Various Artists — Destination Hong Kong

Destination Hong Kong: Dim Sum Rock 'n' Roll Collection is a twenty-six-track compilation focusing on Chinese/Asian-influenced American rock ‘n’ roll, vocal groups, R ‘n’ B  collectives, garage, and related from the 1950s and 1960s. As you might expect with this type of collection- there are a fair few racial stereotypes( both musically & lyrically), as well as moments of dated/ now offensive humour within the songs presented here. But if you can/ are able to put those aside, and take this as a sonic time capsule- it’s another worthy and varied collection from our friends at Bear Family Records, who are one of the key labels putting out 50’s and 60’s compilations.

The CD comes presented in a clear jewel case- this features a twenty-page booklet, which takes in a five-page write-up about the compilation, US service people in Hong Kong, and related. As well as a short write-up for each of the twenty-six tracks featured with artists' pictures, single labels, cover art, and posters.

In the first half of the CD, we move from the sassy horns, twanging guitar tones, and crashing gong tones of the instrumental track “Bop Suey” by The Jake Hale Orchestra. There’s crude gunning and barely hanging-together rock ‘n’ roll gallop of “Chinese Twist” by Danny Steel with Hank Farrell and His Rhythm Boys. There's the cascading keys, horn honking,  darting Asian string/ percussion elements, and dynamic male vocal layering of  “Ling Ting Tong” by The Five Keys.

Moving onto the second half we go bounding blues guitar, jamming keys, and deep male croon of “My Chinatown Girl” by Leroy Washington. Through to gunning guitar, sassy horn work, and jiving groove of “Chop Suey Rock”. Onto the twanging bass line, boogaloo piano cascades, and mix of mid-to-deep male vocal harmonies of The Revels' "Hong Kong Blues"

Destination Hong Kong is another consistent & varied collection from Bear Family Records, which you've just got to look at as a sonic time capsule back to American-occupied Honk Hong of the ’50s and '60s.