Posted on 11/23/2003 4:52:26 AM PST by Bobby Chang
TWO years after singer Jamie Rivera released her "Seasons" album of inspirational songs, a cut from the compilation is now the subject of an infringement complaint.
According to Bobby Chang, Star Records, which produced "Seasons," failed to give credit to Careers-BMG Music Publishing Inc. and Floating Note Music when it included Kathy Troccoli's "My Life is in Your Hands" in Rivera's 12-track album. (NOTE: It is Track #5)
Careers-BMG Music Publishing and Floating Note Music own the rights to the Troccoli song, which the latter singer released in 1994, Chang said in a letter to BMG Pilipinas.
Chang said that since Star Records failed to acknowledge the song's owner, it appears that "permission (to use the song) was not granted by Careers-BMG."
Chang said the names of Troccoli and of composer Bill Montvilo were "grossly misspelled" in Rivera's album. (NOTE: I found the flaws and reported it to Jamie's management and BMG.)
He said the lyrics of the song's chorus, "My heart is in Your keeping/I'm never without hope" were altered, with "keeping" replaced with "people" and "hope" replaced with "love."
In the coda, "When I'm at my weakest, Lord, You carry me," "Lord" became "stone," said Chang.
"These alterations are blatantly illegal (under) American copyright laws," Chang wrote.
A record executive in Manila, who asked not to be identified, agreed that the alterations were "really illegal."
"We're not yet sure whose fault it was, though," Rivera the singer told Inquirer Entertainment on Saturday. "I'm sure it was an unintentional omission.
"Typographical errors are common, especially in the lyrics," she added. "I think they should have listened to the album first."
BMG Pilipinas sales and marketing director Narciso Chan said the record company is now looking into the points Chang raised.
Chan also said there is an ongoing dialogue between a group from BMG's local publishing division and another group from Star Records.
Rivera said Star Records sent a copy of "Seasons" to BMG Pilipinas immediately after it received a copy of Chang's letter.
Star Records assistant marketing manager Nixon Sy said he had not received Chang's letter as of Saturday afternoon and so could not comment.
Rivera is one of the Filipino artists who played Kim in "Miss Saigon" at the West End in London.
Since her "Miss Saigon" stint, Rivera has been recording mostly inspirational songs.
In 2000, she recorded the Jubilee song. She also sang the theme of Star Cinema's award-winning movie, Laurice Guillen's "Tanging Yaman."
In 2001, Rivera recorded the prayer song, "Heal Our Land," which became the anthem of Edsa II people power.
In the same year, she released "Seasons," most of whose 12 songs she composed.
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