By RUBEN MOSQUEDA // ‘Live In Manila’ is a fantastic set that features all the hits and then some.
Chances are if you’re a AOR or classic rock fan that you’ve caught Journey ‘Live In Manila’ at some point on TV on [the now defunct] VH-1 Classic or [the also defunct] Padilla or perhaps you own it. Originally issued as a two DVD set was being sold exclusively at Wal-Mart in North America. The 2009 performance marked Arnel Pineda’s return to The Philippines fronting Journey.
A quick back story on Pineda; he fronted a Journey tribute band and was discovered online when the band was looking for a replacement for [their second singer] Steve Augeri. Pineda’s story is a cross between ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Rockstar;’ you can’t help but feel happy for the guy about landing the prestigious gig. Pinda has a closer register to classic Steve Perry than Steve Augeri or than [transition singer] Jeff Scott Soto had.
Though clearly the band had been together as a collective unit for a short time; there’s an incredible amount of chemistry amongst the band and singer. Journey had released their first record with Pinda in 2008 titled ‘Revelation.’ Bassist Ross Valroy and [now former] drummer Deen Castronovo are one of the best rhythm sections in the genre, and compliment keyboardist Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon’s work. I can’t emphasize to you enough how magnificent of a guitarist Schon is. Watch this and you’ll agree.
‘Live In Manila’ is a fantastic set that features all the hits and then some. The show is a bit longer than the typical Journey set, but it’s Pineda’s return home. You’d expect the band to extend the show a little bit. If you missed ‘Live In Manila’ the first time around pick up the Blu Ray or the DVD with two audio discs. This time they did it right.
tophil80
1. Paladia
2. Pineda
3. Journey's singers in order: Gregg Rolie, Robert Fleischman, Steve Perry, Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, Arnel Pineda.
4. The DVD includes 2 discs