Wikipedia

Johnny Alegre

Juan Bautista H. Alegre III (born June 4, 1955),[1] known professionally as Johnny Alegre, is a jazz guitarist and composer from Manila, Philippines. He leads the jazz group Johnny Alegre Affinity[2] and the world music group Humanfolk.[3]

Johnny Alegre
Johnny Alegre
Born
Juan Bautista Alegre y Hernaez

(1955-06-04) June 4, 1955 (age 68)
Pasay City, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines
SpouseJocelyn Albao Alegre
Parents
RelativesJuan Bautista Alegre y Levantino (grandfather)
Amanda "Aimee" Sargent (grandmother)
Musical career
GenresJazz, World Fusion
Occupation(s)Musician, Guitarist-Composer
Instrument(s)Guitar, Keyboards
Years active1981–present
LabelsCandid, MCA
Websitewww.johnnyalegre.com

Biography edit

Career edit

 
Johnny Alegre (center) with bassist Ron McClure (left) and drummer Billy Hart (right). The photo was taken in New York City when they recorded Johnny Alegre 3 for distribution by MCA.

Alegre studied composition at the University of the Philippines College of Music in the latter 1970s. He was a founding member of the U.P. Jazz Ensemble.[4] He participated in workshops by composer Erhard Karkoschka, guitarist Ike Isaacs, and composer Chou Wen-chung.

In May 2002, Alegre formed the Johnny Alegre Affinity with bassist Colby de la Calzada, drummer Koko Bermejo, pianist Elhmir Saison, and saxophonist Tots Tolentino. Their first recorded work, "Stones of Intramuros", written by Alegre, was included in the limited edition Philippine jazz anthology Adobo Jazz: A Portrait of the Filipino as a Jazz Artist (Vol. 1).[5]

The self-titled album Johnny Alegre Affinity was released in the Philippines in mid-2005 by Candid Records Philippines; and was rereleased in England the same year by Candid Records (UK)[6] for global distribution as Jazzhound. This was followed by performances at the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London with guest saxophonist, Dimitri Vassilakis.

During 2006 and 2007, Alegre and Affinity worked on Eastern Skies,[7] an album of original compositions with the Global Studio Orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga.[8] In 2009 MCA released Johnny Alegre 3, a trio album with Ron McClure (bass) and Billy Hart (drums). Alegre was MCA's first jazz act from the Philippines.[9] In 2014, MCA released a compilation of highlights from Alegre's Candid Records recordings, entitled Stories.[10][11]

In 2008, Alegre recorded Humanfolk, the name of an album and a band formed with percussionist Susie Ibarra, drummer Roberto Juan Rodriguez, Cynthia Alexander, and Malek Lopez. For Humanfolk he wrote "Para Sa Tao" based on the Baybayin letters of the Tagalog language.

Alegre is profiled in the books The Great Jazz Guitarists by Scott Yanow[12] and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Second edition (Volume 7).[13][14]

In November 2023, a retrospective of Alegre's urban folk compositions for Humanfolk were featured in a 2-hour recital at the Ayala Museum, hosted by the Filipinas Heritage Library.[15][16][17]

Family edit

Johnny Alegre is the youngest surviving grandchild of the late Sen. Juan Bautista Alegre y Levantino,[18] senator[19] who represented the 6th Senatorial District of the Bicol Region to the 6th and 7th Philippine Legislatures. The family genealogy of Johnny Alegre is descended from Carlist exiles[20] from Spain to the Philippines and intermarried with Filipinos. His paternal grandmother, Amanda ("Aimee") Alegre née Sargent,[21][22] is descended from the early Sargent family of New England.[23][24][25][26][27][28]

Other personas edit

Johnny Alegre is a member of FILSCAP and tenured with the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival as a consultant. He is an active Wikimedian advocate that includes WikiProject Jazz. As Juan Bautista H. Alegre, he is a Rotary Club past president (Makati Rockwell,[29][30] Rotary International District 3830),[31][32][33], and was conferred a Paul Harris fellowship.[34][35]

