Rebirth of the Cool
THE ROMANTIC - Mon David
Photographed by Eugene Nagata at The David residence in Tarzana, California on March 2, 2008
Based in Beverly Hills, California, Mon David got into the art form of Jazz not by playing an instrument, but through his voice—the result of his academic training at the U.P. College of Music and inspiration from the likes of Mark Murphy, Bobby McFerrin, Keith Jarrett, and Kurt Elling. David was known early in his career as the drummer and musical coach of the Apo Hiking Society before he pursued a solo career, a period in which he released four albums and bagged a host of Awit and Katha awards, including Best Jazz Recording, Best R&B Vocal Performance, Best Latin Recording, Best Traditional Vocal Performance, and Best Inspirational Recording. And while those accolades speak volumes about David’s vocal range, depth, and versatility, it’s his grand prize victory at the prestigious 2006 London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists that brought him worldwide acclaim—he outsang over 100 competitors from 25 countries. David’s firm belief in the power of music—and its ability to transcend borders and cultural differences—has made it easy for him to liven up the stage with Jazz luminaries like David Benoit, Eric Marienthal, Tina May, Lee Gibson, Diane Schuur, Bobby Enriquez, and the Peter Churchill trio. As a member of the Philippines’ Jazz Fiesta with good friend and sax great Tots Tolentino, David captivated audiences at Jazz festivals all over the world, giving testimony to his philosophy that music from the heart can heal, build, inspire, and unite. When he looks back on his career, David sees all these varied experiences as magical moments. In his own words, “They’d have to be those moments when you know you’re creating something in a spontaneous way, making beautiful music, and in the process connecting with your fellow musicians on stage and with your audience, feeling an affirmation and confirmation that life can be good and beautiful!” With that kind of golden heart behind that kind of golden voice, it is no wonder that Mon David stands out as one of the great ambassadors of Philippine Jazz.
By J.J. Duque
