Asia 44 – Mua He Ruc Ro 2004

Before delving into the musical portion of Asia’s Mua He Ruc Ro 2004, allow me this opportunity to thank those activists who have been working hard to bring us freedom. I want to congratulate the successful individuals who featured on the show. I also would like to extend my recognition to any of you out there who stay in school and pursue your dreams. You are the future of Vietnamese American and we are very proud of you. Lastly, to our young boys, please stay away from Michael. Yeah! Bad joke, I know. Let’s get to the fun part, shall we?

It’s a pleasant surprise to see the appearance of Tuan Vu and Son Tuyen. They both look good (much better than years ago). Tuan Vu looks like he is off cracks for good. Unfortunately, his vocals seem to be weakening without cracks. Thanks to plastic surgery, Son Tuyen looks much better than before although her nose reminds me of Michael. Hopefully, they didn’t go to the same doctor. I am just playing, Michael. You know I am feeling your pain. Anyway, glad to see both Tuan Vu and Son Tuyen back.

Da Nhat Yen impressed me once again with her creativities. Unlike her best friend Trish, Da Nhat Yen always brings something new to the audience. This time, her traditional northern vocals on “Con Rong Chau Tien” are hypnotizing. Of course, her stage charisma is perfect for an opening; however, Gia Huy simply ruined it. What were Asia thinking? Pairing up a skillful performer with a guy who has no rhythm is a big mistake. The opening would have exceededly better with Da Nhat Yen alone.

Nguyen Khang delivered an exquisitely beautiful performance on “Nhung Dieu That La.” Although this is a Truc Ho’s song, he made the right decision by choosing Nguyen Khang instead of Lam Nhat Tien. Nguyen Khang’s cracked-voice mantra fits gorgeously with the jazz-fueled musical arrangement. Truc Ho is a fantastic producer and he knows what works best for Nguyen Khang; therefore, Truc Ho ought to produce a CD for Nguyen Khang. With Truc Ho’s musical talent and Nguyen Khang’s marvelous vocals, together they will create an indelible album (hint… hint…).

More hightlights from Mua He Ruc Ro 2004 includes: “Dau Chan Cua Bien” which is nicely done by Lam Nhat Tien and Y Phuong (a new face with potential); Thanh Truc, Diem Lien, and Phillip Huy were incredible on “Lien Khuc Hanh Trinh Tim Tu Do;” and the mesmerizing “Lien Khuc Ao Dai” with Asia’s male artists.

Of course, there is the flip side of the show as well. Trish stated in one of her interviews that she wants to sing for the kids yet her performance filled with half naked dancers. I am sure many parents will appreciate that. As for her music and dance, there are nothing new. Manh Dinh and Doanh Doanh is another horrible miss match. Manh Dinh cannot sing anything that is not “sen” and “Canh Hong Trung Quoc” sounded like switching between a Chinese and Vietnamese radio dial. Cardin has the groove but “Nang Sieu Nhan” is a lyrical nightmare. While Asia 4 need to “Shake” themselves offstage, Hong Dao and Quang Minh need to reinvent themselves. Their jokes have been pathetic lately.

Overall, Asia did a much better job than their competitor (Thuy Nga) and they seem to take the viewers’ comments seriously (unlike Nguyen Ngoc Ngan and Thuy Nga). For instance, the digital background improved tremendously from the previous show. They also did a great job of editing the video down two DVDs instead of three. They give you just enough so you’ll want more instead of bored you to death with all the senseless talking with an extra DVD. Hopefully, Asia will keep up the good work by listening to their viewers and continue to find innovative ideas.

Don Ho’s Top 10 Duets

Even though Don Ho has a distinctive voice (one and only), he never sounds awkward when performing with a partner. His greatest strength is that he never overshadows his partners but brings out the aesthetic qualities in them. I truly admired this eminence of his and there is no one can come close to him on it. Even Dam Vinh Hung can’t blend in seamlessly like Don Ho because Dam Vinh Hung always dominated his partner. On the other hand, Don Ho knows exactly when to lower his voice to let his partner shines and when to pick up where his partner leaves off. If Don Ho understands women in real life as he does in singing, he would be the perfect soul mate. By the way, I am talking about the Vietnamese Don Ho, not the Hawaiian Don Ho.

10. Mot Thuo Yeu Nguoi – Don Ho & Chau Ngoc
Here is an example where Don Ho brings out Chau Ngoc’s voice and not overshadowing her. When they both sing at the same time, he switches his vocals constantly to mesh with Chau Ngoc. He does it so smoothly that you don’t even notice the changes in his tone.

09. Mong Ao – Don Ho & Dalena
This is a beautiful piece of composition. Both Don Ho and Dalena do an exceptional humming tune to create a soothing illusion. These two are creative, talented and they are not afraid to experiment with their voices. Together with the dramatic musical score, they have brought a fantasy world to the song with their ingenious vocals.

08. Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
This version of Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho is quite unique. I don’t think anyone had done a duet on this song before. Obviously Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho (strolling alone in town in an evening) has do be done alone. You can’t stroll alone with two people. But hey! Don Ho and Lam Thuy Van do an implausible performance and their voices are convincible.

