Bừng Sáng (Dawn) is a fantastically swinging lounge scene. Imagine a wide stage, heavy curtain backdrop, musicians seated and positioned, in formal attire, backup trio in matching dresses and gloves, and Thai Thanh looking elegant at the mic in front.
After a brief intro, the snare locks onto the 2nd and 4th beat as the bass lopes alongside it.
Thai Thanh certainly has a commanding voice, but for me the tune is all about the backup singers. Their arrangement is a blast. Sometimes I will listen to this song and just focus on them, imagining their synchronized movements and facial expressions.
During the verses, you can hear the trumpet and guitar chomping at the bit to be heard, and at 1:49 they get their chance via a minute and a half music showcase, with four instruments taking solos (a la Year of the Cat):
First we get the piano, sounding very Liberace, candelabrum burning softly, also reminds me of Steve Nieve's piano on Clubland.
Sax takes over at 2:12, ragged and streetwise, with occasional Paul Desmond cool. It plays a bit of the habanera from Carmen at 2:32.
Guitar comes in at 2:34 like a dry martini. Smooth jazzy octaves included at 2:59 (like the guitar on Fleetwood Mac's Hypnotized).
Finally, at 2:57, the trumpet appears. It plays the habanera directly, perhaps having been inspired by the sax. It has a very professional and clear delivery, as though it were the lounge's maître d'.
The singers are back at 3:20 for one more go around, uniting in a final breathtaking chord at 4:18.
Bừng Sáng is another entry from the wonderful Saigon Rock & Soul compilation.
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