Discography edit

Album Catalog/UPC No. Label Year
Stones of Intramuros (single) Track 9
Adobo Jazz: A Portrait of the Filipino as a Jazz Artist, Vol. 1 		IndiRa Records 2002
Johnny Alegre AFFINITY[36] CAN-KC-5001 Candid 2005
Jazzhound (UK release)[37] CCD 79842 Candid 2005
Jazzhound (radio edit, single) Track 4
Environmentally Sound: A Select Anthology of Songs Inspired by the Earth[38]		 WWF 2006
Eastern Skies[7] CAN-KC-5006 Candid 2007
Johnny Alegre 3 [39] UPC:00600753200070 MCA 2009
Mammals[40][41] Japan Music Week PH AFFINITY Productions 2010
Humanfolk[42] UPC:00600753330432 MCA 2011
Stories[10][11] UPC:00602537694600 MCA 2014
"ILWY" (vinyl)[43][44] HOURGLASS001 Hourglass 2020
Johnny Alegre AFFINITY (2LP)[45][46] JAA-001-BR Backspacer Records[47] 2022

Collaborations edit

Main article: List of Johnny Alegre collaborations

Videography edit

Johnny Alegre Affinity edit

Title Musicians Director Producer Genre Year Venue
Jazz in Time: Commemorative Concert XII[48] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Colby dela Calzada, contrabass ♦ Koko Bermejo, drums ♦ Elhmir Saison, piano ♦ Tots Tolentino, alto sax Fritz Ynfante Upsilon Sigma Phi jazz concert 2003 U.P. Theater
Jazzhound official music video[49] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Colby dela Calzada, contrabass ♦ Koko Bermejo, drums ♦ Elhmir Saison, piano ♦ Tots Tolentino, alto sax Fritz Ynfante (concert footage)
Wilfred Galila (video montage) 		Mowelfund
PH AFFINITY Productions 		music video 2005 Mowelfund
3rd Manila Jazz Festival[50] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Simon Tan, contrabass ♦ Koko Bermejo, drums ♦ Elhmir Saison, piano ♦ Tots Tolentino, alto sax Angela Poblador Jewelmer International Corporation jazz concert 2005 Greenbelt Theater
Pinoy Jazz: The Story of Jazz in the Philippines[51] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Colby dela Calzada, contrabass ♦ Koko Bermejo, drums ♦ Elhmir Saison, piano ♦ Tots Tolentino, alto sax Collis Davis Richie Quirino,[52] Collis Davis documentary 2006 U.P. Theater
Fête de la Musique 2011[53] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Colby dela Calzada, electric bass ♦ Mar Dizon, drums Franz Lawrence Tan Fête de la Musique[54] jazz concert 2011 The Fort BGC, Taguig
Tiendesitas Super Jazz Weekend[55] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Yuna Reguerra, electric bass ♦ Wendell Garcia, drums ♦ Elhmir Saison, keyboards Dondi Santos Tiendesitas jazz concert 2014 Tiendesitas
Beacon Call[56] Johnny Alegre, guitar ♦ Colby dela Calzada, contrabass ♦ Koko Bermejo, drums ♦ Joey Quirino, piano ♦ Ria Villena-Osorio, orchestration ♦ Gerard Salonga, conductor MCA Music Philippines PH AFFINITY Productions sampler 2014 MCA Music Philippines
Manila Jazz[57] Interviews with Johnny Alegre, Tots Tolentino, Elhmir Saison, Mar Dizon, (seen: Colby dela Calzada) Richard Villamor Richard Villamor documentary 2013 Greater Manila Area

