Three of a kind: Katindig, De Leon, Powers

CERRITOS — He would have preferred to be called Eddie K Jr. but Eduardo Katindig Jr., son of an internationally famous jazz pianist, just wants to be known simply as Tateng, the jazz pianist. Saxophonist Ner de Leon, who also comes from a long bloodline of musicians, is as modest. He is simply Ner, the man with a mission, that of propagating the teachings of Jesus Christ. The powers behind them, in as far as the newly opened The O Restaurant & Bar on South St. Cerritos is concerned, is Jimmy Powers, not the rocker and jazz legend, but the architect from Gruen Associates of San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, South Korea and Vietnam. Together, they create a fusion that is making the restaurant and bar specializing in fusion, seafood and grill a new attraction in this side of town. As some sort of a duet, Tateng and Ner have already performed in many entertainment outlets aside from The O Restaurant & Bar and have, in fact, produced albums in the United States that feature jazz, rock, gospel, classical and holiday music. The two are not ordinary musicians. Tateng Katindig was a graduate of the University of the Philippines who majored in composition and keyboard concentration. Ner de Leon studied at the Berklee College of Music in his desire to reach out to the impoverished children and families. All the proceeds of his musical projects, he says, have benefited Third World countries, including the Philippines. Katindig started his piano lessons at age 7 while De Leon began playing the sax at age 8. Eddie K’s son was born in the Philippines. Music is the core foundation of this family. Eddie K is one of the Philippines’ record holders in the instrumental category (saxophone). Tateng started piano lessons at age 7 under Professor Fred Robles and Professor Mendoza. His passion grew when he was in school, thus focusing his love for music towards jazz. He had stints in Asia like Singapore with the Luis Tan trio. He toured with Kevyn Lettau in the Philippines and did a show with Eric Marienthal. Jazz brought him to the United States in the year 2000. He has played with many greats such as Earl Palmer - the legendary drummer, Lou Rawls, Ritchie Cole, Alphonse Mounzon, Bill Henderson, the late Teddy Edwards, Sam Most, Eloise Laws, Hubert Laws and Carl Saunders, to name a few. Tateng says he does not limit himself to jazz. He also works as a musical director for big concert events playing R&B, pop and standards. Some of his projects included the Jasmin Trias/JR show done in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Vernie Varga/David Pomeranz show here in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and Jeff Timmons of 98 degrees CD during the launching at the Hard Rock Cafe Universal Studios. Saxophonist Ner de Leon is an artist whose music has inspired other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock ‘n roll, R&B, pop and smooth jazz. Over the years, he has developed a timber that distinguishes his unique and superb style of sound that sets him apart from the rest. Ner’s passion extends to more than his music. His passion is simply to create music that emanates the message of love, hope and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ who has the power to change lives. Both Katindig and De Leon also perform at Coconut Bay Bar & Grill in Rowland Heights; Blue Guitar with Dark Sunday, Palm Springs; Charlie O’s Bar & Restaurant, Cerritos; and Ritz Carlton Hotel with Myke Gonzaga. They have also played music with Martin Nievera, Garry Valenciano, Oggie Alcasid, Ai Ai delas Alas, Miguel Vera, Marco Sison and Bernardo Bernardo. - Raul Valino, Philippine News