| Liu Xing |
 It is not often that a truly unique artist comes along to rivet the attention of the world music axis
in his country. Now it is time for another pacesetter. Already an established artist in his native China,
LIU Xing delivers a brilliant range of emotions and energies. Born in 1962, he started to learn Yueqin
(moon guitar) at the age of 12. In 1978, he was admitted to the Shanghai Music Conservatory and majored in Yueqin.
After he composed Desert Night for solo Zhongruan, he transferred to the composition department.
However, he was expelled for failing the examinations in harmony, counterpoint and form. Returning to the
instrumental department, he graduated in 1982. He was appointed to work in the Opera House of Heilongian
in 1984 where his Second Symphony for Chinese Orchestra had its premier. In 1985 he became the
keyboard player of the Dongfang Music and Dance Troupe and performed throughout the world. Since then, he has
become a freelance musician. Anchored by a solid grounding in Chinese and western classical music, Liu Xing
has composed many orchestral works.
The Fading Village is Liu Xing's fourth album on KIIGO. My Way is Liu Xing's second album on KIIGO and has been HUGO's bestselling album for many years. |
| The Fading Village |
KG1017-A |
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"In Shanxi there is a small village with a thousand year history called Jizibo. For generations, the
villagers lived in the cave dwellings half way up the hill. The village had, at one time, a flourishing
population. However, in the third year of Emperor Guang Xu, after an exceptionally serious drought,
only one man remained, whose descendent, LAO Yuan-tou, is now over sixty years old. There were more
than ten families in the village but they moved out, one after another, for want of water.
LAO Yuan-tou is the only one remaining from the village. Yet, he will remain there, watching the deep
but dry old well. So will his descendents." (LIU Xing) |
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"THE FADING VILLAGE is something of a smoothjazz release with an emphasis on LIU Xing's considerable compositional prowess. Each track features an eclectic mix of instruments, from the giutar-like Zhongruan to electronic and MIDI created sounds. The music is very melodic and often atmospheric but strikes me as more on the smooth jazz than new age side. The production values are extremely high and immediately noticeable to anyone who appreciates a wellproduced recording. The booklet features wonderful photography by label founder AIK Yew-goh further displaying his remarkable talents as well." (Josef Bomback) |
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My Way |
KG1006-2 |
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Chinese musical composing has changed greatly these years. Those Chinese musicians who did not want to be restrained by the rigid form of serious music or identify themselves with the commercialized pop music, began to exploit their own free creative way and composed their own music as the opening-up policy went on. LIU Xing is one of the best of these musicians. My Way was distinctive and innovating in music style and cover designing. It is a successful creation of Chinese characterized New Age music and it contributes greatly to Chinese music fans a spectacular world of audio effect and musical taste. |
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MY WAY is something of a smooth ballad release with an emphasis on LIU Xing's considerable compositional prowess. Each track features an eclectic mix of instruments, from Violin, Dizi, Dongxiao, Pipa, Zhongruan, Bawu to synthesizer and MIDI. After appreciating this album, we find how stupid our attitude to Chinese music has ever been, acquaint more with the skills of Chinese musical innovation on New Age music. The production values are extremely high and immediately noticeable to anyone who appreciates a wellproduced recording. |
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KG1003-2 |
KG1008-2 |
HRP737-2 |
HRP7212-2 |
HRP7219-2 |
 KIIGO, the Chinese word for "kiwi fruit" was established in 1990 as the platform for HUGO's Contemporary World and New Age Music. This series is distinguished by its highly creative artists, each with their own unique musical styles. KIIGO, very much like the kiwi fruit, by the way, was originally from China but subsequently became identified with New Zealand where it improved to "kiigo" which is bigger and sweeter. |
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