Today, the idea of blending the East and the West is more attractive and practiced than ever before. Fusion kids are supposed to be smarter and more beautiful. Fusion restaurants are popular. A few Oriental elements add a lot to all those super expensive fashion show costumes. It seems that everything has a little bit of the East and the West.

Music might be the best field to practice this blending, since "music is a common language." Last Friday that idea was implemented on the Shanghai stop of the Hennessy Artistry Concert Tour Asia which began on March 23.

The tour has brought together various kinds of musicians including Asian music sensation Tata Young, Australian pop group Human Nature and talented R&B singer David Tao.

It has made stops in Hong Kong, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur so far and will continue to most of the major cities of China including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Ningbo. In December, it will return to Shanghai for the final concert.

Musicians ranging from DJs to pop singers have traveled from all over the world to participated in these concerts. Last Friday, the main players were upcoming Taiwanese star Tank, Hong Kong-based American DJ Gruv, and European electronic dance trio Karma.

The music of Karma integrates highly energetic dance beats with a trancy electronic sound reminiscent of the early 1990s.

"We are honored to be here," said the keyboardist Pipi. "It is our first time in Shanghai and we really want to take this opportunity to meet as many people as we can. Hopefully, we can work with some Chinese artists here. Who knows what will come of that."

Founded in Croatia in 1999, the group has won many prizes including the Best Dancing Singers and Audiences' Favorite Singer in Europe. Their music is joyful and vibrant.

DJ Gruv, real name Derald Reynolds, has been behind the decks since the age of 13. His music is a melting pot of various styles including funky tribal, tech house, reggae and hip-hop and R&B. With uplifting and easy-to-dance-to beats, he cheers up the crowds and leads them to his musical world.

Throughout his teenage years he was a bedroom DJ getting the occasional house party gig until he joined a local DJ group in North Carolina at university. DJ Gruv moved to Hong Kong in 1997 and has been playing at trendy clubs and parties ever since.

The key performer was Tank who is famed for his composition skills, his lyricism, his technical abilities but in particular his beautiful voice.

The tour will visit Beijing tomorrow and return to Shanghai in December. Surprise guest artists are to be announced.

(Shanghai Daily September 27, 2007)