Jazz Album Review: "Coming True" by Mon David

Unlike Japan and the Scandinavian nations, the Philippines is not a country with an international reputation for fostering local jazz talent. However, two Filipino artists are determined to change that. After making a guest appearance on fellow countryman-vocalist Charmaine Clamors My Harana, Mon David now steps into the spotlight with his American debut Coming True.

David has a smoky baritone, and with his pencil-thin moustache, vaguely bears a weird resemblance to Robert Goulet in the liner photos. Yet, Davids vocal flair extends beyond crooning for swooning. It turns out he has a real gift for scat singing. In fact, his vocalizing effects are the first sounds to be heard on the opening track, a Filipinized rendition of Nnenna Freelons lyrics to the Wayne Shorter composition, Footprints. It is a dramatic vocal showcase for David, frequently segueing between scat and lyric interpretation, while allowing space for a brief but swinging solo statement from pianist Tateng Katindig.