MCA Music and Cornerstone Music are proud to announce that Richard Poon’s debut album I’ll Take Care of You has finally turned GOLD! In celebration of the album’s overwhelming success, MCA launches Richard’s latest offering … the “I’ll Take Care Of You” – Platinum Edition. It’s a 2-disc set that includes the best-selling album, bundled with the minus one versions of his well-loved repertoire. With the Platinum Edition, you can listen to the hits and sing along to them at the same time. A double treat package indeed!

From left to right:  Juris (MYMP), Nikki Gil, Wilson Cruz (MCA Music’s Mktg. Director, Richard Poon, Ricky Ilacad (MCA Music’s President), Billy Crawford taken during the Gold Record Awarding on ASAP ‘O8 (September 14, 2008)

Richard Poon is Philippines’ big band crooner who has been touted to be this generation’s Jose Mari Chan.

His mother is a well-known opera singer from Taiwan , and his father a famous basketball player and cook from Hongkong.

He has then recorded and released his first solo 13-track album “I’ll Take Care Of You” this February 2008 under MCA Music. Richard calls his music “FRESH OLD-SCHOOL”.

The album boasts of livelier, highly energized, and refreshing takes of well-loved ’50s “standards” from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, Harry Connick Jr. and the like. But the main highlight of the album showcases Richard’s premiere strength as a crooner/ balladeer as he captures and romances the heart of his listeners with his timeless love songs.

Unknown to many, Richard (together with his piano player Osen Fernando) arranges his own music, and continues to delight and surprise his younger audiences with his unexpected “Big Band” arrangements of contemporary covers like Beyonce’s “Irreplacable”, Rihanna’s “Umbrella”, Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls”, Mariah Carey’s “My All”, Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and more hits with his highly skilled four-piece jazz band.

Despite being a newcomer in the music industry, in less than a year, Richard has already received major nominations in two of the country’s most prestigious awards -  the 2008 Awit Awards, going up against legendary icons Gary V, Martin Nievera, and Jose Mari Chan as co-nominees in the Best Male Artist category and  Best New Male Artis, and 2008 Aliw Awards nominated in the categories Best New Artist and Best Male Hotel & Lounge Performer. Further solidifying the legitimacy of his musical artistry, Richard left the audience in awe during his very first  2-night major solo concert at the Music Museum last May 1 and 2 produced by ASAP Live.

Unlike most crooners, however, Richard is not just another beautiful voice. Besides being a standout in re-interpreting well-loved tunes of old, he is also an excellent song writer and arranger who writes diverse original compositions like the enchanting and light-hearted lullaby “Lalala” used in the movie soundtrack of the Piolo Pascual/ Regine Velasquez film “Paano Kita Iibigin”, and most recently, another RP original “Kahit Di Mo Napapansin” used in ABS-CBN’s new “My Girl” teleserye soundtrack with Kim Chiu as lead character. Just last month, he wrote a song for the 11 year old young international star, Britain ’s Got Talent finalist Charlie Green which will hopefully be a part of his forthcoming album. Richard is also blessed to be included in Gary V’s tribute album with his big band version of “ Wag Mo Na Sanang  Isipin” as the carrier track.

All of these sparked a wild frenzy among fans who can’t seem to stop blogging in the Internet about practically everything about him — from his voice, his unique arrangement of songs, to his good looks and charm. Mere reasons why Richard effortlessly got Guess Philippines ’ support. Currently, he continues to be a resident artist of Eastwood City every Tuesdays and regular guest in the popular noontime show, ASAP ‘08. He has also become the most sought after performer in corporate events, weddings and private parties of the high societies. Demands here and abroad also keep Richard busy. Come October 3 to 7, he’ll be flying to Sydney Australia to perform for the Filipino community in the Fiesta Kultura 2008 courtesy of ABSCBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC) with Cesar Montano, Pooh and Nikki Gil. October 25 will also mark his musical excellence in a big  fundraising concert at the SM Megamall Cinema at 8 pm with AiAi delas Alas and Sitti. Nine months from the album’s market release, “I’ll Take Care Of You”  has turned gold selling over 12,500 units.

Grab a copy of “I’ll Take Care Of You” – Platinum Edition. This 2 disc CD is now available in all major record bars for only Php350. Distributed by MCA Music and Cornerstone Music. Also, watch out for the premiere of Richard’s music video “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” directed by Wincy Ong on September 21, 9 PM on MYX! Don’t miss it!

(Article and photo courtesy of MCA Music)