Sugar Blue: Blues harmonica virtuoso dazzles Beijing audience

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After a packed concert at Blue Note Beijing in 2017, one of the most coveted jazz live venues in town, blues harmonica maestro Sugar Blue returned on the last weekend of April with two nights of dazzling performances. Our reporter Yang Ran has the details.

At the age of 69, the Grammy-winning blues harmonica master presented two unforgettable nights, featuring pieces that represented his birthplace New York, France where he built his career, and the cradle of blues -- Chicago.

Dubbed "the Jimi Hendrix of harmonica", Blue has worked with many important figures of the golden era, including Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon and the Rolling Stones.

Blue captivated the audience with his intoxicating skills, passion and power. And he says music is all about life experience.

Blue, who made his debut in China with a show at Blue Note Beijing two years ago, says the Chinese fans are 'warm, enthusiastic and knowledgeable' and that he finds the country inspiring. And more than that, he has fallen in love with the Chinese culture and Sheng, a Chinese reed pipe wind instrument.

Blue is traveling with his family. His wife, Ilaria Lantieri Blue plays bass in his band and his five-year-old son James is studying hard to become a drummer.

Sugar Blue is working on a new album called "Colors", in which he's collaborating with a Chinese Sheng master. YR, CGTN.