MUÑESES/PRINTUP

PAG-IBIG KO VOL. 1

Irabbagast Records

Matthew Muñeses, saxophone/arranger/educator; Riza Printup, harpist/educator.

In the Philippines, romantic love songs are known as ‘kundiman.’  When Matthew Muñeses first began to explore his Filipino heritage through songs of the 19^th century, his eyes were opened to many more possibilities. The compositions Muñeses has chosen for this project are beautiful, melodic love songs.  For example, the title of this duo’s album “Pag-Ibig Ko” translates to “My Love.”  The merger of the Muñeses saxophone and Riza Printup’s lush harp is a match made in heaven.

“I instantly knew these songs would be beautiful to play with harp,” Matthew Muñeses says in his press package.

Riza Printup and Matthew Muñeses met about a decade ago when they were both appearing at a Filipino jazz event. It turned out that the harpist had been raised in a family that introduced her to kundiman songs at an early age. Muñeses had only just become familiar with the musical and cultural artform. As a young musician, he was listening to more pop music or OPM (Original Pilipino Music), some that was very pop oriented.

The pair opens with the song, “Dahil Sa Iyo.” It’s a lovely tune, covered worldwide by an assortment of musicians and vocalists.  In fact, jazz pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole once sang it to his Filipino audience while in concert.

Muñeses and Printup’s interpretation of “Minamahai Kita” is another example of an absolutely beautiful kundiman composition. The title simply translates to “I Love You”

The duo are both first-generation Filipino Americans born in this country.  However, their love for their home country and culture is prideful. They take great appreciation in their heritage.  With this lovely album of music, they offer us an introspective look at the blending of cultures, along with introducing us to the historic beauty of kundiman Filipino compositions.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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