Sandy Lam [File Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

Hello and welcome to another edition of  China Beat here on China Radio International. This is Lin Lin, sitting in for Zhong Qiu.

Dubbed as Hong Kong's ever-lasting pop diva, Sandy Lam, or 林忆莲, is returning to Beijing. Two years after her 2006 world tour, Sandy is preparing for her fourth solo concert in the nation's capital, which will kick off next month at the Capital Gymnasium. As is expected, this show will feature Sandy's classic love ballads, many of which have been rearranged to dance beats. This veteran singer is expected to conquer the Beijing stage with her charisma through both singing and dance. On today's China Beat, we will revisit some of Sandy Lam's most memorable songs, talk with her about the show and learn more about her stories.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"I believe an artist injects their current musical endeavours and tastes into his or her shows. For instance, my concerts tend to reveal what my favorite music styles are at the time; and I often incorporate the latest musical trends into my shows. After all, my focus for a show is always on the music and to share my music with my listeners."

For pop lovers on the mainland, Sandy Lam became a household name with her smash hit, "Home Again Without You", 爱上一个不回家的人. In 1990, after Sandy Lam released a namesake Mandarin language album, this song achieved sweeping success across China. It was the top seller in Shanghai, the best mandarin song in TVB and reached number two in Taiwan. No doubt it is also one of the best received among Sandy's concert repertoire.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"In my 2006 show, 'Home Again Without You' was rearranged with a rock beat. This time, we will spice it up again with a new dance beat. I hope through this way my music can be better-expressed and the audience can share with me some of the emotions of the songs."

("Home Again Without You")

In 1995, Sandy Lam paired up with Jonathan Lee, or 李宗盛, who is known as Taiwan's musical godfather. Teaming up with the renowned music producer helped Sandy Lam reach a new peak in her career. Her fourth Mandarin language release, "Love, Sandy" was mastered by Lee, and became one of the all-time best-selling Chinese albums. 为你我受冷风吹, or "Weathered the Cold Wind for You", is a popular hit off this album.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"'Weathered the Cold Wind for You' is a classic love ballad. It was originally arranged with a heart-rending melody which featured many of the 1990s pop numbers. For the upcoming concert, we rearranged this love ballad with a rock beat, and listeners will feel more of the music's power and feel the intensity of the emotions expressed in the song. I must say I like the rock rendition of 'Weathered the Cold Wind for You' very much."

The song we are hearing now is the studio recording of the romantic ballad, "Weathered the Cold Wind for You", which is taken from Sandy Lam's fourth Mandarin language release, "Love Sandy". We are looking forward to hearing the new interpretation with a rock feel at Sandy's Beijing concert.

("Weathered the Cold Wind for You")

With her popularity rising around the world, Sandy Lam embarked upon a successful concert tour in 2002 that spanned Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The sold-out concerts across Asia proved again the enduring popularity of this respected Hong Kong diva.

"At Least I've Got You", 至少还有你, is a hit single from Sandy Lam which was released in 2000. It is also part of Sandy's concert repertoire.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"I've recorded many touching romantic songs. When I perform them on stage, however, it gives me a different feeling. Like the song, 'At Least I've Got You', it is an emotive song about a pledge of love. Whenever I perform this song at a show, and my audience sings along with me, the feeling of love overwhelms me."

("At Least I've Got You")

Sandy has a natural, elegant appeal and in her fans' eyes she embodies the best qualities of a female artist. Behind Sandy's glamorous image stands a cheerful woman possessing intelligence and perseverance, a gutsy lady who dares to pursue her dreams.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"In my music, there are naturally reflections and reminiscences which emanate from my life journey as a woman. At the same time, I'm glad that those creative music writers have given me the chance to touch on the different sides of being a woman through music. As a woman and a singer, I'm becoming more mature; and at the same time I never stop bringing new experiences to my life and my music."

("Clang Rose")

The song we just heard is "Clang Rose" by Sandy Lam. As Sandy says, she never stops breathing new life into her music. In her Mando-pop album "Breath Me", released in 2006, Sandy Lam departed from the ballads she crooned in the past, and presented herself as a versatile pop diva. As always, Sandy was also immersed in the project from start to finish, taking part in the selection, the recording, as well as the planning of the songs.

(Sandy in Chinese)
"As a person who loves music, I'm very lucky that I've made my living as a singer and I've been given support and love from my fans over the years. With the help of many talented musicians, I can try different music styles, and continue on my music journey. I hope to continue to bring listeners the best of my music."

The 2008 concert tour of Sandy Lam will continue into 2009. After that, Sandy says, she will focus on her next album, which is definitely good news for Mando-pop lovers. Before we complete today's show, we will play another song from Sandy's collection, "Breathe Me". This is Lin Lin in Beijing. Bye for now.