MVINEWS.COM
MetroVan Independent News
April 2016
15
ENTERTAINMENT
Photos by MVI News
REtroSpect on stage during their Reunion Concert Tour in Vancouver, BC.
REtroSPECT reunited - 2 thumbs up!
By Luisa Marshall
How do I describe the feeling of
being in the middle of retrospective
music history? It’s like being transported
altogether to another era. I was excited,
delighted, inspired, renewed and most of
all happy! I expected most of the songs
in the repertoire performed by J Martin,
Ogie Ramos and Retro Diva Goldie on their
first reunion concert in Vancouver but the
familiarity was such that the retro impact
REtroSPECT reunited.
of feel good songs from the 70’s, 80’s and
90’s exploded like synchronized fireworks
in the sky. It was that good!
A fantastic turnout at the Columbia
Theatre was something almost impossible
for an act like this but they did it. Staying
true to their craft -- they didn’t mind the
skeptics and retro haters -- and once
again the dynamic trio proved to be
more effective than most artists I’ve seen
through the years. Goldie’s parody of Tina
Turner’s sexiest hit song “Private Dancer”
and unexpectedly syncopated my name
during the song, I was aghast! Call me
‘bias’ because I knew the siblings J. Martin
and Goldie ever since they were kids way
back in Manila. On stage, they mentioned
how they were inspired to watch their older
sister Babes Newland perform in the early
80’s with me in my first band “Hall of Fame”
where their hot musical pursuit started.
Revealing their humble beginnings
to the audience gave it a much personal
touch and, certainly, the audience loved
them more.
To me, J Mart’s rendition of Earth, Wind
and Fire’s "Reason" was enthralling, one
of the most challenging songs any male
singer could do. From retro hits such as
Selena’s Disco Medley to Culture Club’s
“Karma Chameleon” to Sister Sledge's
“We Are Family”, the trio delivered and
conquered.
As a long time singer, I could not ignore
the fact nor deny history that Retrospect
reminded me of the early 80’s where Manila
bands of different genres competed on
stage every night to gain avid followers
from all walks of life for much-needed
staying power. Although quite disappointed
on what transpired before the show
started, an unexpected encounter with
some people with entitlement complex
testing my patience didn’t deter my mission
to enjoy that Friday night.
Three hours at the Columbia might
seem a bit long but it was all worth it...
the blending of timeless music, infectious
rhythm, vintage outfits and powerful vocals
of Ogie, JMart and Goldie for all Retro
lovers like me to enjoy!