Humanfolk edit

Title Musicians Director Producer Category Year Venue
Para Sa Tao[58] Abby Clutario, vocals, keyboards & Chapman Stick ♦ Johnny Alegre, acoustic guitar ♦ Cynthia Alexander, bass ♦ Malek Lopez, electronics Daphne Oliveros PH AFFINITY Productions music video 2011 Greater Manila Area
Hexagram II[59] Abby Clutario, keyboards & vocals ♦ Johnny Alegre, guitars & percussion ♦ Rodney Vidanes, bass ♦ Zach Lucero, drums ♦ Frances Escapé, percussion Perth Salva PH AFFINITY Productions live in the studio 2013 Perthman Studios, San Juan, Manila
Himig Ng Pasko[60] Abby Clutario, keyboards & vocals ♦ Johnny Alegre, guitars & percussion ♦ Rodney Vidanes, bass ♦ Zach Lucero, drums JM Quiblat PH AFFINITY Productions music video 2014 Infinitif Studios
Naglalarong Ilaw[61] Kris Gorra Dancel, vocals & rhythm guitar ♦ Johnny Alegre, guitars ♦ Abby Clutario, keyboards & harmonies ♦ Rodney Vidanes, bass ♦ Zach Lucero, drums ♦ Deej Rodriguez, percussion Phillip Miguel Luis & Lycylle Bianca Tse Cawaling PH AFFINITY Productions music video 2015 Infinitif Studios
Indiemand[62][63] Johnny Alegre, guitars ♦ Abby Clutario, keyboards & vocals ♦ Deej Rodriguez, percussion Pamela Carbonell The Filipino Channel[64] music video 2019 Pasig City Wildlife Reserve

Awards edit

Year Award
1974 Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature, One-Act Play (English) Division, 2nd Place[65]
1982 Foremost Exponent of Jazz awarded by the Philippine Ministry of Tourism at the 1st Cebu Jazz Festival
2006 Award Of Excellence for Exemplary Musicianship by WWF Philippines for his musical support of the "For A Living Planet" advocacy.
2010 Plaque of Appreciation for his musical support of the Climate Change advocacy from a combined Oxfam and Dakila initiative.
2012 Awit Awards,[66] Best World Music Recording, Humanfolk, Philippine Association of the Record Industry
2013 Icon Award, 8th Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival[67]
Best Performer Award, Kansai Music Conference[68]
2014 Aliw Awards, Best Instrumentalist[69][70][71]
Living the Credo Award, Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association
2016 Outstanding Professional Award, Superbrands Philippines Council[72]
2019 Inspiring Leadership Award, Rotary International[73] District 3830[32]
Paul Harris Fellow,[74][75] The Rotary Foundation[76]

Paternal line edit

Images edit

  •  
    Historical emblem of the Alegre family of Villarroya de los Pinares
  •  
    Johnny Alegre at the 2015 Wikimedia Conference in Berlin
  •  
    Johnny Alegre at the 2014 Waray Wikipedia, 11th Sunrise Festival
  •  
    Johnny Alegre's maiden HUMANFOLK project
  •  
    Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and Johnny Alegre pose for a photo in Wikimania 2023, Singapore

