SG Radio feat. Quinn Luke of Bing Ji Ling (Acoustic Session) – Sunday May 1st0

by Blogbot

This Sunday (May 1st) our very special in-studio guest is Quinn Luke of Bing Ji Ling, who’ll be performing a special in-studio acoustic set featuring songs from his super cool new album, Shadow to Shine.

SG Radio’s “Nude Music” Acoustic Sessions – Because songs are better naked.

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About Quinn Luke / Bing Ji Ling

The nom de plume of one Quinn Luke, Bing Ji Ling is an NYC–based producer/musician with a rich legacy of work behind and in front of him. Having co-produced, written, recorded and performed two full length records, an EP, and a slew of singles, collaborations and remixes, Luke thought the time was right to work with outside producers for the first time. Produced by Embassy Sound Productions (Sean Marquand and Daniel Collas, the men behind Phenomenal Handclap Band and records for Unao Black and Joe Bataan, among others), the album is an infectious, ambitious concoction of Soul, Pop and Psychedelia full of summer jams destined for heavy rotation. Featuring members of the Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Scissor Sisters, Antibalas and Phenomenal Handclap Band, Shadow to Shine is a work of stunning, soulful talent, marking the finest chapter in Luke’s already accomplished career.

The Background

As a member of the Phenomenal Handclap Band, Luke has toured the world, supporting acts such as Franz Ferdinand, Simian Mobile Disco, and the Gossip, as well as playing festivals such as O2 Wireless (Latitude), Latitude (U.K.), Field Day (Australia) and BBK Live (Spain). As Coppa, a duo comprised of Luke and legendary crate-digging haven Groove Merchant’s Chris Veltri, Luke has also produced a series of 12-inch singles that have earned the praise of Space Disco tastemakers such as Prins Thomas and Todd Terje. As Q&A (formerly Expanding Head Band), a duo with Tussle songwriter Alexis Georgopoulos. Luke has releases on DFA Records, Smalltown Supersound, and Lo Recordings. Luke is also a constant member of legendary skater-cum-musician Tommy Guerrero’s group, who regularly wow crowds at various international festivals such as Fuji Rock Festival (Japan).

Bing Ji Ling

Named for the Chinese words for Ice Cream (Luke spent a year in Shanghai and became fluent in Mandarin during his residency), as Bing Ji Ling, Luke has released two full-length albums, an EP and numerous singles. The albums included contributions from No Doubt’s drummer Adrian Young and Luke’s right-hand man Merkely. Press interest has led to coverage in Pitchfork, XLR8R, Swindle, and ReUp Magazine.

The New LP

In 2005, Luke relocated from San Francisco to New York. With that came a renewed sense of purpose. In the Fall of 2008 with Marquand and Collas at the controls, Luke set about trying something he’d never done: write songs and let the producers guide the direction each song would take. The results speak for themselves: a brilliant, effervescent album that showcases undeniable Pop singles, brilliant arrangements and the breadth of a classic long–playing album.

Two minutes into the album’s infectious opening track “Move On”, you can tell this is something special. Recalling classic Motown in a way that would make Mark Ronson jealous, the song opens up with a dubbed–out flute solo breakdown. Meanwhile, the classic fuzztones and acoustic strum of “Bye Bye” recalls the oft–overlooked 70’s work by Arthur Lee’s Love. The swagger soul of “Hold Tight” showcases Luke’s vocal acrobatics, his pitch–perfect falsetto showing impressive range. Meanwhile, the gentle lilt of “Sunshine Love” shows Luke isn’t just a rocker, he’s a lover too. The highway cruiser “A Little Love” is the kind of track that makes you want to go out and buy a convertible just to cruise with the top down and crank a song like this. Gorgeous string and flute arrangements embellish what is simply put, Classic Soul.

Luke has the kind of melodic sensibility most would kill for. Which says nothing of his musical chops and taste for vintage instruments. Utilizing a small arsenal of gear which includes Fender Rhodes piano, analog synthesizers, all manner of percussion and bass, drums and guitar, Luke coaxes a warm, familiar sound that sounds fresh.

The latter–half of the album finds Luke opening things up. The breezy “Hypnotized” maybe the album’s deep cut, a brilliantly arranged gem which draws on Bill Withers and Shuggie Otis – with a sly wink to the Beatles – again showcasing Luke’s knack for catchy, memorable vocal hooks and producers’ Marquand & Collas inventive arrangements. Somewhere, Burt Bacharach is smiling. “Some Things Never Change” is a lovely ballad, combining baroque Pop with classic LA Pop. As usual, Luke has a knack for a chorus that won’t leave your mind. Closer “Where Am I Gonna Go” is a lovely, acoustic track that suggests a Hendrix ballad as written by Erlend Øye – filtered through an echo chamber – brings the album down gently to an intimate close.

Unquestionably Luke’s shining moment to date, Shadow to Shine is the kind of album – like all great Pop music – that etches itself into you: The work of a great songwriter, great musicians and great producers pursuing something together.

For more on Bing Ji Ling visit:
bingjiling.com/
facebook.com/pages/Bing-Ji-Ling/137171449654400
myspace.com/bingjiling
tummytouch.com/epk/BingJiLing.php