Amazingly soulful, intense, velvety rich voice that hits you straight in the heart. Less frills, down home goodnes, dreamy keyboard based pop

13 MP3 Songs
POP: Piano, EASY LISTENING: Lounge



Details:
Philippine-born Rica Arambulo has carved a special niche in pop music. The powerhouse singer-pianist has also been known for her work as keyboardist, musical director, and award-winning composer-arranger.

Starting out as a classical piano wunderkind excelling at competitions, Rica also played drums, percussion, recorder, organ, and sang at the school choir. She began songwriting during her teen years. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree (Major in Piano, Minor in Voice) cum laude, from the University of the Philippines College of Music. While in U.P. she was a Maria Mota piano scholar and consistently received the highest grade in music theory and piano. She also took courses in composition, and enrolled at the Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, CA...

Since her undergraduate years, Rica played in bands such as Blue Eyes, Metropolis, In Session, and Big Thing. She has done in live concerts, tv, and theater. She did commercial jingles and album recordings as session keyboardist, arranger, backup vocalist, and musical director.

As songwriter,, Rica co-wrote Dahan-dahan, To Be Near You, and Tender Kisses, all commercial hits. She placed 3rd in the 1998 METROPOP FESTIVAL, a nationwide songwriting competition,.. In 1999 she collaborated with Louie Ocampo and Wilbur Victoria on a musical entitled Baclaran.

Rica released her self-titled debut cd under Viva records. The album showcases another facet of her artistry - as singer. The 13-track album contains all-original compositions, mostly acoustic style ballads. (Ikaw at Ako Pa Rin, Dahan-dahan, Missing You , Should I Stay, Falling, Should've Been Me) The album strips away the old pop formulas - less frills, all down-home goodness. The other songs dwell on the spiritual (Hold Out Your Hand, Safe In Your Arms), drug addiction (So Demanding), feminine issues (Amanda), the thrill of a summer getaway (Summer's Here). Her musical influences range from classical to rock, R & B, jazz, new age, and folk. Several cuts on the album have found their way to the FM stations and continue to be played today.

RICA ARAMBULO the album has been nominated twice for the 15th annual AWIT awards.

In 2003, Rica made history by becoming the first Filipino artist-producer to participate at MIDEM 35th International Music Market in Cannes, France.

Rica's passion for singing started early. She admits that singing her own songs is one of the most powerful means of musical expression. "And it happens to be the most fulfilling art form ever created."

Rica headlines her own acoustic quartet, the ARK. Together they perform songs from Rica's first album as well as other favorites.
RICA ARAMBULO is a study in contrasts. Set against Rica's smooth, rich vocals and keyboards, the album blends classic with contemporary, strength with unmistakable femininity, acoustic live strings with sampled drum loops, tradition with modern edge.
Each track on the album shines like a gem cut to perfection. RICA ARAMBULO will prove a refreshing alternative to the jaded music listener's fare.