Lien's latest studio offering, In So Many Words, was released in Taiwan earlier this week and has already eked its way into the local charts. Unlike his previous albums that saw Lien using a profusion of world music to create a hypnotic and atmospheric sound, In So Many Words blends piano with more mainstream styles, such as blues, folk and even a splash of ska.
"The new album really stands apart from my previous releases. Whereas before I'd rely on world music for inspiration I've looked at myself and the type of music I grew up with to create a very different sound," he explains. "It's more me rather than the world you could say."
While coinciding with the local release of his latest album, Lien's upcoming performances are set to include not only new material but popular tunes from his previous albums.
"I'm not a great believer in performing music from new releases, since it comes across as if I'm simply out top promote the album rather than entertain," Lien said. "We'll be performing many of the older numbers, especially those tunes popular in Taiwan. But then we'll also be throwing in some surprises as we've adapted several of my older works to suit the smaller, eight-piece band I've brought with me this time."
What: Matthew Lien Live in Concert
When & Where: Tonight, Taichung's Chungshan Hall (台中市中山堂).
Tomorrow, Taipei's Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (台北市國父紀念館).
Sunday, Kaoshiung's Chih-te Hall (高雄市至德堂). All shows begin at 7:30pm. Tickets: Tickets for Taichung and Kaoshiung performances cost between NT$300 and NT$1,500. Tickets for the Taipei performance cost between NT$300 and NT$2,000. Tickets for all shows are available at the door or in advance through ERA ticketing outlets.
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