Salientes leads a new acoustic ensemble called Joyful Jazz with seasoned musicians Roger Herrera, Jorge San Jose, and Jeannie Tiongco, where freshly styled Jazz Standards and Classics are performed with high-level virtuosity and musicality.
Trained in classical piano, Salientes represented the Philippines at age 16 and won 2nd prize at the 1973 10th Yamaha International Grand Prix Concours. She graduated Magna cum Laude in Composition from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, briefly teaching at the school while leading a Jazz Fusion band. Business interests developed instead, and after 30 years abroad Tess became a real Balikbayan. She left the corporate world in 2010 to rekindle her musical roots and began composing prodigiously. Tess rekindled her passion for jazz piano last year and formed Quintessence, a dynamic new crossover band featured at the 2012 P.I.Jazzfest.
Jorge San Jose is considered one of the country’s most musical drummers with a lyrical approach to his instrument. Equally fluent in classical and jazz settings, he was a founding member of the iconic Pinoy Ugoy-Ugoy band. As a session drummer, Jorge has accompanied top Filipino singers including Lea, Lani, Regine, and international artists like David Pomeranz and Patti Austin. In addition to playing classical trombone, Jorge plays percussion for Manila’s top orchestras including Gerard Salonga’s FilharmonikA and the newly formed ABS-CBN Orchestra.
Jeannie Tiongco began her career at age 17. Daughter of Emil Tiongco of the popular Tiongco Brothers Trio in the 60’s, Jeannie honed her craft by singing with masters like Bert Nievera, Tony Velarde, Menchu Apostol and recently Tateng and Henry Katindig. Jeannie’s interpretations of classics are unadulterated yet powerful, characterized by sensitive phrasing and grace. Well versed in standard, mainstream and fusion styles, she sang at the Manila Hotel, Sheraton, and Shangri-la. She participated at the recent Fete de La Musique, the P.I. Jazzfest.
Maritess Salientes & Joyful Jazz For bookings and inquiries contact Tess @ 0918 919 0491 or tessbloom@gmail.com and visit the website: www.musicmagician.com.ph
