Dam Vinh Hung – Phoi Pha (Trinh Cong Son)
When it comes to Trinh Cong Son’s music, I have extremely high expectations. Although Trinh is no longer with us, his everlasting music lives on; therefore, I am sure Dam Vinh Hung is awared of the danger of singing Trinh’s music. He has to position himself against not only singers of his age (Nguyen Khang, Quang Dung and Hong Nhung) but the older generation (Tuan Ngoc, Ngoc Lan, Khanh Ly, Khanh Ha, Elvis Phuong and many others) as well. Of course, he won’t be able to top them all but he can take advantage of his strong and unique styles to set himself apart from the rest. Was he able to pull them off? Not all of them, I am afraid.
His interpretation of “Ben Doi Hiu Quanh” is powerful, energetic and definitely “Dam Vinh Hung.” His performance stands out from the rest on this one because of its uniqueness and liveliness. With a shot of Jazz flavor and Dam Vinh Hung’s dominating vocals, “Mot Coi Di Ve” is instantly recognizable as Dam Vinh Hung and no one else. Whether you like it or not, his technique is truly astounding. Unfortunately, his flairs couldn’t spark through every Trinh’s song. On the contrary, he has ruined a few with the “sen” (dragging and delaying like traditional music) mode including “Em Di Bo Mac Con Duong,” “Got Ten Bon Mua,” “Nang Thuy Tinh,” and even “Bien Nho.” The maturity of his timbre is proven through tracks such as “Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do,” “Phoi Pha,” “Ha Trang” and “Tinh Nho.” Although his performances are respectable, these songs do not burst out his characteristics.
As a fan of Dam Vinh Hung, I am praising him for taking on the challenge of performing Trinh’s work. However, as a Trinh’s music fanatic, Dam Vinh Hung is not convincing me. He has not articulated Trinh’s music to the fullest. In any rate, I am sure Phoi Pha will bring many young listeners closer to Trinh Cong Son.
I love the way Dam Vinh Hung sings “Goi Ten Bon Mua” (very romantic) and “Ha Trang” (very Dam Vinh Hung). I like the way anh Hung “goi nang” … hihihi …
Donny, do you know that anh Hung will have his own liveshow in the USA this year? Trai Tim Hat in USA …
That’s kool! Where will it be?
I believe it will be in Conneticut. check out his website http://www.damvinhhung.ws
Great review, Donny! I’m still too young to understand nhac Trinh, but i know that it is always a challenge to meet up to the expectations that he put in his songs…where do you live? If connecticutt is too far, aH will have a LS in cali too!! It’ll be cool if you can go, and write something about the show for people who couldn’t go…
I didn’t get a chance to buy the Phoi Pha cd at the Majestic night show…but i will later…
Thanks Sami. I am actually close to Connecticutt. Will see if I can make it or not.
Vietnamese nhe ? Xin loi Donny vi hoi am tre .Tra loi cho Donny o day luon nhe .Dam Vinh Hung cung la mot ca si toi chu y , nhung toi khong phai la fan cua anh ta .Dung la Dam Vinh Hung ca nhac Trinh nghe khac cac ca si khac , nhung toi khong thay an tuong lam .Co le nhu ai do noi , Dam Vinh Hung lam album nay de tu thoa man chinh minh hon .
Myall, Tuy la fan cua DVH, toi cung khong bi anh ay lam mu quan den noi khong thay ro nhung bai nhac Trinh anh da trinh bay. Nghe di nghe lai cung chi duoc co ahi bai “Ben Doi Hiu Quanh” va “Mot Coi De Ve.”
Co le ban noi dung, DVH lam album nay de tu thoa mang chinh minh. Nhu ban da thay, nhung ca si noi tieng dieu da ra cho minh mot album nhac Trinh va DVH cung khong ngoai le.
I think DVH has very unique voice for a new generation.But when it comes to Trinh’s music very fews artist can fullfill these songs….(i.e Khanh Ly,Le Thu,Tuan Ngoc,My Linh)and DVH is NOT one of them.
Donny!! I love your review…very straight forward and truthfull or we’ve same taste in music.Keep up a good works!!
Hoang
Thanks Hoang for the compliments. I guess we do have the same taste for music.
hi dan vinh hung
tuy khong phai la fan ham mo cua DVH nhung toi co cam giac rat totvoi anh ta khi nghe anh ta trinh bay nhung nhac pham bat huu boi vi ban than toi cung la nguoi thich tieng hat doc dao cua anh ta
Hi, I’m 22. I think your review of this album is very accurate, the way you categorize each song to his strength or weakness. Though, I’ve been able to “grow” on the album and can enjoy every song now…the lyrics are too good to care about DVH’s imperfections.
vang toi cung la nguoi thich nhac TRINH nhung nghe DVHhat chua thay duoc dieu hay tu nhung bai hat ay nghe dam phong cach cua DVH. theo toi moi ca si thich the hien la chinh minh ko nen theo du luan ma rap khuon nhung phong cach nhac TRINH da thanh cong