Ye Lai Xiang (夜來香) (Tuberose)

Ye Lai Xiang 
(夜來香)
A Chinese song.
Also known as Tuberose.

Early 20th century Shanghai-style classic.

Still very popular today.  

Many remakes and covers. 

Some of the more tasteful ones collected below.

Background of the song here.

Li Xianglan  (~1944)

Original Version

The grand diva. Trained soprano. 

Sang the original. Launched her career.

Tasteful orchestration of the period in Shanghai.

Mostly major chords, but well-balanced.

Jiang Xiao-Qing & Fei Jian-Rong (2003) (Instrumental only)

Spacey.
Chinese zither and Chinese lute.
 Modern backing with an Oriental flavour.

Rimi Natsukawa (2012)

Some interesting obbligato by the Chinese zither.

Yasuko Sawaguchi (1989)
From the movie Sayonara Ri Koranon the life of Li Xianglan.
Very tasteful orchestration with lively rhythm section.
Reminiscent of the original but with a modern touch.
Nice suspension and higher order chords.
Lush strings, gorgeous cello obbligato (take note).
Clever use of chromaticism.

This version clearer audio but interrupted midway by film conversation.
The reprise is not interrupted.



This version features only the song. 
No interruption.

Highlight

David Tao (1999) - Acappella (Multitrack)

Gifted Taiwanese singer/composer. Pushes boundaries. 

Unique remake. Upbeat and catchy. All tracks by himself.

Very creative reharmonisation with jazz chords. 

Exploits tension points to the fullest.

Very catchy walking bass.  

Chromatics of jazz chords make this a challenge to sing acappella.

Someone please transcribe this amazing arrangement!

(or could there be an unpublished transcription somewhere?! :))