Asian Riff
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Asian Riff is a musical riff or phrase that is often used to represent east Asian culture. The riff typically signifies Chinese culture, but in some cases it has been used to signify Japanese culture as well. The riff is also known by an extremely diverse set of names: "The Chinese Melody", "The Stereotypical Oriental Tune", "The Asian Jingle" or the even the "trope of musical orientalism".
It remains an open question as to whether the Asian riff has an actual Asian origin or is purely a Western invention. The notes used in the riff are part of a pentatonic scale, giving the riff a resemblance to Asian music.
[edit] In popular culture
The "Asian Riff" has been included as part of numerous musical works. One of its most famous incarnations was in the 1974 #1 hit single "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas. The riff has been included in a number of other popular songs, including "Bad Detective," first recorded by The Coasters (1964) and covered by New York Dolls (1974), "A Passage to Bangkok" by Rush (1976), and "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors (1980). A similar musical phrase used in "China Girl" by David Bowie (1983) is often seen as an homage to the Asian Riff.
The riff is sometimes accompanied by the sound of a gong.
Zach Galifianakis, a contemporary musical comedian, includes the Asian Riff in his act:
- Whenever my Asian roommate walks in the door, I play this. [he plays the Asian Riff]. And she says "Zach, why do you do that every time I come in the room?" and I say "Because I don't have a gong."
[edit] Media
- The Asian Riff (file info) — play in browser (beta)
- A sound clip of the Asian Riff
- Problems listening to the file? See media help.
[edit] References
- The Musical Cliché Figure Signifying The Far East: Whence, Wherefore, Whither?, an extensive page dedicated to the history of the Asian Riff
- The Straight Dope's discussion of the Asian Riff (also here)
- Discussion of Asian Riff used in Bowie's China Girl
