Para fãs de: Eletrônico, Hip-Hop, Jazz, e Indie & Alternativo.
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The trio consists of three members, self-described as: a head of a Brazilian favela with an eccentric hairstyle named Zé Mateo, a Buddhist monk specialized in euthanasia aka Sly and Polish gangster in Long Beach near Lyon, well known as High Ku. A record label of the same name carries the band, although the Chinese Man Records is based in Marseille, France. In addition to Zé Mateo, Sly and High Ku, beat maker, Leo the Bug and Yan also contribute their sounds to some of the compositions. Altogether they draw upon influences that include hip-hop, funk, dub, reggae, and jazz. They gained a lot of attention when their song “I’ve Got That Tune” was chosen for the Mercedes-Benz promotional campaign.
Since their inception in 2005, they have released a lot of material, starting with “The Pandi Groove EP” followed by their first full-length album, “The Bootleg Sessions.” Every year that followed they would go on to release an EP. In 2007 they released “The Groove Sessions Volume 1” followed two years later with “The Groove Sessions Volume 2.” They then released “Racing With The Sun” in 2011 followed a mere year later by “Live á la Cigale.” Their 2014 album was the third in “The Groove Sessions.”
Despite the name, Chinese Man are a French trip hop act, and they are absolutely incredible. Their fusion of hip hop, funk, reggae, and jazz all rolled into one umbrella genre is fresh and exciting, as well as a real showcase of talent. I was a fan of DJ Marsellie Ze Mateo before I’d heard of Chinese Man, and seeing a post on his website, was compelled to find out more about the group.
After listening through Racing With The Sun, and The Groove Sessions, I was completely sold, and hooked on the bands innovative musicianship. The venue where I watched thr group was small and intimate, and I think it was the best way to see them live. Their energy was contagious, and watching them jump around the stage had everyone up on the dance floor.
The combination of a live DJ and rapping/hip hop singing is something that you don’t come across very often, and it was really cool to see it performed live. You can see the extent of their talent much more in a live show, and really appreciate how complex their music is. As well as musical performance, their use of videos and lighting was awesome, and helped keep the atmosphere so intense and exciting.