Eric Celerio pays tribute to late dad Levi Celerio in new album
New York City-based working musician Eric Celerio gives new flavors to music hits of his late dad, National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio, in a new album.
Titled Celerio by Celerio, the album consists of 13 tracks including OPM classics such as “Kahit Konting Pagtingin,” “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal.” This new album has strong jazz, Latin, Neoclassical, smooth pop and jazz flavors juxtaposed with old man Levi Celerio's timeless Tagalog classics rendered with a modern touch.
“It was my first attempt to mix the genres. Wala akong pakialam if it was gonna do it or not. Sabi ko, iba-iba ito. May jazz, Latin, may classical, may rock, may Levi Celerio style na a la Kuh Ledesma ang beat. I attempted to put all the styles,” said Eric in a media conference held recently.
As a son of a national artist, one of the important lessons he learned from his father was respecting the original composer of the song.
He recalled, “Gusto niya, yung timing, huwag babaguhin ang mga nasa nota. Kapag binago ko, sasabihin niya, 'No, first respect the composer. Ang dami kong natutunan and I will share to my kids, too.”
However, although he did major changes in his father's classic songs for the album, Eric is confident that his dad would've appreciated it.
“My dad would've appreciated it na in-arrange ko yung isang areglo nang bago. Kasi, sanay ang tatay ko na arranger they take over. So, I think my dad would've liked it.”
Eric also noted that aside from paying tribute to his dad, the album will also be his way of reintroducing his dad's legacy to the younger generation.
“It will be a struggle to give the Levi Celerio legacy with that type of music. Pero I think, people now are open-minded, so open that they often go back to what's quality.”
Likewise, through this album, Eric wants people to know that his music style is different from his dad's.
He said, “I know, I can prove it. Yung mga tao kasi kung minsan, they don't wanna know yung modern version, e. Celerio, e. So, I have to stand on my own din.”
Before Celerio by Celerio, Eric has to his credit three previous albums that capture his rare gift of music that he celebrates with zest in every performance. Celerio by Celerio is available now on various music platforms.
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