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Today, may I invite you to listen to some of the originals from 30s and 40s with some accompanying footnote.
One of the most popular times is 恭喜恭喜 by brother and sister team of 姚敏 and 姚莉 （attachment 1)。 They work their magic with their interweaving vocals accompanied by a guitar. This song a cathartic expression of the daily survival of the difficult time China was undergoing through with occupation by Japan and the concession of certain parts to western nations during 他the war years of the 30s and 40s.
The concession carved out a safe conclave in which denizens of Shanghai escaped into a make-believe world of movies, both local and western, and enjoyed the melding of western music and local folk fare.
Big band and jazz descended upon Shanghai with the immigration of Russian musicians (picture of band in attachment 2). They plied their artistic talents in recording studios, primarily dominated by Pathe, and dance floors of well known clubs such as the Black Cat （attachment 3）
This period spawned a genre known as 时代曲 'shi dai qu'. Apart from having the light and competent flight of fingers over piano, guitars, flutes, these war years were blessed with academically trained writers such as Chen Ge-Xin and Liu Ru-Zeng, not forgetting Yan Hua 严华 and Yao Min 姚敏. The result was stunning with intricate arrangements of the various instruments, and the weaving of the vocals. Example is 醉人的口红虹 （attachment 4 ）。
May I wish a happy new year with 贺新年by 张帆 （attachment 5）。 It borrows very heavily from ‘Jingle Bells’.
Comments are always welcome.
Author: JT CHEN.
Very grateful JT for such an awesome peek into this period of Shanghai's popular scene. Andy.
I was fortunate to be attending this concert on this day 30 January, nine years ago, where Taiwanese Mandopop’s Iconic Diva Stella Chang performed some of her hits with a New Year’s twist. The two time Golden Melody Award winner for Best Mandarin Female singer belted some of her great hits and brought music souls on a beautiful reminiscing journey and a trip down nostalgic lane.
Love her crystal clear and distinctive vocals with powerful penetrating high notes. Many were touched by her voice as it grew in strength and vibrance over the course of her show. Here is Chang who was nicknamed Dongfang Bubai (The Invincible East) for her stellar record sales in the late 80s and early 90s with this CNY jingle songs.
Great to hear again JT Chen blast from the past and this upbeat tempo renditions. Thank you for posting once again, Brother Andy.
🍊🍊🧧🧧🍍🍍🐍..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEcOWEmz4YM
