The decision to hold separate press conferences for the highly anticipated tandem concert of Jay R and Kyla may have seemed excessive at first, but it ultimately allowed the talented duo, who have been collaborating musically for 20 years, to delve into their longevity and future plans. Kyla held her press conference several weeks ago, while Jay R, who recently returned from living in the United States with his family for over two years, held his earlier this week.
During his press conference, Jay R, the 42-year-old R&B prince, sported a stylish casual outfit consisting of a palm leaf-printed top, matching shorts, high-cut sneakers, and a summer-weight scarf draped around his neck. Despite the recent loss of his father, who passed away two weeks ago, Jay R expressed his excitement for the upcoming concert “Back in Time” scheduled for Sept. 2 at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City.
Jay R shared the story of how he and his family moved back to the United States during the pandemic to be with his ailing father. Although they were initially told his father had only six months to live, he managed to hang on for two more years, which Jay R considers a blessing. Despite the challenges, Jay R and Kyla have been diligently practicing and doing vocal exercises in preparation for the concert. They have already curated a set list of approximately 30 songs, some of which will be performed as medleys.
Their set list will primarily consist of their signature R&B tracks, which have garnered them a strong following and earned them the moniker “JayLa.” “Singing comes very naturally to us. We speak the same language, and when we harmonize, we already know each other’s musical nuances,” Jay R explained. After two decades of collaboration, the duo has developed a seamless chemistry and deep understanding of each other’s musical styles.
Jay R emphasized that after 20 years, there is no longer any awkwardness between them. Both artists are married with children and have dedicated time to study their individual craft. However, when they come together, their chemistry is undeniable and magical. They are taking the concert to an exciting new level by combining nostalgia with contemporary tunes while still delivering what the audience expects from them, without being predictable.
Jay R’s journey since the release of his debut album, “Gameface,” in 2003 has been remarkable. Despite initially being told that R&B was not popular in the Philippines, he remained true to his sound and persevered. Now, R&B elements are infused in a lot of local music. Jay R believes that if you genuinely love what you do, you should stick to it and not be deterred by others’ opinions or trends. Persistence is key.
Beyond the reunion concert with Kyla, Jay R has big plans, including launching a new album and embarking on a concert tour called “Twenty Up” in the United States just two weeks after the reunion concert. On Sept. 1, the day before their concert, he will release his comeback single, “Blessed,” on all digital music platforms worldwide. Additionally, there are plans to stage a “Back in Time” concert series featuring Kyla. Jay R’s career is still moving at full speed, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
The “Back in Time: Kyla and Jay R The Reunion Concert” on Sept. 2 at the New Frontier Theater is presented and produced by GNN Pop, and copresented by Cornerstone Entertainment. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketnet Online and all Ticketnet outlets nationwide.
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