This music presents live field recordings made in Thailand in 1973 by ethnomusicologist Deben Bhattacharya. This is absolutely original and authentic traditional Thai music using authentic instruments such as the Khawng wong yai (gong circle), Ranat ayk (boat-shaped xylophone), Ranad thum (box-shaped xylophone) and Glawng ta phon (a pair of large wooden drums).
This annual festival in honor of the Buddha commences with a procession through the village followed by a visit to the homes of famous instrument makers who have perfected the art of Khaen making. Geese are all around, the likely source of original inspiration for the Khaen itself! Instrumental, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
This beautiful song performed by Nang Chansuda, accompanied by the Sep Nyai Court Orchestra in Vientiane, is all about the Champa frangipani, the national flower of Laos. When people see the beauty of the fragipani tree, or smell its sweet fragrant flowers, they think of their homeland Laos. Female Vocals, Asian, Lao music
Ethnic Lao song played on a mountain version of the Khaen, a fascinating six-note instrument. Surrounded by villagers, the soloists, Chai Lau and Soa Da interact in a game they play and dance. One of the players accidentally trips over and everyone laughs. Instrumental, Asian, Lao music
This short travelling song brings us back to the music of the folk. Accompanied by Khaen and drum, a girl sings in the ancient Kamu language, for which there is no translation. Female Vocals, Asian, Lao music
A classical song that sings the praises of Laos, was composed to instill the people with a feeling of pride and patriotism. It tells the listener that "Laos is a beautiful country, rich with culture that enchants all who visit. Her beauty and charm will conquer all enemies". Instrumental, Asian, Lao music
Lieng Pi means "Feeding the Spirit". Instruments include the Khaen, Klong Tung gong, Pii flute, Sanai bamboo flute and conch shell. Female Vocals, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
Rolling meandering ethnic Thai song played on wind instruments with miscellaneous ethnic percussion, with sweet though somewhat muted children's singing. Instrumental, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
A grand magical Laotian parade complete with the Queen of Luang Prabang coasting along through the ancient streets on her carnival elephant, escorted by maidens adorned with frangipani. Includes choirs, orchestras, dancers, bands, puppets and more. Mixed Vocals, Asian, Lao music
On the banks of the Mekong at a tremendous picnic party, musicians, singers and dancers celebrate the Buddhist New Year. This song is about the cycle of life: farming, harvesting, courtship, marriage, children and so on. It is a well-known fun song with happy rapport between males and females. Mixed Vocals, Asian, Lao music
An excellent example of Mor Lam. The harmonic shift of this particular song is quite enchanting. The soloist, Ratri Srivilai, is bidding us farewell and she is thanking us for honoring the School with our presence and for showing interest in the Mor Lam performance. Female Vocals, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
Anyone visiting Thailand will undoubtedly hear Mor Lam. This ancient style of music is called the Soul of Isaan. To the lively accompaniment of the Khaen (bamboo mouth organ), the singer, a specialist in relating epics, evokes the spirit of the people and recalls local lore. Male Vocals, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
Two rare examples of traditional Kamu flutes performed at dawn in the village of Lak Paed, on the banks of the Mekong. It is fascinating to hear the breathing techniques used by the instrumentalists and how the human voice blends with the Tot traverse flute. Instrumental, Asian, Lao music
This virtuoso performance on the traditional Phin, a lute related to the Veena of southern India, entertains the villagers of Ban Nong Phok, and is performed by the renowned composer Song Sak Prathumsin - instrument maker, performer and teacher at the College of Dance and Drama in Roi Et Province. Instrumental, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
Ethnic Thai ensemble with percussion, and ethnic oboe-like wind instrument and children on Thai vocals, sweet and engaging, with traditional oriental diatonic melodies. Mixed Vocals, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
You often hear these charming xylophones, performed by two players, emanating from the upper floors of houses in the villages of northeast Thailand. The meticulous rhythms, quite bell-like in character, are often heard at sunset. Instrumental, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
Traditional Thai folk dance accompanied by a long drum, Krong Tung, Krang Yao and Chap cymbals. This dance re-enacts the rice growing process from the sowing of the seeds to the planting of the young stalks and the final harvest. It is also en as an opportunity to flirt, as we saw first-hand! Instrumental, Thai Music, Thai Folk Song
