By Nickie Wang
For the modern-day Filipino language, “Noche Pacifica” does not sound very local. But nobody could dismiss the idea that it is still very Filipino in a sense that even average people can understand the meaning of it and sure American pianist Jim Brickman couldn’t think of any other phrase to describe his impression of the country.
“Noche Pacifica” is one of the title tracks included in Jim Brickman’s latest work entitled Beautiful World, an album for Universal Records.
According to the American pianist, the song “Noche Pacifica” (Peaceful Night) is inspired by his visit in the country five years ago. While touring the Philippines, he was comforted by the distinct Filipino hospitality offered in a cruise ship that took him to Cebu, Palawan and Boracay.
“I’ve had concert tours here in the Philippines and the idea of peaceful night came about when I met some really good Filipino friends who were cruising with me,” Brickman shared when asked about the song during a press conference held at Eastwood Mall.
Brickman, who revolutionized the sound of adult contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano, was here in the country to stage a one-night concert at the Eastwood Mall Open on Oct. 28.
The romantic musical event is part of Brickman’s 75-city Beautiful World Concert Tour that aims to promote the latest album that contains 21 tracks including a collaboration with Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista (the track is available only in the Philippine edition of the CD).
Respect for Filipino talent
Jim Brickman is always been attracted to the Philippines. According to him, he pays high respect and admiration to local singers most especially with the people whom he has worked with like Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Erik Santos (who is embarking on a Asia-wide tour to promote The Jim Brickman Songbook) Martin Nievera, Agot Isidro and Ariel Rivera.
“I’ve said this before that everybody in the Philippines can sing. It’s not just plain singing but really good singing,” the pianist affirmed and continued that if given a chance, he would want to collaborate with Regine Velasquez.“I heard her singing my songs and I would love to work with her.”
Brickman considers ballad hits “Valentine,” “The Gift,” and “Destiny” as his career highlights. Little did he know that for most hopeless romantic Filipinos, these songs practically serve as part of their life as well. This is one of the reasons why his songs are oftentimes being performed by local artists.
“One of the reasons why my music finds success is because my music is intended to be shared with people. And there are so many people who can easily relate with the message of the songs I compose,” the Cleveland native responded when asked about his sentiment when people sing his songs.
Beautiful World
The new album is inspired by Jim’s unique gift of bridging borders and cultural divides through his music.
“It takes inspiration to the places where I travel,” Brickman explained, “I had released 20 albums and this one is very special because it tells about the wonderful opportunities I get from traveling around the world.”
The Grammy-nominated artist is ecstatic with the new album. He even said that he is proud to promote the album because of the universal messages it convey. Among the tracks in the CD, “Free To Fly” is his personal favorite.
“The message is simple, it’s about being free to take whatever path you want to take in your life,” he said.
The new CD showcases the brand-new song “Beautiful World [We’re All Here]” interpreted by Adam Crossley. It also features the all-star collaboration of the artist with Jon Secada, Melinda Doolittle, Orla Fallon, Mark Masri and Anne Cochran in “What The World Needs Now Is Love.”
Brickman has been known for working together with gifted vocal talents like Martina McBride, Michael W. Smith, Michael Bolton, Lady Antebellum, Carly Simon, Donny Osmond and others.
VERY WANG 