Three years ago, Cantopop heavyweight Jacky Cheung’s critically acclaimed jazz album Private Corner went platinum. It was believed that the success would popularize jazz in the Chinese music scene. In the past few months, multiple jazz records by pop artists, such as Gary Chaw, Karen Mok and pop-rocker Jam Hsiao, have hit the market one after another. It seems the industry is busy catching up on the fun and gratification jazz music has to offer.
The latest addition to the blossoming jazz hype is One Million Star singing contest winner Yoga (James) Lin’s Jazz Channel. The album is comprised of 16 songs recorded live at a jazz-themed charity concert he headlined last year. Collaborating with five Taiwanese jazz musicians, the set list ranges from jazz standards “Singing in the Rain” to a reinterpretation of classic Mandopop song “I Only Care About You”; from Western oldies “How Deep is Your Love” to his very own hit “Tell Lies.” The singing sensation who put out four best-selling albums didn’t shy away from stretching his vocal potential while infusing his own spin on the already familiar tracks.
It may sound aggressive for a 25-year-old, relatively inexperienced in life, to attempt this tasteful and sentimental music style, which requires complex vocal techniques. Yet, even back in his contestant days, Lin had proven that there was little his versatile voice could not do. His wonderful covers of Mandarin jazz and swing favorites “Steel Rope Walker” and “If You're Happy, I'm Happy ” captivated judges and the audience alike. In Jazz Channel, on top of his ability to interpret, digest and then deliver in his distinctive way, Lin also did well in the basics of jazz: improvise, groove, swoop, scat, and everything else.
Opener “Singing In The Rain” guarantees instant joy and sing-along. Based on Jamie Cullum’s cover of the 1929 musical classic, the easy-breezy melody is delightful with Lin’s laid-back vocal and the piano, double bass and drum trio.
Then, his soulful voice slides effortlessly through the next track “As Time Goes By.” Led by piano, with the occasional saxophone and string sessions, the band keeps the Frank Sinatra classic simple, letting the melody shine through.
Composed by Japanese artist Koji Tamaki, “Yesterday's News” may be more widely known as Jacky Cheung’s classic “Lee Xianlan” to Mandopop fans. The brooding instrumental part and the odd verse in Mandarin makes the song memorable. The enchanting song of faded love is so full of sentiment that it gives a tug at the heartstring.
The gloominess continues in “Life in Rewind.” The melodramatic number starts moody, with Lin’s dreamy voice, and progresses to an overwhelming chorus that is bound to stir up emotions. Lin is obviously more confidant and expressive singing in his mother tongue than English. Indeed, there are moments in the album where he gets distracted by the English articulation.
Nestled among the oldies are two remakes of classics that are familiar to young music-lovers: pop rock band Maroon 5’s cover of “Lovely Day” and Adele’s rendition of “I Can't Make You Love Me.” Unfortunately, Lin sounds weak compared with the distinctive voice of Adam Levine and is obviously outshined by Adele’s perfect soulful effort.
In “Waltz for Koop,” Lin showcases his dynamic and almost hysterical singing while giving the band plenty of time to impress with instrumental solos. The record closes on a seven-and-a-half-minute version of Radiohead’s “No Surprises.” It’s rather experimental in the beginning and turns into a full-blown jaunty jazz song. It’s almost a complete makeover, except for the Thom Yorke-esque desperation toward the end.
For a first attempt, Jazz Channel is an enjoyable and easy-listen jazz album. It reaffirms Yoga Lin’s status as one of the most talented young singers in Taiwan.
