One of the country’s leading pop vocalists Reuben Laurente, a former member of The CompanY, releases his first digital album, Milestone, his sixth solo outing, which he and his collaborators hope would not only entertain listeners, but also inspire and uplift their spirits amid this dark episode we’re all living through. The album also marks the musician’s 34th year in the business.
Although he has been away from the local entertainment scene for more than a decade because of his work in international cruise ships, Reuben found a perfect time to record an 11-track album when the ocean liners went on lockdown.
“I strongly believe that through this album, I can inspire, encourage and touch people in however unimaginable or unfathomable way it can also touch them. After all, music is the universal language of the soul,” Reuben maintains.
Milestone leads with the re-imagined track, “Someone To Watch Over Me,” given an a cappella arrangement by Andre Castillo, Reuben’s former colleague in The CompanY. With the said song, Reuben and Andre pay tribute to the premier vocal sextet, their erstwhile vocal group. A promotional video of the song will be out soon, directed by the tandem Mikko Angeles and Patrick Nobleza.
Reuben also recorded a duet, “Us Together,” with soul diva Jaya. The song is penned by Jonathan Manalo and arranged by Paulo Zarate.
There are also two OPM revivals in Milestone. With Tricia Amper, Reuben recorded Gines Tan’ “Di Na Muling Mag-iisa,” originally sung by Basil Valdes and Pat Castillo. “Sandaling Pinakahihintay” is a popular inspirational song by Prof. Augusto “Agot” Espino and arranged by Naldy Rodriguez.
The original selections in “Milestone” are “Simula ng Umpisa” by Babsie Molina and Edith Gallardo, arranged by Niño Regalado; “Through It All” by Markel Luna, arranged by Eboy Refuerzo; “Never Felt This Way Before” composed by Nathaniel Arnel De Pano; and “Unexplainable” by Jungee Marcelo and arranged by Gino Cruz.
There are also “Panalo,” a song by Soc Villanueva arranged by Kahlil Refuerzo; an inspirational cut, “Stronger Together As One,” composed by Jasmine Aquino and arranged by Erle “Eboy” Refuerzo; and a Christmas OPM, “Pasko Na,” written and arranged by N. Arnel De Pano.
Aside from Reuben doing back-up vocals to his songs, other back-up vocals were arranged and recorded by Zebedee Zuñiga, Eboy Refuerzo, Luis Cortez and Krina Cayabyab. Recording engineers include Dante Tañedo and Enrique “EK” Santamaria (of JazzPop band Extrapolation).
Trisha Denise lent her ethereal voice to one of the tracks. There were also musicians who worked on the album, like saxophonist Ian Jacinto, guitarists Paul Armesin and John Apura.
Reuben recorded Milestone at Ryan Sarmiento’s (of 6CycleMind) BackDoor Studio, The Purple Room and Paulo Zarate’s Studio Z. The album is produced by Arnold Santiago for GRMilestone Records Music.
Songwriter-producer Christine Bendebel facilitated the production for House of Tunes for various digital streaming platforms worldwide. Album cover is by Hong Kong-based musical theater actor and mentor, Roy Rolloda. Photos are by Dr. Raul Ceralde Supnet.
“I’m not saying that after 34 years, ‘I’m still here’,” declared Reuben. “Most may not even know me and this is not inverted humility. Whether or not they felt my presence in the music industry, I believe my purpose is still to make good music and share it with the world. So, let me say, after 34 years, ‘I’m just here’.”
Reuben Laurente’s Milestone is available on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and other leading digital platforms.
