ALBUM "BLUE LOVE" IS NOW AVAILABLE AT HMV & GRAMOPHONE CD STORES!
After being in the fashion and beauty industry (as hair and make-up artiste for advertising and editorial shoots) for the better part of his career, Francisco moved smoothly into his first love...Music!
Born from a rich musical heritage, he is the son of the late Domingo Raquiza, musical director and producer of the first Chinese variety show of the then-RTS (Radio and Television Singapura). Domingo was also musical director of RTM (Radio and Television Malaysia) besides being a true musician of his time.
Influenced by his mother’s sister, Ms. S.K. Poon, who is undoubtedly the most famous of Chinese songbirds in South East Asia during her heydays, Francisco decided to indulge further into singing and learning the piano. Meanwhile, his sister, who is a musical protégée in her own right, plays the viola.
It is Ms Poon who nourished his desire to pursue his singing career and has featured him in her numerous concerts, the most notable was his opening for her show at the Esplanade in 2002, where he was spotted and encouraged to pursue his singing by the legendary Shanghai singer, Wu Ying Ying.
Francisco loves jazz and he has the smooth cool style to deliver it. Through his previous career experience, he takes to the stage with confidence and style. No doubt, he delivers his tunes with all heart.
For this album, BLUE LOVE, he has been working closely with maestro Mario Serio, who is also the occasional musical director for the jazz diva, Marina Xavier. Being Marina’s close friend, jamming partner and personal hair and make-up artiste, Francisco had also opened shows for her that has the audience asking for more.
So now he will give you more in the form of his own album release. He has chosen that the first album be in Mandarin - in tribute to his aunt -with songs from the past, but done in his own inimitable smooth style. He has not sacrificed his jazz influence and with Mario working as producer, Francisco has managed to put together a selection of tunes with a contemporary flavour.
Fresh from a showcase at the Alliance Francaise’s “Fete de la Musique†in June 2008, where he performed six songs from his debut album, Francisco is now in talks for several live performances. Details to be released at a later date. For the time being, be enchanted by his smooth vocal through his debut album, Blue Love, which is retailed at Gramaphone, Roxy Disc House at the Adelphi and Sinema at the Old School. Check out his blog at: http://www.myspace.com/franciscoraquiza.
LATEST NEWS: Francisco will perform at The Esplanade’s “Moonlight Serenade Concourse Series†on 22 and 23 September, 2008. There will be two sessions: 7.15-7.45pm and 8.15-8.45pm.
“We don’t know many hairdressers who delve out Chinese pop that recalls the glory days of nightclubs (think Wong Kar Wai), but Francisco comes close with this album. Detractors will call it tacky, but fans will probably delight in his rendering of songs like Tombe La Neige (in both Mandarin and French) and Listen to Me. While many may take the over-the-top route. Francisco manages to keep the drama in check†– TODAY newspapers music reviewer, Christopher Toh, gives the album 3 out of 5
For more information and/or clarification, kindly contact: Lionnel Lim (hp: 9488-0193)