Jennifer
N. Uy Emotion in Song
:An article by Jim Stoeber
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Since I have been writing for Super Pinoy Times, I have been honored with the opportunity to meet and interview many exciting and talented artists. My most recent interview has led me to meet a beautiful and gifted artist whom I'd like to introduce to you. Jennifer N. Uy is a classically trained singer whose vocal styles range from opera to classical songs. Her voice also soars in other styles of music such as Acid Jazz, House, heavy ballads, gospel and soul. Born in the Philippines and spending much of her childhood there, Uy grew up speaking several languages and is proficient in Tagalog, Chinese, English and French.
Her father was a well-known opera singer in the Philippines and other parts of Asia, and during her childhood, it was not uncommon for famous celebrities to visit their house. Vocalists and screen actors such as Ric Segretto and Nita Javier were frequent guests in their home. Singing engagements also led them to be in the company of such noted artists as singer/songwriter, Jose Mari Chan. Despite growing up in such a musical environment, and studying piano and choir while in her younger years, it was not until her senior year in high school that Uy really discovered the powerful solo voice inside of her.
At a high school talent show while performing a rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings", the sound crew began to have technical. Then, in a sudden burst of courage, Uy made a split second decision, put down the microphone and with nothing but her voice and sheer willpower sang the song acoustically in front of a very astounded audience. The crowd loved it and immediately went into a frenzy of applause. Everyone knew that this would be the start of something big. It was while attending York University in Toronto that Uy decided to enter an audition which in turn led to a full time scholarship at Toronto's famous "New School of Classical Vocal Studies". She gratefully accepted the scholarship and went through the program for two intensive years.
During this time Uy received many awards and recognition. Invitations to perform both in the Philippines and in Canada also came her way. These engagements have led her to perform in some of the Philippine's renowned and world-class venues such as The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Manila) and the Phil-Am Life Theater (Makati). She was also featured in a concert with her father, her sister, at the exclusive Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, sponsored by La Fundacion Milagrosa Incorporada, to raise money for children's charities and orphanages. It was the first time father and daughters were featured together. Although the weather was fraught with a severe rainstorm and flooding, the hall achieved full house status. The private function brought in accolades and rave reviews from the audience and the foundation that sponsored the event. To this date, never was more money raised in a single event by the foundation for the various charities it supports.
In Canada, Uy has sung at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition), the Toronto Skydome in front of 30,000 people in celebration of Kalayaan '98; The Ford Centre for the Performing Arts for ORAS NA -- a multi-facetted production exploring the roots, culture and evolution of Philippine heritage; and at the Markham Theatre in the musical, Sweeney Todd. She was featured in the annual Ontario's Asian Heritage Month celebrations. She also performs regularly at many other events and concerts at Chinese, Filipino and other mainstream communities in Toronto, and continues to take voice training with world renowned mezzo-soprano and University of Toronto Opera School vocal teacher, Inna Golsband.
Uy is also very involved with several groups and organizations. A key figure in The Kabataan Theatre Group, a group empowering youth of Philippine heritage through the development and production of original plays, songs, workshops and leadership programs, her involvement led her to work with Canadian Opera Company soprano, Lilac Cana. Cana has recently released an album, Encantada, on which Jennifer sings in the powerful duet ballad, "One Heart, One Light".
As a testament to Uy's talent, Toronto songwriter/recording artist, Rodney Ronquillo (Tegancat Cool Artist of the Month), once wrote, "Just listen to "One Heart, One Light" and you'll find that the second voice in Lilac Cana's celebrated duet brings out a resonating power that exists only in the dreams of record producers and songwriters alike. When I first heard Jennifer N. Uy at Kalayaan '98 (held at the Skydome), she absolutely amazed me with her vocal range and power. And without exception, this is one person of both a warm, friendly heart with a diva-calibre voice."
Uy was also a part of the first and consequent productions of A.M.O.R. (Arts, Music on Reflection), an umbrella group created for visual and music artists. It was in this group that Uy first began songwriting, something that she had taken a keen interest in. A live recording of her A.M.O.R. performance of "Ikaw Sana", a song she co-wrote with jP Sunga, Angelico Mercador and Cristina Pernia, landed in the hands of the executive producer of Maui's most popular radio station, KPMW. Without hesitation, the song was played on air, which prompted listeners to call in to inquire about this new artist.
Her thoughts on songwriting are very sincere, as she once said, "There is pure pleasure in digging deep into your emotions and relaying them through songs. It's a form of one's own release and thoughts. Maybe someone might be listening to that song and feel that they can relate to the experience and that one song shares in their pain, joy or emotions. This is what I wish to impart in my music -- to have someone know they are not alone in what they are going through."
Uy is now working in the studio, recording demos of her compositions, co-writing more music and forging her way towards a CD of her own. Some of her ideas are to include elements of Asian music and instrumentation into her music and lyrics, creating an interesting fusion with diverse music styles.
She also has some interesting and encouraging thoughts on the role that artists of Asian heritage can play in today's music scene, and I'd like to take the opportunity to end our story with a quote from this lovely artist, Jennifer N. Uy. "The changes in the mainstream music scene are coming on strong and at a faster pace than we could ever imagine. One day, artists of Asian descent will speak a resounding voice in the industry. It is already happening, the wheels are turning. As such, I hope my voice will contribute to the evolution of music in the same true and spirited voice of my foremothers and fathers. Remember where you come from, but just as important, remember where you can go."
http://webhome.idirect.com/~edwardr/rodneyr/jennifer_uy.html
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/833 8/jkr-jenn.html
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 17:19:41 (EST)