Hong Kong Live

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a live album by Jean-Michel Jarre, released in 1994. It captures the energy and atmosphere of his performance in Hong Kong, a significant concert held to mark the city’s transition back to Chinese rule. The album blends new compositions with reimagined versions of his earlier works, giving the audience a fresh experience of his signature electronic sound.

The album is divided into several tracks that seamlessly mix elements of his earlier albums, such as Oxygene and Rendez-Vous, with newly introduced pieces tailored for this monumental event. The live setting enhances the intensity of the music, providing a raw and immersive experience for the listener. The combination of cutting-edge technology, traditional instruments, and cultural influences from Hong Kong creates a unique sonic landscape.

– Hong Kong Live –

Highlights

One of the highlights of Hong Kong is its ability to fuse past and present in Jarre’s career, reflecting both his established themes of space and time as well as the historical significance of the event. The album cover, featuring a vibrant cityscape, evokes the energy of the live performance and the futuristic feel of Jarre’s music.

Hong Kong Tracklist

Here is the tracklist and playing time for the album: Hong Kong Live

Disc 1

1. Countdown – 1:37
2. Chronologie 2 – 6:37
3. Chronologie 3 – 5:46
4. How Old Are You? – 1:17
5. Equinoxe 4 – 4:46
6. Souvenir of China – 4:43
7. Qu’est-ce-que l’amour? – 0:52
8. Chronologie 6 – 5:10
9. Chronologie 8 – 4:49
10. Where Are You Going? – 0:52
11. Oxygene 4 – 4:32

Total length: 38:21

1. Hong Kong Hostess – 0:35
2. Fishing Junks at Sunset Part 1 – 6:09
3. Fishing Junks at Sunset Part 2 – 5:31
4. Sale of the Century – 1:18
5. Digi Sequencer – 6:07
6. Magnetic Fields 2 – 6:31
7. Band in the Rain (unplugged) – 2:26
8. Rendez-Vous 4 – 6:23
9. Chronologie 4 – 6:35

Total length: 40:15

Discover the album on Spotify and YouTube

The first edition consists of a 2-disc copy. In 1997, the second edition was released. A one disc remastered version.

Used Instruments in Hong Kong

For the Hong Kong live concert and album, Jean-Michel Jarre utilized a wide array of electronic and traditional instruments to create his signature sound. Below is a list of the key instruments he used during this performance:

Synthesizers:

• Yamaha CS-80
• ARP 2600
• Roland D-50
• Elka Synthex
• Moog synthesizers
• Korg M1
• Fairlight CMI (digital sampling)

Sequencers:

• Matrisequencer 250
• ARP Sequencer

Drum Machines:

• Roland TR-808
• Roland R-8
• LinnDrum

Keyboards:

• Yamaha DX7
• Korg Wavestation

Laser Harp:

• Jarre’s iconic Laser Harp, which he plays by interrupting laser beams to trigger different notes and sounds.

Electronic Percussion:

• Dynacord ADD-One (sampling drum system)

Theremin:

• A theremin for creating eerie, oscillating tones.

Sampling and Effects:

• AKAI S1000 and E-MU Emulator (for samples and live sound manipulation)

Vocals and Traditional Instruments:

• Some tracks feature sampled or live vocals, along with traditional instruments like Chinese gongs and percussive elements integrated into the electronic soundscape.

Jarre’s use of these instruments, particularly the synthesizers and sequencers, combined with live performance elements like the laser harp and percussion, allowed him to blend cutting-edge technology with live energy, creating a unique experience for the audience in Hong Kong.

Curious about the iconic instruments Jarre has used?
Visit the Instruments page now!

– Studio Setting –

Mastery in Live Performance

Hong Kong is a dynamic representation of Jarre’s live performance abilities, cementing his role as a pioneer in electronic music and a visionary who can adapt his work to the cultural and political contexts of his time. It remains a significant live recording in his discography and a fan favorite for its unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Want to explore all of Jean-Michel Jarre’s albums?
Visit the discography page now!

– Hong Kong Live –