raincontreras.com | one pinoy pundit points and shoots

The Eastwood City leg of the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival was held last Wednesday, and though the band line-up wasn’t my expected usual jazz fare (no effing [UP] Majam? for any date?!), this was still a FREE photo-op. At least there was nostalgia with Color it Red, and a different exposure with Pinikpikan.

NOTE: I’ve been editing exclusively with GIMP, since I have taken ‘residence‘ here at the office.

This felt a wee different from the rock gigs, and there was only one other active photographer going around the stage, taking shots of the bands. Lighting leaves a lot to be desired, too.

But how was the gig? Brigada, a drums and percussion Brazilian-music inspired collective, will get a thumbs up for the quickest next-act transition, since they only needed working microphones, and for that cute lady with the Brazilian tambourine. Tokyo-import Charito was hands-down the best jazz standards performer of the night. Brass Munkeys, a swing band that appeared to lack the usual punk sensibilities expected in modern swing bands, seemed a very apt band for reunions, where tito‘s would like the Frank Sinatra and Elvis covers, and the youngsters could pogo on to their version of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Color It Red personally felt like old family visiting, though it seems inappropriate to refer to Cookie Chua as that hot alternative music babe from the 90s, since her kid was running all over the stage. Pinikpikan was interesting, though they started the set way past my bedtime already, and I had work at 5AM.

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Then it dawned upon me (insert photography geek mode): as much as I consider my current lens -a Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 Macro DC- very appropriate for almost anything (that doesn’t require tele shooting), it looks like I really don’t see much of a need for its wide end with concerts, hence, I’m not maximizing the potential of the lens at its fastest. No, this is not a gripe, and a new lens purchase is out of the question, though honestly, my original kit-lens replacement choice, the Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) just came back haunting my wounded concert photographer wannabe consciousness.

Bjork and Diddy talk pizza, then Bjork and her posse do rap album. Links c/o BoingBoing.

Chris Cornell leaves Audioslave, and Rage Against The Machine reunites (officially, just for one gig). I never really liked Audioslave, but I am a fan of Cornell (Soundgarden songs were once daily relievers back in Shanghai) and RATM… just not them together.

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Today’s random website clicks sent me to this Wikipedia page:

We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank is the confirmed title of the upcoming Modest Mouse album, set to be released on March 20, 2007.

And as with all major releases, there’s already a leak out there on the internets.

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In related news, this old -but just discovered- sliver of info that bolted my spine fluid:

Johnny Marr is a confirmed member of the band [Modest Mouse], co-writing songs for the new album with Isaac Brock. According to Brock himself, Marr is now “a full blown member of the band,” and he will tour with the band in the near future.

That’s Johnny Marr of The Smiths fame, folks.

And to end this post, and old video of Ocean Breathes Salty from Brock and company:

Do note that the above sample seems to be the tamer -nonetheless, still outstanding- version of Modest Mouse.

I was going with an officemate to the UP Fair last night, and just when we were trying to find parking space, she backed off when she saw someone stealing a side mirror from a car. So I went alone.

Then I was reminded that this event was scum central.

Oh how could I be so harsh? I am still a ‘rocker‘ by loose definition. These youngsters with their quasi-punk vibe, standard black shirt, and a penchant for things that come with the rockfan lifestyle look like they are there to enjoy the gig. However, if you and your posse finds it cool to be brash (and stupid) for the sake of being brash (and stupid), then you are scum.

So, I was glad I wasn’t with any one I would have the slightest concern of safety for, since whoever that person would be, my number one priority would be my freaking camera.

Hence, some random photos:

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Tomorrow, my new RF (rangefinder!) group will shoot at Binondo’s Chinese New Year Festival. Contact me if you want to join in.

I’ve had conversations with photography enthusiasts, and some noted their hesitation in taking photos of people, moreso, strangers. At this stage of my shooting photos, I am so eager to take pictures of people. Sure, wide-angle shots of landscapes, and macro-shots of everyday objects are interesting photography specialties, but candid portraiture interests me the most these days. Such as:

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And let’s go back on-topic: the last time I heard girls collectively screaming (with clothes on! Kidding.) was when I was at Fete de la Musique, and they were going gaga over this guy named after a hamburger. Last Sunday, there were probably half a dozen instances when that happened.

I planned on NOT taking shots of some bands that night, based on my utter disinterest with the music they churn out. But then, that shouldn’t stop me from taking ok-enough photos of them:

So I skipped 2-3 bands, and if you’ve seen the lineup, you’d probably be surprised that I decided to leave out the crowd pleasers.

View all the photos from the concert here.