PhilMusic Update

PhilMusic Update: December 17, 1998

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Hungry Young Poets Co-founder Quits Band

Ricci Gurango of Little Green MenRicci Gurango, the fretless bassist who produced and co-founded HUNGRY YOUNG POETS (also known as HYP) with guitarist/vocalist and songwriter Barbie Almalbis, has publicly announced leaving the band, ending months of speculation about trouble in the popular pop trio. As of this writing, an official announcement is still forthcoming from HYP management (Tommy Tanchangco) or their record label Sony Music Philippines, but Ricci has posted a series of public messages on the HYP mailing list confirming rumors of a rift in the band and his subsequent departure.

Ricci Gurango named the band "Hungry Young Poets" after his old band in Seattle and claims registered ownership over the names "Hungry Young Poets" and "HYP" but has temporarily tolerated the band operating under the names for the time being. "They know that I don't want them to continue using the name," wrote Ricci. "Since they are still using the name against my express prohibition, a formal notice of such is on its way."

Barbie Alamalbis of Hungry Young PoetsIt does appear that the band may have to change its name soon, or have Barbie Alamlbis go on as a solo act. In the meantime, the band continues to perform gigs under the old name "Hungry Young Poets" with Rommel de la Cruz of Jack Rufo's "The Group" replacing Ricci on bass.

Hungry Young Poets proved to have one of the most popular debut albums of the past year, with a string of hit singles including "Deep", "Torpe", and "Firewoman" which was also the subject of their first music video. The band also performed in Sony sponsored promotional tours around Asia, such as Japan and Indonesia, where they had managed to create a following through their heavily aired video and live performances on MTV-Asia's "Live and Loud" concert series.

HYPComplicating matters in the wake of Ricci's departure is the band's contract with Sony Music, which has both Ricci and Barbie acting as signatories on behalf of the band. This issue has yet to be publicly resolved as of this writing.

Ricci has since put up a new trio called "LITTLE GREEN MEN", handling both the bassist and lead vocal duties. Joining him in the new band is drummer Minco Fabregas (formerly of Color It Red) and guitarist Mike Elgar (formerly with acid jazz ensemble Juice). The band gigs at Tipsy's (Makati) every Thursday all December. The name is indicative of Ricci's fascination with extra-terrestrial beings.

"Dates for other venues will definitely follow," says Ricci. "My plan is to start slowly but surely. The band is still new (officially formed just this past Haloween) and we play mostly covers like U2, Police, Duran Duran and other classics -- well you have to start somewhere! as far as original songs are concerned, besides creating public awareness, writing new materials is in the top of our priority list! As far as musical direction and style - somewhat rock/pop with some new surprises. We'll start playing them in our shows sometime January, so check us out!"

Ricci remains quite tight lipped about the reasons behind HYP's rift, only acknowledging "separate directions" and not the expected "musical differences". "Musical differences? Definitely not," writes Ricci. "It was actually the one most common thing that was just pure magic between the band. That was the only thing that kept us going through hardships and it was cool."

Preferring to look ahead instead, Ricci is channeling his energies toward his new band. He still keeps in touch with HYP's drummer Franklin Benitez. "I've been very busy with my new band, rehearsing, and writing," he says. "As far as HYP is concerned, honestly speaking, I've put it all behind me 'cause it no longer exists. as far as the other members, I've only been talking to Franklin on a regular basis. We talked about music, musicians, jam sessions, etc. Nothing boring like this business or the past. Actually, we're still cool and he will be guesting in Little Green Men's album, in a song I wrote specifically for three drummers I had in mind, and he's one of them."


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