the latest lowdown on our boy, JayR, join the iGMA forum.