Playlist: Yiling Lin, Gig Coordinator at Blue Note Beijing

Kyle Mullin | Apr 13, 2017 11:33 am | Add a comment | 1738 reads

From jazz infused rap to classic bluesy guitar licks, the songs on Yiling Lin’s ultimate playlist are eclectic yet clearly linked. That’s because the Taiwan born, New York bred programming manager of Blue Note Beijing has made a career out of immersing herself in the Mississippi Delta rooted musical traditions that still reverberate in modern music. Below she tells us what blues infused tunes she’d choose for a spectrum of scenarios.

Picture this: You've started the engine of your new car, floored the accelerator, and now you're speeding down the open road. What song would you choose to start the soundtrack to this exciting road trip?
“Bitches Brew,” by Miles Davis. I’d wish that my road trip had as many unpredictable surprises as the song has. Lots of improvisation!

You're getting ready the morning of a high pressure interview for the job of your dreams.
What song would you play to get pumped up? Anderson Paak’s “Put Me Thru.” I like his big smile and positive, high energy performances. They really cheer me up!

What song would you choose of you were 18 and slow dancing with your prom date? Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.” It has the slowest tempo I can dance to with my date.

What song helps you unwind and relax after a long day?
“I Didn’t Know What Time It Was,” by Cecile McLorin Salvant. I don’t listen to a lot of jazz singers, but Cecile is definitely one of my favorites. In addition to her vocals, the piano improvisation in the song also relaxes me a lot.

Fill in the blank: "If someone says they don't like to listen to _______ then I'd question their musical taste forever, not to mention their sanity.”
“Afro Blue,” by Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu. It has Badu singing the classic jazz standard with a modern instrumental from Robert Glasper. Definitely a great mix.

If you had to pick a blues song to introduce the genre to someone unfamiliar with it, what would you choose?
“Every Day I Have the Blues,” From the B.B.King version to John Mayer’s recent cover, you’ll enjoy it no matter what.

This article first appeared in the March/April issue of the Beijinger.