In their self-titled debut CD for Reprise Records, nuFLAVOR sings beautiful R&B ballads and harmonic pop melodies with an unspoiled freshness that defines this group. Under the direction of producers Gary St. Clair (All 4 One) and Jose Quitana (Luis Miguel), this Long Beach quartet wrote most of the eleven songs on the album, and recorded it in their own studio nicknamed "The Flavor Station."
A demo that included their rendition of the "Journey" classic "Open Arms" found it's way to Reprise Records president Howie Klein, and as they say, "The rest is history." Howie Klein called the group in for a meeting, and nuFLAVOR treated him to an a capella concert in his office. He signed them on the spot. "Open Arms" will always hold a special place in our hearts," Frank, nuFLAVOR'S tenor/lead, gratefully acknowledges. "That song made all this possible."
None of the members of nuFLAVOR (Frank Pangelinan-tenor/lead, Jacob Ciniceros-baritone, Anthony DaCosta-tenor, Rico Luna (alto) have ever had any formal voice training or songwriting experience. "All of us have always liked singing . . .," explains Anthony. "Frank and Jacob performed a little in high school, but that was about it. The rest came naturally." So how did these four young men, who didn't even know each other before a chance meeting, end up with a debut album reminiscent of early "Boyz II Men?"
Natives of Long Beach and Compton, the guys lived within miles of each other but did not meet until three years ago, when Frank and Jacob walked into a party where Anthony and Rico were singing along to the music. Not to be outdone, the other two joined in without an invitation. "It was definitely a fateful moment," remembers Frank. "Everyone there knew something special was going on." They exchanged names and numbers, and began appearing anywhere they could find an audience - in malls, school and social gatherings. Friends and family finally convinced them to go for bigger and better things.
"We sing soulful, positive music, " Anthony says, "and when we write, we draw on our experiences and emotions, but also expand the idea so everyone can relate to them." nuFLAVOR'S hope is to bring people together with their sound. They are about positive messages and being role models for other young people. "Musically speaking, we'd like to change the violent and hopeless image of places like Long Beach and Compton," says Jacob.
The first single from the album, "Sweet Sexy Thing," is an upbeat dance number, with a flirtatious bent to the lyrics, and some really great harmonies backing lead singer Frank. "Heaven," more of a ballad, showcases the individual talents of each member, along with intricate harmonies and a small spoken word section in Spanish. "Baby Be There" was penned by Diane Warren (three-time ASCAP Songwriter Of The Year), and puts the harmonic talents of nuFLAVOR right out there. This is the kind of love song you can expect to hear near closing time at the clubs.
The group's rendition of "Open Arms," which started this ball rolling, is indeed something to get excited about. Beautiful harmonies and interpretation pretty much overshadow the original song by "Journey," and can even give you a little chill up your spine! The very next track, "Havin' A Party," switches gears into an upbeat song that encourages you to sing, clap and dance along. As a side note, this song was written and recorded on the night of Anthony's Birthday. Opening with the sound of the ocean and wind chimes, "Unconditionally," a romantic ballad originally recorded in Spanish by Luis Miguel, is a really beautiful song which nuFLAVOR'S unique style makes even better.
The final track, "Come 'Round My Way" has a flavor of it's own that stands out among all the songs on the album. With a slightly Spanish style beat, a minor key melody line, different use of harmonics and subtle use of background instrumentals, this song kind of creeps up and takes you by surprise and was my personal favorite from the album. Expect to hear more about this talented group in the near future.
