HCM CITY — An album of works by late Vietnamese-American composer and singer Trần Thiện Thanh, a famous artist in the south before 1975, has been released in HCM City.   

The album Một Ngày Ta Được Yêu (One Day I Love) features 11 songs about love and women, and shows the artist’s love for life.   

The work features singer Đức Tuấn who has more than 18 years of experience in the industry. Tuấn worked with his producer, composer Thanh Tâm of HCM City, on production.

“I love folk elements in music by Trần Thiện Thanh. His music has infused a passion into me. I decided to remix his music in soul and jazz for my album. I hope my work  encourages young fans to listen to and love Thanh’s music," said Tuấn.

Tuấn said he was confident he could win over Thanh’s fans, including singers, musicians and music critics. 

“I promise that I will provide audiences with something new in my style of music, instead of just my pop and musicals, which are my strength.”

The album’s featured songs include Trên Đỉnh Mùa Đông (At the Peak of Winter) and Chiếc Áo Bà Ba (Traditional Shirt of Southern Women), both of which have been performed many times by Vietnamese singers at home and abroad.

The songs were recorded by Tuấn and his older colleague, Vietnamese-American singer Hương Lan who shares a love for music.

The album Một Ngày Ta Được Yêu has been released on CD and cassette.  

Tuấn began his professional career after winning first prize in the Hồ Chí Minh City Television Singing Competition in 2000. With a strong voice and attractive appearance, Tuấn won acclaim from audiences in HCM City and southern provinces.

In 2003, he turned to singing in musical theatre after visiting New York.

He worked with English conductor-composer Paul Bateman, Canadian singer Genevìeve Charest, and Irish sound specialist Colin Voland, to learn how to sing in the shows. 

His live show called Music of the Night in 2009 included a symphony orchestra of 60 veteran and young artists before a select group of fans. The orchestra played under  the lead of conductor Paul Bateman.  

He sang 11 songs featuring nine works in English and two in French, such as This Is the Moment, Memory and Sunset Boulevard, which have been used many times on Broadway.

He spent nearly US$20,000 for copyright payments and recordings.

Tuấn has released 15 albums in pop, R&B and musical theatre. He has received several music prizes from TV stations and prestigious organisers.— VNS