Heritage Suite: Stories My Parents Taught Me - 2nd album out on May 16/25
Alphonse Nguyen’s 2nd release, Stories My Parents Taught Me, is a poignant musical journey that brings to life the ordeal of a young woman fleeing the Vietnam War and her brave new beginning in Canada. Through evocative melodies, this “classical crossover meets traditional Asian” album draws inspiration from Alphonse’s heritage to weave together the emotional depths of the pain of displacement and the hope of rebuilding. Each track is paired with a symbolic colour, painting a vivid picture of this intimate narrative of survival, adaptation, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
(stream // sheet music // music videos)
[01] Sunrise on a Yellow Paddy Field
This vibrant and uplifting track captures the essence of prosperity, happiness, and life’s enduring beauty. With the golden hue of the tranquil yet powerful rice paddies, listeners are invited to celebrate every moment of joy, growth, and success.
[02] A Red Farewell Under the Phoenix's Tail
"A Red Farewell Under the Phoenix's Tail", the lead single for Alphonse Nguyen’s Stories My Parents Taught Me, is a deeply emotional track about eternal love’s heart-wrenching departure. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the sweeping music captures the bittersweet beauty of a love that transcends time, leaving behind memories that burn brightly even as they fade.
[03] Refugees Adrift in a Brown Wooden Boat
This hauntingly powerful track tells the story of the Vietnamese boat people as they face the vast, unforgiving ocean in their attempt to escape the war. The raw emotions of fear and uncertainty are laid bare, highlighting the struggle for survival amidst the endless waves.
[04] The Pink Lotus Blooms Again at Dawn
Just as the lotus demonstrates its strong will to live, so too do we face each new day with resilience and optimism. With its stirring melodies and inspiring message, this track celebrates the power of renewal, perseverance, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
[05] Turtle and Crane Journey Down the River Blue
The upbeat nature and joyful energy of this final track reminds us that even in life’s gentle currents there is endless potential for growth and new horizons.
("Treading Water” from Penguin Suite is the bonus track for Stories My Parents Taught Me)
This album tells the story of a young woman who escapes from the Vietnam War and starts a new life in Canada. This album is personal for me, as when I was growing up I was well aware that my parents were boat people (track 3 was specifically written in honour of all those boat people). My mom’s boat encountered a bad storm, and when she arrived in Canada she only had $14 left in her pocket (which she spent to write letters back home). As for my dad, his boat was hijacked by pirates. But the album ends on a more hopeful and optimistic note as tracks 4 and 5 show that we can overcome adversity.
My parents passed down their stories to me, and now I’m passing my own stories along to my daughter. This album is dedicated to her.
