Aiza Seguerra’s new album a tribute to Ryan Cayabyab

Singer-composer Aiza Seguerra (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Aiza Seguerra released his new album “Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maestro Ryan,” a tribute album to renowned composer Ryan Cayabyab under Universal Records.

“Napaka-special ng album nito kasi binigyan ko ng sarili kong take ang pinakasikat na compositions ni Mr. Ryan Cayabyab… Ang sarap ka-trabaho niya kasi maski Maestro na siya, he listens to my inputs,” he said.

(This album is really special because I gave my own take on Mr. Ryan Cayabyab’s most famous compositions… It felt really good working with him because even if he’s a maestro already, he still listens to my inputs.)

Aiza had always wanted to make a tribute album as two of his favorite songs were written by the composer.

First was “Araw Gabi,” the carrier single of his album and theme song with wife Liza Diño.

“Like what the song says, it’s very tough to come up with words, let alone write a song, for someone you love… because you know that whatever you come up with wouldn’t be enough to express how you truly feel,” Aiza said.

Another was “Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako,” a song which reflected his life, especially during his darkest times in showbiz.

“There was a time when I had no work; no one dared to get me for projects… I’ve been in the business for so long. And despite all the ups and downs, I decided to stay because I love what I do,” Aiza said.

The album also included “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” How Can I,” “Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang,” “Paano na Kaya,” “Can This be Love,” “Kailan,” “Limang Dipang Tao,” “Iduyan Mo,” “Mama” and “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”

The 31-year-old singer-composer admitted, however, that doing covers of the maestro’s works were difficult as the original songs were already wonderfully composed and delivered.

“His songs are very familiar, but if you get technical about it, like when you are already recording, ang hirap kasi komplikado ang mga notes niya (it’s difficult because his notes are intricate),” he said.

With that challenge, what Aiza did was to make the songs sound like new, going back to the basics.

“All the songs, except ‘Mama,’ were piano-driven because we felt it was the best way to give the songs the simple and heartfelt treatment they deserve,” he said.

“We wanted to let the stories behind the songs shine… The driving force of the album is not me, but the music itself,” he added.