Adoro Te Devote

BONG PEÑERA: ADORE TE DEVOTE

It has been said before, Manila jazz legend, Bong Peñera, has a uniquely haunting, singing voice. And this very rare and recent track shows it all. One may be reminded of Astrud Gilberto's rendition of "Manha de Carnaval" with just Luiz Bonfa's guitar accompanying her. But, in this track, it is a notch higher as Bong sings the beautiful classical Gregorian hymn, "Adoro Te Devote" (Humbly, I Adore Thee), attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, and chanted traditionally during Holy Thursday of Lent and every Thursday in honor of the Holy Eucharist. He sings the song in Latin, and he accompanies himself with just his left hand on the piano as if it were a guitar.

I have heard many version of this hymn before, choirs, monks, new age artists. But none has the stunning simplicity of this track, the haunting innocence, the tender and sincere depth! It's like he is singing a lullaby to God, consoling Him, and which is what prayer, in essence, is.
Many have noted that Bong's singing voice has a "plaintive but detached" quality about it. The dramatic and stunning mix or contradiction of coldness and warmth gives it a "velvety" touch. Perhaps it's the reason why he broke the ice in 1975 when he sang his "A Samba Song" in his native Tagalog, sans histrionics, and made history. It wasn't just his piano, his guitar or original melody. It was and is also his straight-tone vocals, the sadness in it, the sensuality in it, the innocence in it. That voice can now be heard and confirmed again in this track. Recorded November 30, 2010, feast of St. Andrew, this is a "first take" as well.

This clip features the photographic work of Bong's brother, Rosito, who captured the scenic "Stations of The Cross" at the Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John, Indiana. Rosito has recently been active in and contributing photos to "Capture My Chicago" (www.capturemychicago.com) and has been drawing compliments. For more on Bong and his recent gigs, accomplishments -- past, present and future, visit www.bongpenera.com.

SambaJazzHunter

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Adoro Te Devote
• Bong Penera
• Rosito Penera
• Jose Penera
• Peñera

[mgilbert321]

Too beautiful for words -- OMG! I'm sold.

[skokiemanila]

april 20,2011 3:00 pm holy wednesday ..very appropriate time. it just ..didn't search..very solemn .. bless you..

[rosemarie1081]

Simply divine. Just a wonderful way of starting one's day. Many blessings to you Bong.

[larryjavee52]

A beautiful rendition of 'Humbly, I Adore You' sung in Latin "Adoro Te Devote" by Bong Penera through the kindness of SambaJazzHunter.

EASY RIDER BOBBY,... MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! STAY SAFE, BREW!

[larryjavee52]

EASY RIDER BOBBY,  I requested this prayer, 'Adoro Te Devote' (Humbly, I Adore Thee) from the man himself, Bong Penera, sung in Latin in celebration of the Holy Eucharist. And just received it through SambaJazzHunter. Kindly spread the cut as this is quite a unique version. Spread the Love. Spread the Word..