Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

CONCERT KING Martin Nievera, who last starred in a Las Vegas show at Flamingo Hotel with singer Lani Misalucha, will be performing with established Las Vegas star performers Susan Anton, Clint Holmes and Domenick Allen next month. Asian Journal’s community and the arts writer Rene Villaroman tracked Martin Nievera down in Manila and initiated an e-mail interview. The following are excerpts from that exchange:

MN: This first time ever foursome, Clint Holmes, Domenick Allen, Susan Anton and yours truly, Martin Nievera, called Vocal Soup, will be at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino on June 19, 20 and 21 at 8pm. For tickets call (702)636-7075 or log on to www.suncoastcasino.com

MN: This three-night concert is hotel produced and not by any independent or Filipino producer. The producer is the Suncoast Hotel and Casino.

MN: Feels great to be part of the Las Vegas entertainment industry again, but what feels even better than that is being chosen to be part of this group in the first place. There are so many great and more popular singers in the Entertainment Capitol of the World so to be handpicked by a Las Vegas headliner like Mr. Clint Holmes is truly an honor.

I will share the stage with a man who owned the strip when he was a headliner over at the Harrah’s hotel and casino for about 3 years straight until he decided to concentrate on an off Broadway show he wrote himself entitled, JAM or, Just Another Man. It’s beautiful story set to original music written by Clint about his parents; his mom a white opera singer from London England and his dad a black jazz singer and their struggles living through prejudice, war and broken dreams.

I have idolized Clint my whole life as an entertainer on the strip, but what I didn’t realize is that it was not just his obvious gift switching musical genres in a snap of a finger while moving across the stage that got me to be a, "Holmes boy." It was his humility and class that stole my heart away. And what an entertainer! He is complete as complete can be.

He kinda reminds me of a Gary Valenciano mixed together with a Martin Nievera. You’ll see…

Clint has many feathers in his cap, but I am sure he would agree with me that the feather that stands the tallest would be his discoverer Bill Cosby. Or maybe the time he got a standing ovation from Frank Sinatra himself. The stories Clint tells and the friend he has made through his musical journey will make your jaw drop. I should know because mine is still dragging on the carpet.

It was Clint Holmes who conceptualized,Vocal Soup, and all the ingredients in it. He told me his number one requirement was that the people he chooses have to be nice people. I am still wondering who backed out when I got his call. All jokes aside I am thrilled to be the only Filipino in this Vocal Soup mix and I hope to represent us to the best of my ability. I love Clint Holmes very much and my respect for what he stands for is forever.

MN: I have always been a huge fan of the rock band, Foreigner, and to sing harmonies and original songs written and arranged by a member of that legendary band will be more than just fun; it will be a total re-learning experience.

Being the former lead singer for Foreigner one would think Domenick Allen is all about rock and screaming guitar solos, but what I have learned is he is much more than that. In fact if you were to ask me I would tell you he just dabbles in rock, because his knowledge of music and history of music is unmatched by anyone I know. His vocal range is from, "skyscraper high," to, "knocking on heaven’s door high." He switches from Sinatra swing to Crosby Stills and Nash and Young faster than most people drive. Oh, and he can play any musical instrument ever created while frosting cream cheese on a bagel. Kaya mo yan? My hope is that his musicality will rub off on me.

With all of the above mentioned, the best thing about this rocker is he is the nicest guy you will ever meet. Ever! His values and life’s passion never collide. When I grow up I wanna be just like him…

MN: I sit closest to this bombshell beauty during every rehearsal. My fondest memory of Susan would be my first meeting with her. The first thing she ever told me was, "hey you really are short!" so with that our friendship started. Now for more reason than what is obvious, I so look up to her.

I have never met a true life Hollywood actress let alone a Hollywood superstar. Her list of credits run off any bio sheet or resume, but what I love most about Susan is that even though her list of accolades is a mile long she remains unaffected and still very true to her craft.

She is the ideas girl and the first to raise her hand to say, "May I make a suggestion?" and more often than not she always has the best ones. (Ok, second to Clint) She has a beautiful soul and Clint and Domenick will agree with me when I say, "Susan has always been and will always be one hot mama!" We all look forward to share the stage with her, but more excited to share the dressing room.

MN: Many say that good or bad news is good publicity. I disagree. I didn’t ask for all this exposure. My only goal was to not let our champion down and to sing the National Anthem with all my heart and soul. My only fear was forgetting the lyrics. That’s it. I, like so many, never knew or heard of any law that prohibits singing the anthem with all your heart and soul so I was truly and sincerely not prepared for what has been so blown out of proportion. I wish the lawmakers of our country were this passionate about more world changing matters.

MN: I’m doing ASAP, finishing a new CD, planning a big concert in September and preparing for a series of Independence Day shows in London, England.

 MN: will be there only a few days before the show because of my London gigs.

M: Clint and Domenick wrote a few originals for this show, one of which is the title cut of the show entitled, Vocal Soup. My one and only spot number is a medley of my hits. Most of the show will be all four of us on stage together. We even sing back up for each other. A new and friendlier concept untried by anyone on the strip, so far as I know.

MN: every time I put one foot on any stage that is not in the Philippines could be that break.

M: family is great. All three boys are with me now in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true!

AJ: Will you be doing a big concert in Manila before doing this new show in Vegas?

M: my next big concert in Manila will be on September 3 and 4 at the Araneta Coliseum. It’s entitled, AS1 for the first time in history, together on one stage, Gary Valenciano & Martin Nievera in concert! That is a whole other interview. Let’s have some Vocal Soup first!

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on May 22, 2009 in Asian Journal New York p. 8 )