Two years ago, before director-actor Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz turned 68, he thought of recording an all-standards album and releasing it on vinyl before he turned 70. The man had been away from the limelight and detached from singing, choosing instead to take the director’s chair for some of the most successful shows in Philippine TV history.
Mortiz was only 13 years old when he started singing professionally and joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in 1967. He soon got into acting and formed half of the iconic Bobot-Vi love team for a time with Vilma Santos. Eventually, his career in directing soared, and music took a back seat.
Fast forward to the present, thanks to Curve Entertainment recording executive Narciso Chan, “Goin’ Bulilit” creator and director Mortiz’s eight-track, all-standards album has finally seen the light of day. And what delight it has delivered.”I asked for Ciso’s help,” the longtime singer shared. I told him, ‘ Kumanta ako sa [I sang on an] iPad and made him listen to the tracks. I asked Ciso, ‘Boss, pwede pa ba ko [do I still have it]? I want to release an all-standards album,’ so we produced it.’
Mortiz added, “That was what I wanted. ‘Yun ang trip ko noon. The album had always been a passion project that had been brewing through my heart and mind. Those songs became part of my life then. Like when I became broken-hearted, I had a song for that.”
Mortiz’s voice glides through all the standard tracks on the album: “You And Me (We Wanted It All),” “All My Tomorrows,” and “I met my wife (Millet Santos-Mortiz), and I had no work at that time.” He also sang the ballad at Al Tantay’s wedding.The comebacking recording artist also included “Somewhere in Your Heart” for his Ninong Ron (Fernando Poe, Jr.), “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” “You Will Be My Music,” “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” “You Turned My World Around,” and “That’s Life.”
“All the songs have meaning in my life,” Mortiz pointed out. I chose all the songs that were my favorites from when I was a teenager. Bata pa ako kinakanta ko na ‘yung mga [I’v been signing] standard songs [since I was young].”
The album was finished last February, so Mortiz comes full circle now that “Goin’ Standard” has been released. “I am turning 70 this August 30,” said Edgar. “Umabot naman ang album. The tracks are not perfect, but I told Ciso, ituloy natin’ yan [let’s go ahead with it]. If we want to make the songs perfect, I think kaya [it can be done] naman with today’s technology. How I really felt at the time I was recording, that was what’s important to me.”
Mortiz clarified, however, that “Goin’ Standard” is not a comeback for him. He is simply returning to the recording studio to sing what his heart had yearned for all these years.
Edgar noted that the landscape of today’s songs has obviously changed. “Standards cater to a certain crowd,” he said. Nawala na sina (Frank) Sinatra, Tony Bennett [are no longer here]. I was thinking that after my recording, maybe no one would sing the songs I recorded anymore.
“Mine is heavy standards. You really have to listen to the songs and the story behind them. The lyrics are very important.”At the recent album listening party of “Goin’ Standard,” recorded by Pro-Ject Audio System, Mortiz’s friends in and out of the entertainment industry arrived in droves and supported him. The event was held at The Gallery Bar of Crowne Plaza Hotel.
His wife, Millet, and his children were present at the listening party and launch. Other guests include sister-in-law Charo Santos-Concio, Ricky Davao and girlfriend Malca Darocca, Richard Merk, Ali Forbes, Joey San Andres, Al Tantay and wife Micha, Eric Nicolas, Lianne Quebic and comedian Tuko.
Former recording executive Rudy Tee joined Curve Entertainment bosses Narciso Chan, Mario Joson and Chito Confiado. Serafin Pua, TV executive Malou Fagar and actress Amy Austria were also present.
“Goin’ Standard” is now available on all digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and more. The vinyl can be ordered at Backspacer Records. 2F D’Ace Plaza, United St. corner Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
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