Zhang Ling sings red-hot blues

Beijing-based musician Zhang Ling brings blues music to a broader audience through a TV show. Provided to China Daily

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Zhang, a Beijing native, grew up in a musical family. He quit university at 19 and formed his first band, May Day, in 1986 with his childhood friends, including Qin Yong, He Yong and Cao Jun. He says blues music has a niche fanbase in China. However, the audience's enthusiastic feedback after Sing my Song was aired really surprised him.

"It seems like the whole world suddenly loves blues music," Zhang says. "That's what I have hoped for."

He was initially reluctant when the reality show production team approached him six months ago because he has been semi-retired for years and he does not usually seek the limelight.

"I can only sing blues music," he said to the production team. "It's not a popular music genre and I am afraid it won't get high ratings."

To his surprise, the team insisted, saying that the aim of the show is to have talented Chinese songwriters sing their own songs.

"My dream has always been getting more people to listen to blues music. Singing my own songs on the show really makes me excited," he says.

As for the song Drinking Blues, Zhang finished it while driving home. "Beijing's traffic is bad. But sometimes it's a good thing for me. Most of my songs were born on the road. The rhythms come out naturally when I step on the brake," Zhang says.

Blues music emerged from African-American communities more than a century ago. Zhang says what attracts him most about blues music is its soul, which talks about ordinary people and their lives.

"It grows in my heart bit-by-bit," he says. "Blues music has its own personality, humor and you can improvise."

He studied jazz at the University of Sydney in 1989, which opened his musical vision and gave him inspiration.

After he returned to Beijing in 1994, he was invited by Cui Jian to join in his band.

"During our rehearsal, he liked breaking down all the rules and old habits. We've tried so many musical styles and the final version was often decided the day before our shows," Zhang recalls.

It was those days of musical experimentation with Cui that shaped Zhang's free style and gave birth to his own compositions. In 2004, he released an album, Songs for Women.

Though he is busier than before due to the show, Zhang still does his regular jobs, organizing the annual blues music festival, inviting international musicians to perform at his bar and teaching young people.

"My favorite thing is still playing blues music with friends. It brings me happiness, sadness-many emotions," he says.