Reviews, write-ups & feedbacks re Mon’s musicality, his artistry, recordings & performances ….

I have known Mon David for a very long time now. We have practiced, sung, recorded, played, jammed, performed, toured and have been friends for almost as long as my APO life. There are but a few people during my whole career in music from whom I’ve learned many valuable lessons about style, artistry, talent, integrity, dedication, versatility, musicality, generosity joy and perseverance and Mon is certainly on top of this very short list.

Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society
Liner notes from ‘Life & Times’ album

He is a living proof of Edison’s aphorism that genius is 99 percent perspiration and one percent inspiration. At 52, he, he’s still trying earnestly to learn, he’s still trying to get a crack of perfection. A well-known and respected fixture in the jazz landscape, having played practically all the jazz joints in this country, Mon is one the most laid-back and unassuming creatures you can hope to find. To say that he does not announce his presence with trumpets is to understate things. There must be something to that Biblical story about the exalted being humbled, and humble exalted. I’m especially happy that Mon did well in a jazz competition, recognition in that one field of music having eluded us thus far. We already have Cecile Licad in classical music, a Lea Salonga in musical theater and countless divas in pop songs, all storming the world with their abilities. As do some of the truly brilliant jazz artists in our midst, who are barely able to eke out a living playing their kind of music.

Conrado de Quiros (‘There’s The Rub’ columnist)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 29, 2006

With so many artists competing in a slice of the same pie in the business, we often overlook the ‘true wonders’ of Philippine music. While he has earned the respect of his peers in the industry, for far too long, Mon David has stayed in the shadows of more popular, more publicized, and often less talented singers. And in light of his being chosen as the lone Asian representative to the London International Jazz Competition (one of 12 semi-finalists in a field of 107 entries from 25 countries), it is a shame that we took this long to discover what the whole world has seen in full splendor.

Jennifer O. Cuaycong
BusinessWorld
March 10, 2006

Mon is one of the finest jazz singers in the local music scene.  He is in the league of jazz greats Jacqui Magno, Richard Merck, Ray-Ann Fuentes, Tillie Moreno.  I am proud to say Mon has brought his music to higher ground.  He is one versatile artist whose talent knows no boundaries.  Mon is recognized in the industry not only as a singer but as a songwriter, musician, record producer and teacher.

Mr. Boy Abunda (‘Direct Line’ columnist)
Philippine Star
March 22, 2006

I was not very much surprised upon hearing news that Mon took up honors at the 2006 London Jazz Vocalist competition and this album shows why.  Certainly the vocal prowess is evident in all the cuts, and the selection varied and interesting.  Mon has truly come around as an artist.    From the big band energy of ‘Let Go’ and ‘Yan Ang Pinoy’ to the wordless yearnings of ‘Ama’ and the subtle urgency of ‘Abe Mu Ku’, this is undoubtedly food for the soul. Give a listen… “he speaks softly but wields a big stick’. It is an honor to be a part of this artist’s journey to completion”

Tots Tolentino
Highly-acclaimed Filipino saxophonist
Liner notes from his album ‘My One and Only Love’

Beyond awards, master jazz exponent MON DAVID is even more admirable for his artistic fortitude & resilience. Most other artists stir clear of the jazz mode because it isn’t mainstream. But Mon has embraced it with a passion that excites the musical cognoscenti and has made jazz (in its various variations & adumbrations) appeal to a wide audience.

Nestor Torre
Philippine Daily Inquirer

“….A world-class singer, possessed of exceptional pipes & amazing range that could move effortlessly from a rich manly baritone to high falsetto notes & a broad repertoire, pop ballads, jazz standards, show tunes & even the odd kundiman or two with equal aplomb…”

Eric Caruncho Philippine Daily Inquirer

“He did more than just demonstrate complete control of his vocal facility, he also shared a sensitive soul devoid of vanity and braggadocio….The singer was all heart, but his dynamic artistry was likewise in full throttle…”

Rito Asilo (writer / singer / actor) Philippine Daily Inquirer

“An excellent but underrated musician, songwriter, jazz singer and balladeer…He is the kind of singing best enjoyed during intimate moments with loved ones, like a candle-lit dinner or with both eyes closed for pure relaxation…”

“When Mon David sings “All My Tomorrows”, he gives the impression that he’s always singing it for the first time, and only for you. Why, this enduring artist even seems to be whispering the low notes to your ears, underscoring a clarity of voice that is one of his trademarks…”

Joven S. Joya Philippine Daily Inquirer