Third solo album from Taiwanese Hakka singer songwriter, a collaboration with Japanese guitarist Ken Ohtake. Sheng Xiang grew up influenced by traditional Hakka (a minority group with a distinct culture) mountain songs, and became known as the singer and leader of the group Labour Exchange Band, who incorporated traditional instruments into their sound, won a number of awards and toured internationally. Sheng Xiang took up from where he left off with LEB, continuing his collaboration with lyricist Zhong Yongfeng, plus Okinawan Takashi Hirayasu and guitarist Ken Ohtake. Growing up Wild is a simple album, with just Ohtakes' and Sheng Xiang's guitar, harmonica and vocals, although the rhythms and influences range from Okinawa, Cuba and West Africa. Beautifully packaged in long digi-pack style with English translations of the lyrics.
1. Growing up Wild 2. Let me Come Along 3. Don't Cry 4. Family Break-up 5. Mama, Don't be Afraid, Be Brave 6. Auntie 7. Back Home Again 8. The South 9. Kapok Flowers 10. Ask the South