References edit

  1. ^ "Jazz Musicians born on June 4". AllAboutJazz. February 16, 2012. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  2. ^ "Johnny Alegre". Discogs.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.
  3. ^ "All Jazzed Up with Guitarist Composer Johnny Alegre". Positively Filipino. August 8, 2018.
  4. ^ "Johnny Alegre". All About Jazz. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  5. ^ Ramos, Cris (November 1, 2003). "Adobo Jazz and Dinuguang improvisation". The Manila Times. Manila, Philippines. p. C8.
  6. ^ "Johnny Alegre". store.candidrecords.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Johnny Alegre – Eastern Skies (2007, CD), archived from the original on May 2, 2021
  8. ^ "Jazz Artist Johnny Alegre Teams Up With Gerard Salonga". news.google.com. The Manila Times. January 9, 2008. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  9. ^ "Johnny Alegre 3 - Johnny Alegre OPM Albums - the Online Resource for Filipino Songs". TitikPilipino.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Album Review: 'Stories' by Johnny Alegre AFFINITY". adobomagazine.com. February 6, 2014. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  11. ^ a b Dosmanos, Jackie (April 6, 2014). "CD reviews: Johnny Alegre, Beyonce, OPM faves". ABS-CBN News.
  12. ^ Yanow, Scott (2013). The Great Jazz Guitarists. San Francisco: Backbeat. p. 7. ISBN 978-1-61713-023-6.
  13. ^ Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Second edition (Volume 7: Music). Vol. 7. Manila, Philippines: Cultural Center of the Philippines edition: 2nd. 2017. p. 536. ISBN 978-971-8546-64-2. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.
  14. ^ "Primer.com.ph: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art 2nd Edition Is Now Available". Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines: Primer Media. 2018. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.
  15. ^ "JEEPNEY JAZZ: INDIGENOUS LEGACIES". filipinaslibrary.org.ph. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  16. ^ "Listen to OPM classics played with the kulintang". cnnphilippines.com. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  17. ^ "Filipinas Heritage Library tackles jazz". bworldonline.com. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  18. ^ "Juan B. Alegre article in the New York Times". The New York Times. 1931. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021.
  19. ^ "List of previous senators". Senate of the Philippines.
  20. ^ Nolasco, Clarita (2019). The Creoles in Spanish Philippines (Reprint). Quezon City, NCR, Philippines: Pantas Publishing and Printing Co. p. 53. ISBN 978-621-95835-9-6.
  21. ^ Sargent, William (1899). Sargent Record. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: The Californian Co. Publishers. p. 679.
  22. ^ Sargent, Edwin Everett (2018). Amazon.com: Sargent Record: William Sargent of Ipswich, Newbury, Hampton, Salisbury and Amesbury, New England, U.S., With his Descendants and Their Intermarriages, and Other Sargent Branches. Franklin Classics. ISBN 978-0343308049.
  23. ^ Sargent, Winthrop (1922). Early Sargents of New England. Philadelphia: Ad-Service Printing Co.
  24. ^ Sargent, Winthrop (2018). Early Sargents of New England (Reprint). Franklin Classics. ISBN 978-0343081027.
  25. ^ Amazon.com: Early Sargents of New England (Reprint). Franklin Classics. 2018. ISBN 978-0343081027.
  26. ^ Sargent, Aaron (February 27, 2019). Sargent Genealogy (reprint). Wentworth Press. ISBN 978-0-526091-73-7.
  27. ^ Sargent, Aaron; Sargent, John S. (1895). SARGENT GENEALOGY Hugh Sargent, of Courteenhall, Northamptonshire, and His Descendants in England and William Sargent, of Malden, New England, and His Descendants in America (Print). Creative Media Partners, LLC. ISBN 0-526091-73-8.
  28. ^ Sargent, Aaron; Sargent, John S. (January 1895). SARGENT GENEALOGY Hugh Sargent, of Courteenhall, Northamptonshire, and His Descendants in England and William Sargent, of Malden, New England, and His Descendants in America. Facsimile Publisher. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021 – via www.amazon.com.
  29. ^ RI District 3830 (2019). "Planting Seeds, Growing Trees". Discon 2019: 126.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ RI District 3830 (2018). "RI District 3830, Inspiring President". District 38 Handover: Together, We Inspire: 34.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ "Rotary International District 3830".
  32. ^ a b "Rotary District 3830 Philippines". Rotary District 3830 Philippines.
  33. ^ RCMR (2018). "Message from the President, Rotary Club of Makati Rockwell". The Inspiring Yearbook 2018-2019. RY 2018-2019: 5, 33.
  34. ^ RCMR (2019). "Paul Harris Fellows, Donors of RCMR". The Champion Yearbook 2019-2020. RY 2019-2020: 29.
  35. ^ RCMR (2020). "Paul Harris Fellows, Donors of RCMR". The Perfect Vision Yearbook 2020-2021. RY 2020-2021: 33.
