The Philippines’ top jazz band KTB has launched an audiophile album, raising the artistic and production standards of the local music scene.

KTB stands for Kiss The Bride, symbolizing the moment the members said “I do” when asked to join the group led by veteran guitarist Joey Puyat.

KTB has been together for 16 years. Its latest album is set to be one of the most significant OPM release in years. It is made up of all-original compositions. The group also performed vocal covers in a mic-free setting at the launch.

All seven songs were composed by Tony Razon, who happens to be Puyat’s cousin.

“The songs in the album are a mix of different flavors. Having written numerous songs for the band to interpret, the composer gives a glimpse of his varied influences - from Flamenco to classical - melding into his jazz penned tunes,” music critic Boy Bustamante said.

He hears “a sprinkling of Spyro, a dash of Di Meola, a tinge of Tom Scott, and more … all ingredients simmering to a diverse auditory flavor for the ears.”

My personal favorite is “Adios Carnaval,” a joyous, percussion and heavy piece. 

KTB’s album is dedicated to the late percussionist Uly Avante whose tracks are blended into each of the seven songs. Its packaging is world-class: a double album in thick transparent white vinyl spinning at audiophile-grade 45 rpm, the analogue equivalent of high-resolution digital formats.

Johnny Alegre, a renowned guitarist, produced the album.

KTB is composed of Joey Puyat (Guitars), Tony Razon (Keyboards), Joseph Marco Concepcion (Drums), Cecile Santiago Rodgers (Synth Pads, Vocals), Michael Guevarra (Tenor Sax), Andrew Dixon (Tenor Sax) and Kingsley de los Santos (Electric Bass).

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(Roberto “Bobby” Coloma is a veteran international news correspondent who served as bureau chief of Agence France-Presse in Singapore and Malaysia. He started out as editor-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian, the radical student newspaper of the University of the Philippines.)