Featured Artist: Scott Tang
Greetings Boston Progress Radio listeners and blog readers! Wondering who I am? Well, I’m new to BPR and delighted about getting involved with this wonderful project that shines the spotlight on well deserved Asian American artists. For my first assignment, I was charged with reviewing Scott Tang’s new album, “Radiant.” This week’s featured artist is a talented and passionate singer-songwriter that has been creating music since the tender age of 9. He plays the piano and guitar, and writes pop songs about heart wrenching, longing love and devotion.
Scott earned a Bachelors of Arts in Music, with distinction, from U.C. Berkeley. He was also one of the most popular and active composers as an undergraduate. After earning his degree, he traveled to Hong Kong and lived in a Buddhist nunnery where he learned more about the Chinese music industry. While there, Scott wrote the theme song for the opening ceremony of the largest Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. Recorded by Jacky Cheung and Alan Tam, two very popular and talented singers in Asia, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts. (What? I loved Jacky Cheung and Alan Tam growing up thanks to my parents! I may even have some old Jacky Cheung tracks on my iPod). It gets better, his song was eventually incorporated into the daily routine of the school at the temple so children gather to sing the song together each morning. How sweet is that?
Since his return to the United States, he has performed at various venues throughout Northern and Southern California. “Radiant,” released this fall, is a follow up to his debut album “Late Night Drives” which was released in July 2005.
This album may make you want to get into your car, blast the tracks and reminisce about past love or fantasize about new ones. It also reminds me of parts in old TVB Chinese television episodes where either a couple finally gets together after torturous years of keeping their love from each other (this is where a Scott Tang track would start playing), or the part when the couple breaks up but you know they still love each other so it makes you want to jump into the TV to tell them that there is still hope. Although pop albums are not my music of choice, I found “Radiant” to be refreshing at times and perhaps renews my hope that real love exists. Aside from the sometimes very cheesy (or maybe I’m just too jaded) lyrics that yearn for true love, listen to the awesome piano composition in the background. Some tracks to listen for on the album include “Olvera Street,” “Sublingual,” “Life With You,” and “For The Record.” But personally I would love to hear “Olvera Street” flipped into a hip-hop remix (Isn’t love always remixed anyway?).
[Editor's Note: Tune in on BPR's stream to listen to tracks from both of Scott's albums. Also, be on the lookout for a post from Scott himself in a new feature coming soon on boston progress radio.]
Last 5 posts by van
- Featured Artist: Cast of Thousands - May 20th, 2008
- Featured Artist: Brenda Xu - March 14th, 2008
- "Asian German" - December 21st, 2007
- Featured Artist: Carol Bui - December 17th, 2007
Tags: CD, featured artist, Love, Online Radio, Reviews.
4 comments
Wow, Van is pretty much right on. It’s pop music for both pop and non-pop fans. Great catchy songs, perfect for wandering around Cambridge on a cold sunny day with your iPod earbuds fused to your ears. My favorites: “Sublingual,” “New Year’s Eve,” and “When You’re By My Side.” Makes me want to fall in love. And eat dim sum. Thanks for the tip! Go on, iTunes it!
I have been a S.T fan for a couple of years. I have also recommended his cd to my friends. and they all loved it. I have put all his songs on my MP3 Player and cell phones. You can really relate to the songs because we have all gone through it in one way or another.
You just have to listen for yourself.
I highly Recommend BUYING his ALBUMS. Great work.
I second that thought Sam. You should support Scott Tang by purchasing your very own copy of his albums.
[...] You can listen to tracks from both of his albums right here on our stream. And read BPR’s review by our very own blogger Van. For more info, go to http://www.scotttang.com or [...]