  36. ^ Johnny Alegre – Affinity (2005, CD), archived from the original on May 2, 2021
  37. ^ Johnny Alegre Affinity - Jazzhound | daddykool
  38. ^ "The Harmonics of being Environmentally Sound". World Wildlife Fund - Philippines. August 18, 2006. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2010.
  39. ^ Johnny Alegre 3 - Johnny Alegre | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, archived from the original on May 2, 2021
  40. ^ "Wilderness' profile page for Japan Music Week 2010". hello. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021.
  41. ^ "Mammals' itinerary: Japan Music Week 2010". www.facebook.com.
  42. ^ "Human + Folk = Pinoy World Music". ph.news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.
  43. ^ "Johnny Alegre revives underground radio hit". Inquirer.net Lifestyle. June 6, 2020. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  44. ^ "Pinoy rock '70s classic now available on vinyl 44 years later". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  45. ^ "Jazz masterpiece 'Affinity' by Johnny Alegre out on vinyl this October 2". ABS-CBN News.
  46. ^ "On Vinyl, "Affinity" is a Sonic Masterpiece". ourbrew.ph. October 16, 2022.
  47. ^ "Brand & Business: Sony Music taps Backspacer Records". AdoboMagazine.com. December 6, 2021.
  48. ^ Torrevillas, Domini M. "Upsilon mystique". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021.
  49. ^ Johnny Alegre AFFINITY: "Jazzhound" (Music Video), archived from the original on May 4, 2021
  50. ^ "Jewelmer Hosts 3rd Manila Jazz Festival". November 2005. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  51. ^ "Pinoy Jazz: The Story of Jazz in the Philippines". www.cultureunplugged.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  52. ^ Carol (September 8, 2015). "A Filipino Jazz Musician and Jazz Journalist". Turning East. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  53. ^ Affinity - Fete Dela Musique 2011 - Jazzhound, archived from the original on May 4, 2021
  54. ^ "Fete De La Musique 2011". Philippine Concerts. June 24, 2011. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  55. ^ Johnny Alegre Affinity at Tiendesitas Super Jazz Weekend
  56. ^ Beacon Call, Johnny Alegre "Stories" sampler
  57. ^ "Manila Jazz", Richard Villamor channel on YouTube.com
  58. ^ HUMANFOLK: "Para Sa Tao" (Music Video)
  59. ^ [Perthman Mobile] HUMANFOLK - Hexagram 2
  60. ^ HUMANFOLK: "Himig Ng Pasko" (Music Video)
  61. ^ HUMANFOLK: "Naglalarong Ilaw" (Music Video)
  62. ^ TFC Original Indiemand Humanfolk, archived from the original on May 4, 2021
  63. ^ Indiemand - Human Folk | TFC QuaranThings
  64. ^ "iWantTFC". TFC. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  65. ^ "The Don Carlos Palanca Awards / 1974". WebCite. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022.
  66. ^ "List of Winners, The 25th Awit Awards". awitawards.com.ph.
  67. ^ "Johnny Alegre Trio". kkjazzfest.com. April 15, 2013.
  68. ^ "KMC Music Awards". kansaimusicconference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016.
  69. ^ "2014 Aliw Awards". The Philippine Star. 2014. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  70. ^ "Jed Madela wins top honor at 27th Aliw Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  71. ^ "Full List of Winners of 27th Aliw Awards". lionheartv.net. December 11, 2014.
  72. ^ "Outstanding Professional Award". Superbrands_Council. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  73. ^ "Rotary International". Rotary.org. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  74. ^ "Paul Harris Fellow Recognition". Rotary.org. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.
  75. ^ "Paul Harris Society". Rotary.org. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  76. ^ "The Rotary Foundation". Rotary.org. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  77. ^ "Filipinos Gone to Ellis Island - aqwn02 - Generated by Ancestry Family Tree". filipinosgone2ellis-island.tripod.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021.
  78. ^ "DARA :: Detalle de Registro". aplicaciones.aragon.es.
  79. ^ Conxa, Rodríguez Vives (February 22, 2019). Los exilios de Ramón Cabrera (in Spanish). Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza. ISBN 978-84-17633-40-0. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021.
  80. ^ SL, DiCom Medios. "Gran Enciclopedia Aragonesa Online". www.enciclopedia-aragonesa.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 26, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  81. ^ Lafuente, Modesto (1890). Historia general de España desde los tiempos primitivos hasta la muerte de Fernando VII (in Spanish). Montaner y Simón.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johnny Alegre.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Alegre&oldid=1217327383"