Richard Poon takes on Filipino Christmas with ‘Crooner Carols’

The Philippines’ one and only Big Band Crooner, Richard Poon, has just released a 4-track Christmas EP aptly titled “Crooner Carols.” The EP was released under Republic Records Philippines (a record label under Universal Music Group Philippines), making this his first release with the record label since signing early this year.

The tracks are as follows:

1. Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko (originally by APO Hiking Society)

2. Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit

3. Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You (popularized by Martin Nievera)

4. Miss Kita Kung Christmas Ft. Zephanie (originally by Susan Fuentes)

With This Generation’s Pop Princess Zephanie lending her magical voice for “Miss Kita Kung Christmas,” the final track of the EP is undeniably the most unique as it is also the first time the song has been given an upbeat salsa twist, an interpretation most have probably never heard or imagined. Meanwhile, Richard also decided to play around with Martin Nievera’s beloved classic, “Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You,” giving the song a smoother and jazzier feel.

The two other songs – “Tuloy Na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko” and “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” – were given the classic big band treatment that Richard’s fans know and love.   

All 4 tracks are accompanied by a 13-piece big band composed of the following musicians:

1. Michael Mark T. Guevarra – Alto Saxophone

2. Ronaldo Tomas – Tenor Saxophone

3. Joey De Guzman – Tenor Sax

4. Xavier Ernest John Celestial – Trumpet

5. Archibald Constantino – Trumpet

6. Lester Sorilla – Trumpet

7. Jose Aris Antinero – Trombone

8. Vanessa Ellaiza Jean R. Celestial – Trombone

9. Antolin L. Austria Jr. – Drums

10. Simon Leonardo Tan – Bass guitar

11. Noel Santiago – Electric Guitar

12. Augusto Quirino, Jr. – Piano

13. Mel Villena – Baritone Sax/Synth Percussions/Arranger/Conductor

Richard – having a very special fondness for the brass section – took a hands-on approach in the making of this EP while closely collaborating with maestro Mel Villena (who served as an arranger and conductor for the project) to bring the musical interpretations up to par.

Audio engineers Marvin Querido and Angee Rozul mixed and mastered the EP with the recording of the big band taking place at OnQ Studios in Quezon City. Additionally, Timothy Recla served as the audio engineer for “Miss Kita Kung Christmas.”

The “Crooner Carols” EP is now available to stream on all major music streaming platforms worldwide.

The official lyric videos will be available on Richard Poon’s YouTube channel (@TheCroonerPH) on December 19, 12MN.