D’ Swooners (with Chris Solano)

June 30, 2009

D'Swooners

They were a Filipino band formed in 1963. They went to Hong Kong and played in nightclubs. In 1965, they recorded “My Sonata of Love” (composed by Vic Cristobal) on the Diamond label which became a big hit. They opened for The Kinks and Manfred Mann in Hong Kong. A Japanese talent scout saw them and took them to Japan. They released two singles and two albums in Japan including the very successful psychedelic GS “Please Please Trina” on Philips in 1968.

Cris Solano (vocals, bass)
Charlie Cajilig (guitar)
Ernie Espiritu (organ)
Ronnie Parina (vocals, trumpet, saxophone)
Eddie Fortuno (drums)

(MY SONATA OF LOVE)
When love was new it was grand
We sat and gazed at the band
They were playing we were singing
Our sonata of love
Why did we quarrel and part
What have you done to my heart
Now I’m prayin’ and keep singing
My sonata of love
Love is just a gamble to lose
Would be too cruel
We can’t go on like this
Without you how could I exist
Nothing to say now you’re gone
Nothing is left but our song
Yet I’m praying and keeping
Singing my sonata of love
Nothing to say now you’re gone
Oh nothing is left but our song
Yet I’m praying and keep singing
My sonata of love

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Vic O. Cristobal 葛士培

June 30, 2009

Vic Cristobal

Filipino musicians and bands started bringing music to Hong Kong’s shores in the 1940s. Generations of great musicians came, and over the years they have wielded a big influence on the island’s entertainment scene. Working quietly behind the scene was Vic Cristobal, the musical genius arranger-musician-composer. When the studios wanted a fuller sound, they always turned to Vic Cristobal and his band. Vic Cristobal also composed the hit song My Sonata of Love as well as numerous film scores including 歡樂今宵 (recorded by Billie Tam 蓓蕾 in the movie 歡樂青春, The Joy of Spring). After retirement, Vic Cristobal migrated to Vancouver, Canada. He continued to be active and mentored many aspiring musicians. The British Columbia’s Richmond Music Festival (dedicated to music development in piano, strings and woodwinds through the areas of performance, instruction, appreciation and presentation) has created a Vic O. Cristobal Memorial Trophy.

Vic Cristobal - EP

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