Singer Thai Thuy Linh has unveiled "Jazz vang", an album that reinterprets classic bolero songs with jazz arrangements. The project is a personal tribute to her late father, a bolero enthusiast. Linh, who grew up with the genre, found a deeper connection to its melancholic lyrics in her 40s, prompting her to create this album. The title "Jazz vang" combines jazz and "nhac vang" (golden music), reflecting the album's fusion style.
The album features a selection of popular songs, including: "Tinh bo vo" by musician Lam Phuong, "60 nam cuoc doi" by musician Y Van, "Chuyen tau hoang hon" by Minh Ky and Hoai Linh, "Dem vu truong" by Anh Bang, and "Sang ngang" by Do Le.
Thai Thuy Linh sings "Mot doi yeu anh", by musician Tran Thien Anh. Video: Courtesy of artist
Linh first conceived the album in 2021, but the project faced delays due to the pandemic. She resumed work in 2024, enlisting musician Nguyen Quang, son of musician Nguyen Anh 9, as music director. Linh noted Nguyen Quang's deep understanding of bolero, gained from early exposure to "nhac vang" composers, complemented by his 10 years of jazz training and work experience in the US.
Musician Nguyen Quang dedicated several months to finding inspiration for the album. Leveraging jazz's improvisational nature, musicians had creative freedom. He stated that the team moderated the inherent sadness of bolero, aiming for a modern sound with rhythms that encourage audiences to sway.
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Thai Thuy Linh's "Jazz vang" album, featuring two CDs and 15 songs, was released on 21/11. Photo: Courtesy of artist
Linh expressed her fortune in collaborating with saxophonist Quyen Thien Dac, a prominent figure in Vietnamese jazz. She admires his professionalism and unique style. "I often joke that I do not need to sing anymore because he plays the saxophone so well", the singer remarked.
Releasing "Jazz vang" at a time when bolero is no longer at its peak, Thai Thuy Linh emphasized that her motivation was not to follow trends but to fulfill a long-held ambition. She hopes the album will showcase her versatility, moving beyond her established image in pop and rock genres.
Meritorious Artist Hong Lien praised Thai Thuy Linh's fresh and distinctive singing style. She particularly appreciated the album's rendition of "Nguoi yeu co don" by Dai Phuong Trang, noting that this version "evokes memories of her youth".
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Singer Thai Thuy Linh. Photo: Courtesy of artist
Bolero music, originating in Cuba in the late 19th century, typically explores themes of life, love, and family with romantic, gentle lyrics. According to musician Truong Ngoc Ninh, bolero gained popularity in Vietnam during the pre-war era, becoming a significant part of many people's memories, especially among older audiences. Its melancholic sound resonated with the emotions of people from that period.
Jazz emerged in the US in the early 20th century, celebrated for its flexible rhythms and improvisational style, which allows each performance to reflect the artist's unique personality. Key instruments in jazz include: saxophone, piano, guitar, trumpet, bass, and drums.
Thai Thuy Linh, 45, gained recognition for her powerful image and rock style during the Sao Mai Diem Hen 2004 program. Her discography includes albums like "Tro ve", "Bo doi", and "Nhu loai thu hoang". In 2020, inspired by musician Tran Tien, she launched the "Du ca - di va hat" (Wandering Songs - Go and Sing) project, performing in remote areas. Beyond her singing career, Linh actively participates in many charity initiatives. She is a single mother to a daughter and a son.
Ha Thu
