Live with the P.P.O.

In 2000, this Philippine male singer released Martin Live With the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. This live recording is a grand affair, and Martin Nievera is accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ruggiero Barbierri. In addition, the album was recorded at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the most prestigious concert venue in the Philippines. Martin Nievera is one of the Philippines' most popular and best-selling artists, and is one of the few artists here who could record an album such as this. The album is a joint effort between two labels, MCA Universal Philippines, to whom Martin Nievera is signed, and Premium, a label of independent Star Recordings. Martin Nievera's previous three albums, recorded between 1998 and 1999, were dominated by remakes of well-known tunes from the West, mostly middle-of-the-road ballads. The albums were big sellers. In keeping with this tradition, Martin Live With the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra is also dominated by Western ballads, a number of which appeared on the three preceding albums. Heard, for example, is the soulful "Wildflower," which Martin Nievera first recorded on 1998's Forever. One of the album's strongest segments is the Broadway Medley, which comprises such Broadway songs as West Side Story's "Maria" and "Somewhere," as well as the famed Rodgers & Hammerstein tunes "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Climb Every Mountain," and others. Martin Nievera's energy and enthusiasm throughout the album is contagious, and his singing is strong and vibrant. His performance of the Broadway Medley is superb. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra adds elegant accompaniment throughout the album, and also performs a song on their own, "Mutya Ng Pasig" (Pearl of the Pasig). While Martin Nievera's previous three albums were boring affairs, the excitement on this live album is palpable.