LOS ANGELES—“Some people ‘murder’ my name, lalo na ang family name ko,” jazz pianist and musical director, Tateng Katindig, recently told us about how his name is pronounced in the US. But, Tateng was simply amused. After all, his name is becoming known in LA’s jazz circles.

With his own jazz trio, the son of the saxophone great, Eddie Katindig, and Remedios Hernaez, Tateng is a regular attraction in various jazz clubs here. He is also a sought-after musician frequently tapped by LA-based Filipino singers like Mon David and Charmaine Clamor to perform at their gigs.

Tateng hopes to come up with an album soon, but he’s biding his time because he wants it to be truly outstanding. Since we’ve heard him perform through the years, we hope he gets around to doing just that soon. Here are excerpts from our interview:

You came to the US only in 2000, but you are doing well with your numerous gigs. To what do you attribute your success?

Patience and hard work. I was just like anybody starting out here when I arrived. I had to do nonpaying gigs to prove my worth and show them what I could do. Soon, I was able to get some contacts, and they began hiring me.

The key is to do the gigs without apprehension—be considerate and respect your fellow musicians. It was quite a journey, and I’m still continuing on that path.

What were some of your toughest experiences when you were just starting here?

At first, I didn’t really know where to start. I had no contacts. Thanks to my friends, who were always there to drive me around and get me acquainted with the city.

Of course, you can’t expect instant success. But, in this land, no matter who you are and where you come from, you always have a fair chance. The start is always the hardest part. Again, patience is key.

How did you come to form your own trio?

I started playing with my trio at Charlie O’s. When Earl Palmer retired, the owner asked me to form my own group. From there, Spazio’s hired me to do some nights with them, too. I also performed in private gigs.

My regular drummer is David Anderson. He has toured with Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, Chaka Khan and The Ripingtons. David Enos was my bass player for some time.

When you perform with fellow Filipinos like Mon David and Charmaine Clamor, what do you appreciate about them and the Filipino’s musical talent?

Both Mon and Charmaine are topnotch performers, and it is always a pleasure playing with fellow Filipinos like them. It makes me proud to be a Pinoy! We always excel in whatever we do because we do it from the heart!

What do you consider the highlights of your career so far?

Representing the Philippines at jazz festivals, and playing with international artists like Eric Marienthal, Kevyn Lettau, Earl Palmer, Lou Rawls, the late Teddy Edwards, Hubert Laws, Debra Laws, Eloise Laws, Alphonse Mouzon, Richie Cole and Carl Saunders.
Of course, playing with my father is another highlight. I learned every aspect of playing from him. Being able to play music with my brothers, Henry (piano) and Boy (drums), is yet another highlight. I also had the pleasure of playing with topnotch Filipino jazz musicians like the late Menchu Apostol, Tots Tolentino, John Lesaca, Emil Mijares, my cousin Boy Katindig (keyboards), Mar Dizon, Bobby Gonzalez, Meong Pacana, Colby de la Calzada, Johnny Alegre and Ehlmir Saison.

What is the one moment that you will always cherish as the most special among those highlights?

Performing with my father, Eddie K is the most special!

Who are you dreaming of working with someday?

My idol, Herbie Hancock

Do you have any special projects in the works?

People have been asking me about it. For me, making an album is like preparing for a big event and I’d like that big event to be remembered—I’m carefully thinking of doing one or a couple in the future. There are offers, but I am still not prepared right now.

Did you ever try to learn how to play the sax?

When I was at the UP College of Music, I majored in composition and keyboard concentration. My minor instrument was the saxophone. But the only saxophone available to borrow from my dad was the baritone saxophone, which had a case as big as a coffin!

I was commuting from my home to school. Can you imagine what the consequences were? People stared at me. They were curious what was inside that coffin-like box!

Do you regret that you don’t play the sax?

Yes, because looking at my father playing saxophone inspires me.

What were some of your memorable moments of playing with your dad?

The first few years that I played with him were the most memorable. When I made mistakes, he would jokingly spin his sax on me and, sometimes, he would shout. I learned the hard way, but it taught me a lot of lessons. In part, I owe him what I am today.

How is it to have Eddie K as a father? Did he play a lot at home? What are some of the tunes you associate with him, and how was it growing up with his music?

I’m proud to be Eddie K’s, son and I think I have proven my musicality to him. When I was younger, he introduced me to the music of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, George Shearing, Tito Puente and Cal Tjader. As you know, the Katindigs have a strong Latin background. Playing all types of music is what I have learned from him.

Are any of your siblings also in the music business?

Yes, my brother, Henry, plays the piano. My younger brother, Boy “Stix,” plays the drums.

What do you miss most about playing in the Philippines?

The camaraderie among the musicians I grew up with, and jamming with my friends, and sisig and beer after every gig.

Do you have a family of your own?

Yes, I’m married to Dinah Bertulfo Katindig, and I have one daughter, Ella, who is now 4 years old. I have two sons, Carl and Third, from my previous marriage, who are residing in Manila.

You look young for your age. How do you manage it, considering how stressful a musician’s life can get?

As they say, musicians never grow old. Music makes me young. Maybe if I stop playing music—which will never happen—I might start to look older.

How did you get your nickname, Tateng? What are some of the more amusing instances when people mispronounced your name here in the States? Did you ever consider changing it?

My grandma gave me that nickname when I was a baby. I grew up with that name, but I’m known to my classmates in school as Edong. My real name is Eduardo, just like my dad. I am his junior. Some people here “murder” my name, lalo na ang family name ko. After a while, they get used to it. I don’t want to change it. It’s like my brand name. It is unique and amusing!

What else do you hope to achieve?

To release an album in the near future! To play in prestigious jazz festivals around the world with my own trio—and to play with my dad!

E-mail at rvnepales_5585@yahoo.com, and read his blog, “The Nepales Report,” on http://blogs.inquirer.net/nepalesreport.