Saxophonist Matthew Muñeses and harpist Riza Printup have teamed up for a captivating new project, Pag-Ibig Ko Vol. 1, set for release on April 4, 2025, through Irabbagast Records. This stunning album takes listeners on an elegantly lyrical journey through Filipino love songs, known as kundiman, capturing the raw emotion and national pride embedded in this traditional music. The album showcases the simple yet profound beauty of Filipino love ballads, with a unique pairing of saxophone and harp that elevates the timeless melodies.
A Journey into the Heart of Filipino Music
Pag-Ibig Ko Vol. 1, which translates to "My Love" in Tagalog, is the follow-up to Muñeses' 2022 album Noli Me Tángere, which explored Filipino heritage through the music inspired by national hero José Rizal. The saxophonist's deep connection to his Filipino roots is central to both albums. While Noli Me Tángere focused on Rizal’s musical influence, Pag-Ibig Ko Vol. 1 expands the exploration into the rich world of kundiman, an art form born from the Philippines' Spanish colonial history. These songs, often written in Tagalog, are direct expressions of love and longing, making them the perfect material for Muñeses and Printup to interpret.
The Power of the Kundiman
As Muñeses reflects, kundiman lyrics are notably different from those in love songs from other cultures. “In kundiman, the lyrics are much more direct,” he says. “They say exactly what they feel: ‘I love you,’ or ‘You’re as beautiful as the moon,’ or ‘You make me feel alive.’ It’s an honesty that immediately drew me in, and I knew they would be beautiful to play with harp.”
Having met Printup nearly a decade ago at a Filipino jazz event in California, Muñeses knew that her deep sensitivity to Filipino music, combined with her exquisite harp playing, would bring a special quality to this collaboration. Printup, who grew up with kundiman and understands the genre’s cultural nuances, was the perfect musical partner for this project.
A Rich Repertoire with Filipino Love Classics
The album features a diverse selection of songs by some of the Philippines' most beloved composers. Two songs from Noli Me Tángere—“Kundiman Ni Rizal” and “Canto de María Clara”—are revisited, alongside kundiman classics such as “Dahil Sa Iyo” by Miguel Velarde Jr. (a song that has been popularized by Nat King Cole and Jerry Vale), as well as compositions by Constancio de Guzman, Ernani Cuenco, Nicanor Abelardo, and Dolores Patero. The album beautifully blends these iconic Filipino love songs with the jazz influence that Muñeses is known for, creating a fresh, emotional interpretation of the kundiman tradition.
The Art of Playing with Harp and Saxophone
The unique combination of harp and saxophone shapes the sound and phrasing throughout the album. Muñeses notes that working with harp was an exciting challenge, as it differs greatly from the typical duo setup with piano. “Harp is a delicate, percussive instrument,” he explains. “The rebound and recoil of the sound made for a much more fluid experience. I’m used to playing intense, driving music, so this felt like the opposite—more serene and reflective.”
This change in approach allowed Muñeses to focus on subtlety and expressiveness, bringing out the emotional depth of the kundiman songs.
A Personal and Patriotic Journey
Both Muñeses and Printup are first-generation Filipino Americans, and their connection to this music is not only artistic but also personal and patriotic. In a time when anti-Asian sentiment has risen in the United States, Muñeses sees this project as a way to celebrate and take pride in his Filipino heritage. “This music represents a unique perspective on what the ‘American dream’ means to those of us who are not native-born,” he reflects.
Encouraged by his mentor, saxophonist Miguel Zenón, Muñeses took on this project as a way of asserting pride in his roots and contributing to the broader conversation on cultural identity through music.
About Matthew Muñeses
Matthew Muñeses is a Chicago-based saxophonist, composer, and educator. With a background in classical violin and saxophone, Muñeses has led bands at renowned venues like Chicago’s Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, and Los Angeles’ Catalina Bar & Grill. His passion for education shines through in his teaching roles at St. Charles North High School and Waubonsee Community College. Muñeses’ debut album, Threshold, and his sophomore release, Noli Me Tángere, have received critical acclaim for their unique blend of jazz and Filipino heritage.
About Riza Printup
Riza Printup is an accomplished harpist, composer, and educator with an extensive career that includes performing with legendary musicians like Kenny Werner, Marcus Printup, and Paquito D’Rivera. She is known for her versatility and unique approach to jazz harp, having performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and contributed to various collaborative projects. Printup’s passion for education extends to her authorship of children’s books and her development of educational programs for young musicians.
Final Thoughts
Pag-Ibig Ko Vol. 1 is a breathtaking fusion of Filipino cultural heritage and modern jazz, a collection of love songs that transcend time and borders. Muñeses and Printup’s heartfelt interpretations breathe new life into the kundiman, inviting listeners to experience the beauty, passion, and emotional depth of Filipino music through the evocative pairing of saxophone and harp.
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