Another release from iconoclast Liu Xing, whose series of albums bear more connection to world music and new age works than to Brit pop or rap music, though he is known for blending traditional music with Western sounds. Born in Heilongjiang, Liu began studying the yue qin (or moon mandolin) at 12, was admitted by the Shanghai Music Conservatory at 16 and graduated at 20. Proficient with many types of instruments – shu di (clarinet), percussion, bass, zhong ruan (alto long-necked lute) and other string instruments – he’s composed many works. They include classical orchestral pieces (Chinese Orchestral Symphony No.2, Violin Concerto or Erhu Concerto) as well as a number of new-age and world-music albums (The Lake, The Tree or the Fading Village). His eighth album Oceania (2004), inspired by documentaries about the South Pacific islands, incorporates electronic vibes and nature noises (water drops, bird noises, animal grunts) into traditional Chinese music. The distinctive sound has a rich and atmospheric texture, and evokes a walk along the cliffs in one of these dream archipelagos. With Oceania, Liu, acknowledged as China’s contemporary world music pioneer, challenges local copycats of foreign acts to try harder.
Bandu Music/available at http://www.bandumusic.com

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
February 2006 issue