It’s quite possible that the name Bing Ji Ling does not have meaning to you at this time, but once you listen to June Degrees In December that could very well change.  The funky fresh sounds of the NYC residing Bing Ji Ling are a hidden secret from the mainstream and hopefully will soon infect your ears.  It’s like indie music with style and flair.

There is a fictional story of where Bing Ji Ling came from.  Mandarin for “ice cream”, Bing Ji Ling was said to have been born in the back of an ice cream truck fully grown with a sundae in one hand and two beautiful women in the other.  Although I have heard different versions of this legend this one seems to suffice.

As humorous as that is, the true story of Bing Ji Ling starts with a man by the name of Quinn Luke.  At one time a member of a skate punk band alongside legendary skateboarder Tommy Guerreo, Quinn Luke eventually moved on making and producing music.  While in Shanghai in 1998 performing jazz and blues, Bing Ji Ling was fashioned.  When Quinn Luke returned to the states he became Bing Ji Ling and the rest is history.  

The five track EP starts off with the very islanding sounding “Kathalina”.  For a guy who looks like he stepped off the Black Crows’ tour bus he has an outstanding voice comparable to Jay Kay of Jamiroquai. Add some gospel feeling with the vocals and you have yourself a damn good track.

“June Degrees In December” is a soulful track with Bing Ji Ling singing gently.  The organ playing is calm and very Money Mark reminiscent with groovy with lyrics of never seeing that special someone again.

My favorite track off the EP was “Be Here With You”.  This track was almost like Beck and Gregg Alexander got together and created this funky soul driven song.  The other track I liked a lot was the upbeat shout out to that someone special, “This Song Is For You”.  Both of those songs are certainly for all the ladies out there.

Closing the EP is the jam band sounding “Home”.  The guitars at the beginning force your head to sway along with the song while “home” is repeated.   Bing Ji Ling’s sparkling wide ranged vocals keep the energy going throughout the song. 

After hearing this EP I wanted to hear more Bing Ji Ling so I ventured to the wonderful World Wide Web and found his MySpace page.  I am now a true fan after listening to his rendition of AC/DC’s “Shook Me All Night Long”; it was awesome.  Go on, you know you want to hear it.

If you are into the funk or like a little R&B here and there you need to check out with the ice cream man Bing Ji Ling has scooped out for everyone.  I can see this guy getting a lot of attention as the time passes.  Not only does he dress like a decked out vintage pimp, this guy is just pure unique and is worthy of your attention.