Shanghai jazz clubs have flourished of late, but the scene is still struggling to find an identity. Yes, there is plenty of jazz, but not much of it is distinctive. Until now, perhaps. Jazz Revolution has fused Western jazz with Chinese melody (or maybe vice versa) and come up with something that soundsunique, what one might call the Shanghai Sound. This band of four – two Aussies and two Chinese – offers a new interpretation of material that has entered the collective musical psyche. For instance, they have recorded a languid jazzy rendition of Faye Wong’s “Sky”, and a reggae version of “Shanghai Talk”, a song from the famous Chinese TV-series Shanghai Tan. True, this approach will appeal more to Chinese listeners, and perhaps less to foreigners unfamiliar with these tunes. And some cuts unfortunately sound like Kenny G on a good day (Baroque with Me). But all in all, when the combination works, it works well (What a Wonderful World, Open Sea). The band’s real genius, and its originality, is most apparent in the trumpet solos, soulful vocals and on tracks that feature improvisation. “Feng Shui”, the first original composition on the album, features a traditional jazz structure and has a strong urban feel (a jazz anthem for the city?). By the way, a percentage of this album’s proceeds will be donated to a children’s charity organization. So do your part and support the revolution.
Orientalsky/Starsing Records

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