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about
Multi-talented vocalist Voision Xi is well known to anyone in Shanghai jazz circles. She’s been heavily involved behind the scenes of Shanghai jazz for many years now, but DEBUT represents her stepping out to claim the spotlight – with a little help from some notable Shanghai jazz friends.
In 2015, Voision founded her first band, the Little Happiness Trio (then Quartet, then Quintet), gathering together a number of outstanding jazz professionals. After playing together for the past three years, the band has honed a sound that places Voision’s natural warmth and touching vocals at its heart.
Released on new independent lable Eating Music in September 2018, DEBUT is a collection of covers all given the Little Happiness Group treatment, with Voision joined by young Chinese jazz pioneers Zhang Xiongguan, Li Shihai, Xiao Jun, as well as remarkable musicians Huang Jianyi, Joseph Han and Jaemin Lee. Featuring five of Voision’s favourite tracks, DEBUT sees her bring a characteristic sincerity and a personal twist to songs first made famous by Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, and Nick Drake among others.
Such names will be familiar to any music fan, but Voision’s versions contain a strong streak of originality, putting a new spin on old favourites. As guitarist, arranger and producer Zhang Xiongguan puts it, “Voision is one of the few musicians who jumps outside their comfort zone all the time.”
This spirit – and Xiongguan’s guitar work – is prominent on EP opener "Slow Hot Wind" (original named "Lujon"), Herny Mancini’s classic 1961 composition which was first released on the soundtrack to Mr. Lucky Goes Latin. Xiongguan’s arrangement is an imaginative modern jazz piece, with a distinct vibrancy and warmth.
lyrics
Some days
It's too warm to fight
a slow hot wind
His gaze
Swept over me now
Like a slow hot wind
Some days
It's too warm to fight
A slow hot wind
There in the shade
Like a cool drink waiting
She sat with slow fire in her eyes
Just waiting
Some days
It's too warm to fight
a slow hot wind
His gaze
Swept over me now
There in the shade
Like a cool drink waiting
She sat with slow fire in her eyes
Just waiting
Some days
It's too warm to fight
A slow hot wind
credits
released September 9, 2018
Composition: Henry Mancini
Lyrics: Norman Gimbel
Arrangement: 张雄关 Zhang Xiongguan
Vocal: 喜辰晨 Voision Xi
Guitar: 张雄关 Zhang Xiongguan
Alto sax: 李世海 Li Shihai
Double bass: Joseph Han
Drums: Jaemin Lee
Recording by 李炜宇 Weiyu Li,, 胡仕俊 Austin Hu
Mixing & Mastering by Austin Hu
Artwork by 大蒜糖 GarlicSugar
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