Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Jan. 26, 2011

New York – It’s smooth and playful jazz but the words in many of her songs are Tagalog. Charmaine Clamor is one Filipina known for making jazz standards and Tagalog mash-ups popular.

“It is quite empowering to sing in my language, that i grew up with as we the music lovers enjoy Portuguese, French, and Italian, Spanish, and English – why can’t we enjoy the native language?” she said.

Jazzipina queen Charmaine Clamor is on her CD release tour that kicked off in Mexico late last year. She kicked off her U.S. tour in New York this week.  Then, she will go to Denver, Hollywood  and Manila – where she was born.

Her new CD, simply titled, “Something Good,” has Jazzipina fans raving on songs like “Doodlin’ in Tag-lish” which showcases her soulful voice and unique scatting style.

Lucy Gallagher of Nightlife Exchange said,” I really like her a lot. This is the second time I’ve heard her at the rhythm, she’s got a lot of energy.”

After her U.S. tour ends, Clamor is flying to Manila to perform at the 6th annual Manila International Jazz Festival on February 19.

Clamor said, “You can never take the Filipina in me.  Never! I’ll always be a Filipina. I’m very proud of it and to sing in my homeland where I grew up, my parent’s grew up, I do it with pride.”

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