The 64 year-old singer hopes that her latest album, Thua Ay Co Jazz, will become popular with a variety of fans and musicians.—Photo ngoisao

HCM CITY (VNS)  — Jazz queen Tuyet Loan recently released a new album that blends American jazz and Vietnamese music.

The HCM City-based singer recorded the album in a prestigious studio in co-operation with veteran musicians, pianist Vu Trong Hieu and songwriter Pham Kien Hoai, both of whom are experienced in performing jazz music.

Thua Ay Co Jazz (Old-Time Jazz) features eight songs remixed in a jazz style written by well-known composers Van Phung, Doan Chuan, Lam Phuong, Ngoc Bich, Thong Dat, Huynh Anh and Le Huu Ha.

"This was my first time singing Vietnamese songs. My producers and I worked hard to remix these to suit my voice," said Loan, who has spent 50 years singing.

Highlights of the album include Phung's Yeu (Song of Love), Bich's Tro Ve Ben Mo (Back to My Dreamy Life), and Ha's Huyen Thoai Nguoi Con Gai (Once Upon A Beauty).

In these songs, Loan shows off her strong, clear and sweet voice.

As is her style, her music is passionate and improvisational. "Jazz music is like blood that runs through my body," she explained.

Although jazz is not very popular in Viet Nam, Loan's music is more well-known and appreciated. The first Vietnamese singer to sing jazz, she has performed at home and abroad. Loan began her career as a professional singer in 1964 after discovering jazz, her love.

In 1995, she recorded her first album, Lady of Vietnam, with a Singaporean producer. She performed songs such as Lullaby of Birdland, Route 66, Misty and The Girl from Ipanema. The album was acclaimed.

The 64 year-old singer hopes that her latest album, Thua Ay Co Jazz, will become popular with a variety of fans and musicians.

"I want to introduce jazz to more and more people, particularly youth," she said.

Tran Thi Thu Thuy, a fan,said in a Facebook entry: "I respect Tuyet Loan not only for her music, but also for her heart and her dedication to jazz." — VNS