CHINA PRESS ENGLISH EDITION

Chinese Singer Sharon Xia Long Admired By New York Chinese Community
---China Press, 【6627th Edition: 20th March 2011】New York
http://epaper.sinovision.net/?pid=13162&zoom=in
Translated by Yiliu Shen-Burke

Recently in many of the celebrations organized by New York Chinese societies one frequently sees a young and versatile Chinese singer. She is beautiful, and her voice is even more enchanting. At every event her bright, magnetic voice conquers the listeners. Her improvised dancing completely absorbs the audience into her performance. Her a cappella version of the American national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, is also stunning, showing off the unique qualities of her powerful voice. Her jazz performances have even won the admiration of local jazz musicians.

Sharon Xia Long received her Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in China and Europe, before immigrating to the US in 2008. Presently she is one of the gifted students studying at The Juilliard School.

This year’s Chinese Lunar Festival celebrations organized by the New York Fujianese Association were ever more festive because of the performance that Ms. Long and three American musicians gave. Standing at the center of the stage, she sang with her magical voice, while her musical style was both lively and cheerful. The instruments and backups singers perfectly supported Ms. Long’s resonant voice; the band exhibited a powerful synergy. Her singing and dancing were unconstrained and unfettered. Her dynamics were well controlled, drawing the audience into an intimate space around her. With just two pieces Ms. Long created an atmosphere that was humming with infective emotion. Some experts say that uniqueness of her style lies in the natural way in which she expresses her art without the artificiality typical of performance.

At Julliard, Ms. Long is a student of Professor Rodney Jones, from whom she is learning jazz improvisation. From the age of six, Mr. Jones himself was a student of the contemporary jazz masters Dizzy Gillepsie and John Lewis. He is also considered to be one of the best American guitarists. Mr. Jones has composed 152 pieces, and has worked and performed with many famous stars, including Madonna and Julio Iglesias.

Mr. Jones highly values Ms. Long’s talent and potential. He says that jazz improvisation mostly requires a natural inspiration. He added that Ms. Long has a uniquely infective influence: her entire being, every cell, is art. Mr. Jones says that he has rarely met a Chinese student like Ms. Long, who sings as soulfully as many American jazz singers. Nor does he often see Asian students who are so lively and open, who can confidently interact with others. In so many years, having worked with numerous talents and stars, and being a mature musician, Mr. Jones says that he has learned how to spot talent and genius. Furthermore, Mr. Jones believes that Ms. Long has the all the potential to become an international star: apart from her talent, she is generous, warmhearted, hardworking, and has a healthy sense of humor. She certainly has the requisite style and unique personality, as well as the capability and vigor.

Mr. Jones said that Madonna is a genius in entertainment, of which Ms. Long shares a certain aspect, but more importantly that Ms. Long has a golden heart and a golden voice. Her roots are not only in China, but also from all over the world. There is not a better time to be a Chinese artist on the world stage than right now. In addition, Ms. Long is talented at writing; Mr. Jones expressed a strong interest in turning some of her writing into the lyrics for future songs he wants to compose.

Professor Jones revealed that they are currently preparing to record Ms. Long’s album. From producing and composing, to recording, the album will be put together by Julliard musicians in order to ensure a world-class quality of production. Future sales will not be confined to Europe and the Americas, but will also include China. He says that if the final product is wrought meticulously, then intelligent and discerning Chinese listeners will immediately discover her, accept her and love her.

In this way, Sharon Xia Long might well become the first Chinese “golden voice” jazz singer to be produced through the cooperation of Juilliard musicians.