ONE of the more popular local bands in the 1980s, the Khumb Mela Band pioneered Philippine New Wave alongside The Dawn, Identity Crisis, Ethnic Faces, Dean’s December, Violent Playground, and Introvoys.
Formed in 1986 by Andrew Jeffs (vocals), Randy Capawan (guitars), Isidore Fernandez (keyboards), Alan Dichoso (bass), and Gregorio Reyes (drums, backup vocals), the band released their debut album “Questions,” in 1988 via 108 Music Records.
The singles taken off the album, “Moving Away” as with the title track, were regular staples on the long-defunct Philippine FM radio station NU 107.
But that was it. The band called it quits in 1991.
Jeffs embarked on a solo career, releasing the album “Nasaan Ka?” via Dyna Records.
Randy did session work for Binky Lampano.
Isidore became the keyboardist of The Dawn.
Alan went on to play with different bands including Maríya and Mulatto.
Gregorio quit the music scene altogether, becoming a full-time member of the Philippine National Police.
But, surprise, surprise, the band got together recently to open for Paul Simpson – the distinctive voice behind English New Wave band The Wild Swans (“Bringing Home the Ashes,” “Melting Blue Delicious,” and “When Time Stood Still”) at The Grand Ballroom of Okada, Manila.
The lineup was without Isidore and Jeffs, who succumbed to a renal illness in 2010.
Joining them as lead vocalist is Dott Seki of Gothic band Skies of Ember.
According to Alan, Randy and Gregorio, they are planning to re-release “Questions.”
Are they reuniting for good, we asked.
Randy says, “The wish is there, yes; but for that, we need to get back into the groove first. In the meantime, we’re just excited to be playing our music together again after a long time.” (ALFIE VERA MELLA)
