R&B legend James Ingram has returned to the Philippines after more than a decade. He is in the country for a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 17, Friday, and at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on February 18, Saturday.
After resting since his arrival on Tuesday night, February 14, concert-producer Joed Serrano held a presscon for him the next day, February 15, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Pasig City.
Jolly James entered the function room belting his signature baritone howl heard in most of his songs.
The Grammy-award winning artist, who has performed in the country numerous times, sat on the presidential table, greeted the press in attendance, and expressed his joy on being back to the Philippines.
"Every time I come here, I'm so... you know, y'all have welcome me, and make me feel like a Filipino," enthused the 59-year-old singer.
"That's how I'm treated and I love it. Because, I don't get that kind of thing...
"You know, people like my music around the world and stuff, but, I've never been confident like this, in terms of coming to the Philippines. Y'all make me feel like I'm one of you," he continued.
JAMES'S CLASSIC SONGS. Ingram's last solo album Stand (In The Light) was released in 2008. Lately he has been doing collaborations with other artists and is more focused on touring now than doing an album.
But despite his semi-retired status in studio-work, Ingram remains in the consciousness of every music fan through his songs.
His classics like "Just Once," "There's No Easy Way," and "Whatever We Imagine" are still played in radio stations. These, and his other songs, remain staples in social gatherings and parties, especially during karaoke time.
"Old and young, lahat naman dumaan sa mga kanta ni James Ingram," as former teen star turned concert-producer Serrano put it.
His concert guest Lea Salonga remembered how she was wooed by her suitors back in her teenage years with mixed tapes that include James's songs.
"He was one of the voices of my youth, one of the voices I listen to growing up... talagang napapa-in love ka sa mga kanta niya," the Tony-award winning Pinay Broadway star said of Ingram.
JAMES'S FAVORITE SONG. But among James's enduring hit songs, James admits "Just Once" is his favorite.
He said he is forever indebted to the song that started it all for him.
