Cover Songbird Faye Yupano and Bass player Bergan Nuñez, core duo of Project Yazz (Photo: Project Yazz/Instagram)
Songbird Faye Yupano and Bass player Bergan Nuñez, core duo of Project Yazz (Photo: Project Yazz/Instagram)
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Have a listen at the local jazz scene coming this December
In an effort to highlight Filipino contributions to global music, Filipinas Heritage Library together with Purefoods Deli brings audiences Jeepney Jazz—a series of concerts centred around the jazzified OPM scene. Jeepney Jazz has previously featured duos Brass Rosette, Skarlet Brown, and Dixie Siekhs who have breathed new life into the genre. For its fourth session, Project Yazz takes the stage at the Ayala Museum as songbird Faye Yupano and bassist Bergan Nuñez are set to bring familiar OPM hits with a jazzy feel.
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Launched in 2017, Project Yazz is a music project birthed out of passion and love for the craft. Starting out with experimentation, Yupano and Nuñez would reinterpret various music recordings and arrangements to fit their own experiences and perspectives—creating something wholly new. These interpretations would then define who they are and what they do. Often jamming out in Tago Jazz, a cafe in Cubao where avid listeners would congregate, Project Yazz hopes to help younger audiences to reconnect with the genre just as the space has done. While still considered indie performers, the two have been internationally recognised as one of the must-follow underground Filipino musicians of 2024.
Above Faye Yupano performing The Juan's 'Balisong' at ABS-CBN's 'Tawag ng Tanghalan
Yupano’s singing voice can’t go unnoticed either as she wowed listeners at the World Youth Jazz Festival 2016 in Malaysia. She also left audiences spellbound as Marikina’s ‘Mighty Songstress’ with stunning performances at ABS-CBN’s singing contest, Tawag ng Tanghalan. In 2024, Yupano’s rendition of the folksong Lubi-Lubi arranged by Krina Cayabyab and produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines made her a finalist for the Best Regional Recording category at the 37th Awit Awards.
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As for what audiences can expect in the upcoming concert, Project Yazz will be performing Parokya ni Edgar’s Harana, Bodjie Dasig’s Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko, and Imelda Papin’s Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig, bringing a fusion of jazz and OPM that the two have uniquely mastered. Joining the duo will be Lui Tan on keyboard, Kenneth Castillo on guitar, and Jacques Dufourt on drums.
Jeepney Jazz Session Four will take place on December 7, 2024 at the Ayala Museum. For more information, visit Filipinas Heritage Library on their social media pages.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
