World Music Exploration - Jane Zhang

We wrap up our exploration of Chinese music with pop artist Jane Zhang. In 2005, this Chinese pop superstar auditioned for the talent show Mongolian Cow Sour Yogurt Super Girl (also referred to as Super Voice Girl). 

Although she didn't win the competition, Zhang was considered the "breakout star". She has 15 number one hit singles and was named China's Best Female Artist three years running.

She made her debut performance in North America on the Oprah Show. Here is Jane Zhang performing one of her hits from 2010, Can't Do It (Ban Bu Dao):

Want to hear more Jane Zhang? Click on the CD icon below and happy exploring!

World Music Exploration - Lang Lang

This week, we are exploring Chinese classical music. This was a hard choice. I could have picked some pieces that a few of my students are working on this year, but opted to introduce them to someone new.

Pianist Lang Lang is a colorful character. The New York Times describes this young musician as the “hottest artist on the classical music planet”. He has performed in sold out recitals and concerts major cities throughout the world. Lang Lang is the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic and many of the top American orchestras. 

I've heard that traditionalists don't like Lang Lang's style because he is dramatic and flashy. However, he's a fan favorite because he is dramatic and flashy.

Here is Lang Lang performing "Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake". So far, my students say they picture geese gliding across the lake, people riding their bikes around the lake and people star gazing. Imagery at its best.

(May 11 addendum) Two of my students today found Lang Lang's movements and expressions highly distracting. One even said that "he looks like he's choking on a piece of gum" when we watched this video: Ah yes, a whole different set of imagery. This led to a conversation about how our outfits and gestures should reflect the character of the piece we are performing - amidst a great deal of giggling.

Check out some of Lang Lang's recordings by clicking on the icon:

(c) 2011 by Musespeak(TM), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

World Music Exploration - Traditional Chinese Music

May is Asian Heritage Month in Calgary. My students and I are celebrating by exploring music from China.

First up is a performance featuring the guzheng, a traditional Chinese table harp. It also looks like one of the ladies is playing on a five-piece paigu (tunable traditional drum-set).

Unfortunately, there is no title to this particular number. However, our world music exploration so far has shown that traditional music tends to be about historical events, nature or daily life long ago. It is very easy to imagine battle scenes during the driving parts and a graceful dance during the slow, middle section.

Here is the music video:

(c) 2011 by Musespeak(TM), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

World Music Exploration - R n B Artist PROFF

We are wrapping up our exploration of Kenyan music with the R'n'B artist Proff. You can definitely hear its connection to soul and reggae (or ragga) music.

Unfortunately, I can't track down a lot of information about Proff, which leads me to believe that he's relatively new and is on the rise, judging from the YT views.

Here's "Data":

World Music Exploration - Grand Master Masese

This week, we're checking out an instrument that is unlike anything we have in North America, the obukano. It hails from the Gusii village.Playing the obukano and singing is Grand Master Masese. He plays the obokano and nyatiti (lyre). He is also a comedian, poet, dancer and writer. He introduces the song extremely well in this video: