I love The Shanghai Restoration Project! Once again they have satisfied my ears and educated my mind. Their new project, “Pictures in Motion” takes listeners through the history of Chinese film. Each track is inspired by a different classic. The electronic group lead by Dave Liang have been on a mission since 2006 to illustrate Chinese culture in a new way. In other words, The Shanghai Restoration Project is essentially a history course disguised as a fusion of hip hop beats and traditional Chinese instruments. It is because of their music that I discovered Shanghai jazz. On the group’s website there are free links to the classic Chinese films that inspired the new project.
The video for “The Wandering Songstress” premiered just in time for the Chinese New Year celebration. It is a beautiful recreation of the 1937 classic performed by Zhou Xuan. The timeless song is known for it’s raw emotional feel which newcomer Zhang Le captured immaculately. The soft production creates a great contrast to Zhang Le’s airy vocals. Like the original, “The Wandering Songstress” will touch your soul. The Shanghai Restoration Project “Pictures in Motion” is available now on Undercover Culture Records.
Class is in session. Happy New Year!