In 1990, Philippine male guitarist
Rudy Lozano released,
Thaddea.
Rudy Lozano is one of the country's most sought after session guitarists, and this album shows why. His dexterity and imagination is admirable, and the album holds together quite well.
Rudy Lozano is accompanied here by other sought after session musicians, including saxophonist
Tots Tolentino, bassist
Roger Herrera, and drummer Roy Mercado. Philippine female vocalist
Louie Reyes takes the spotlight on "Count on Me," though
Lozano is heard throughout, adding imaginative fills and runs. He has an engaging guitar style, intelligent and enjoyable, and displays much versatility, handling various types of musical styles. The opener, "Thaddea," has a modern ambience to it, and
Rudy Lozano plays well-honed, distinct electric guitar in the elegant manner of such jazz guitarists as
Kenny Burrel.
Rudy Lozano plays the tender melodies of "Morning Breeze" and "Noong Unang Panahon" ("During the First Time") in a mostly note-for-note manner, but also adds jazz-styled embellishment; "Noong Unang Panahon" ends on a display of dazzling improvisation. His rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" is exciting, and he plays the famous melody in a loose, rock-edged manner over a bouncy backbeat, adding searing fills and solos. He soars on the stunning rock/jazz fusion number, "Oh Yeah!," the album's most adventurous number, and sounds like fusion guitarist
Mike Stern here. He is accompanied by top-flight saxophonist
Tots Tolentino, who trades exciting lines and ideas with him. This is an excellent, enjoyable album.