07. Thuyen Tinh Tren Song – Don Ho & Ngoc Hue
Beautiful Chinese melody with delightful Vietnamese lyrics. Although there are tons of translated versions, Thuyen Tinh Tren Song is the most romantic one because of the exotic lyrics and the striking duet from Ngoc Hue and Don Ho. Ngoc Hue’s cracked-voiced mantra works so well with Don Ho’s smoky vocals. Pay close attention the adlib at the end; you’ll notice how they switch back and forth backing up (giong be) each other’s lines. It’s just tantalizing.

06. Together – Don Ho & Dalena
Just listen to the way Don Ho skillfully exhales the word “together…” in English and “em yeu…” in Vietnamese. It’s just breathtaking and I love the beautiful English translation by Dalena, “Every season must fades with a passing of time. Time can never fade love like yours and mine.” Both Dalena and Don Ho are artistically creative so when the two come together, they have created a beautiful harmony.

05. Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen – Don Ho & Nhu Quynh
The upbeat makes this version of Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen stands out from the rest. Even though the beat is a bit fast, Don Ho and Nhu Quynh are capable of maintaining the elegant elements of the lyrics. The duet breaks away from Nhu Quynh’s usual horrific style and gives her a new dimension. Thanks to the incredible Don Ho.

04. Bay Gio Con Yeu – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
What a beautiful Chinese melody. The keyboard is compelling and the voices are mesmerizing. Lam Thuy Van does a wonderful job of supporting Don Ho in the background during the hooks. Every successful man has a great woman behind him. Lam Thuy Van is the great woman behind this successful performance.

03. Ban Tinh Cuoi – Don Ho & Diem Lien
Even the infamous Huong Lan and Thai Chau cannot bring out the aesthetic experience like Don Ho and Diem Lien can. Don Ho amazes me how he could pull off the high note, “tinh la dang…” then lets go, “cay…” with a long breath. The beat kicks in and Diem Lien skillfully backs him up so he could restore his breath. I would never thought Diem Lien and Don Ho could sound so well together if they never done this song.

02. Nhung Loi Me Hoac – Don Ho & Ngoc Lan
Actually Ngoc Lan doesn’t sing in this one but her dialogue is extremely seductive. Even though Don Ho gives a soulful performance, the song wouldn’t be complete without Ngoc Lan. It’s so creative how they go back and forth in a conversation between a man who lost trust in his girl and she keeps on trying to fool him. With Ngoc Lan’s sweet and sexy voice, it is hard not to be seduced and Don Ho does a great job of conveying the hurtful feelings that a man goes through when his girl lies to him.

01. Co Ua – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
With Lam Thuy Van’s high pitch and Don Ho’s low timbre, they have created an opposite attraction. I am quite surprise how the mixture works so well. They do an excellent job of complimenting each other like a perfect couple. They take turn to be dominant and submissive. Combining both beautiful voices with Asia’s crystal clear musical arrangement, this version of Co Ua is unbeatable. I haven’t heard anything close to it.

There you have it. Don Ho’s top ten duets. The singer I would like Don Ho to duet with is My Tam. Her voice is so powerful and clear and she hasn’t been able to find a perfect match. Even Dam Vinh Hung clashes with My Tam because their voices competing with one another instead of integrating. Dam Vinh Hung does not have the back up singing skills that Don Ho has. Don Ho must have picked up these invaluable skills from singing in the choir when he was in high school. See! You never know when your skills set will pay off.

Que Huong Tinh Yeu va Tuoi Tre 11

Persuaded by Mikki’s review on Tinh 11, I spent three hours watched the entire program and yet impressed by the quality of it. Unlike other productions, Tinh targets mainly the young audiences, which is fantastic. The video kicks off with “Lien Khuc Top Hits” features many young and sexy artists includes My Tuyet, Thanh Truc, Tam Doan, La Suong Suong, Tu Quyen, Diem Liem, Huy Vu, Johny Dung and many more. It’s just a pleasure watching the hot chics doing their thangs.

Minh Tuyet’s performance on “Mai La Nguoi Den Sau” is beautiful. It’s kind of funny to see Manh Quynh pimping out. I actually enjoyed “Lien Khuc Dan Ca” with the new flavor. The beat is hot and Minh Tuyet is off the chain. Damn, she got a nice body and quite talented. In this video, she demonstrated her ability to performance various types of music. Her duet with Huy Vu on “Huong Ruou Tinh Nong” is mesmerizing. I usually don’t like Jimmi JC Nguyen but he is quite good and unique in “Nguoi Noi” music video.

The best performances have to be Phi Nhung, Tuong Nguyen and Khanh Hoang on “Ru Lai Cau Ho.” The storyline is very dramatic and each character does a wonderful job bringing it out. Khanh Hoang is fantastic in his role as a jackass. I just love watching music video with a storyline behind it and Tinh Production tries to do that in each and every video. That requires lots of of hard work but they did a great job overall.

Que Huong Tinh Yeu va Tuoi Tre 11 is a beautiful work of art and it is highly recommended. Tinh production is quite innovative in term of remixing the songs and provide storyline for each video. Of course, the video isn’t perfect. In fact, I haven’t seen a perfect video yet but here are a few suggestions to enhance the viewer’s experience. Make the video shorter by eliminate that MC Nguyen Duong. He just drags on and on and I don’t find his humor funny at all. Just because Thuy Nga, Asia and Van Son come out with 3 tapes, Tinh doesn’t have to go that route. Take out some of the sloppy videos. The skits need to be improved. Quanh Minh, Hong Dao, Nguyen Duong, Thu Tuyet and even Hoai Linh aren’t good anymore. They are just boring.