“Lahat ng Araw” [watch it on Youtube] is the first track from Fil-Am jazz singer Charmaine Clamor’s newest album, My Harana: A Filipino Serenade, a compilation of classic harana songs sung in eight different languages and dialects. The album will be released on November 11.

Charmaine, who made it to the top 5 of JazzWeek’s World (#2) and Traditional Jazz (#4) radio charts simultaneously, is known for introducing “jazzipino,” a hybrid musical genre that combines American jazz, blues, soul, and Filipino folk music. [Listen to her interview with NPR's Liane Hansen.]

In an exclusive Innerview with Pinoycentric, Charmaine talks about the hard work that was put into the making of My Harana:

The research for this album took about 6 months. I searched for harana songs from as many regions as possible. I asked assistance in translation of these songs so that I could interpret them with integrity. In addition, I had a “coach,” a friend or family relative, to help me with the proper pronunciation of each dialect.

Aside from researching the songs, I wanted to research the history of harana in the Philippines, to learn if there is a difference between each region. I found answers from books, online, and by talking to people who had firsthand experience.

In addition, I also did research on our indigenous instruments, and I incorporated them into our arrangements.

My father is Bisaya so I know a little of it and my mother speaks a little Ilokano, which she shared with me.

Watch out for the full-length Innerview with Charmaine Clamor in the upcoming weeks.