Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
Suave guitar grooves
Life, John Clewley, Published on 28/03/2023
» The late Malian singer and guitarist Ali Farka Toure took his music on the road, travelling from his beloved farm in Niafunke, in northwestern Mali, to thrill audiences around the globe, until his untimely death in 2006.
Suphanburi Soul
Life, John Clewley, Published on 30/04/2019
» It's been a while since Bangkok-based Zudrangma Records has released any new compilations. Last week, the label put out two compilations that will be of great interest to fans of Thai (Central Plains) traditional music and molam from Isan.
A decades-long musical dialogue
Life, John Clewley, Published on 18/10/2016
» His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej created much joy among Thais of all ages with his musical performances, broadcasts and compositions, which lasted throughout his long reign. His Majesty composed more than 48 songs, ranging from blues, jazz and popular dance tunes to patriotic anthems and New Year celebrations
Music to move to
Life, John Clewley, Published on 26/07/2016
» The fascinating sounds of "Lollywood" (Pakistani cinema) soundtracks have been exploding from the World Beat turntable for the past week, courtesy of an excellent recent double vinyl compilation, 'Life Is Dance!' Plugged-In Sounds Of Wonder At The Pakistani Picture House (Finders Keepers, 2011). The compilation was sourced from EMI Pakistan's vast archives by Chris Menist, DJ partner of Zudrangma's Maft Sai and a member of local favourites the Paradise Bangkok Molam International band, and is a part of the series called "Sounds of Wonder".
March of the brass bands
Life, John Clewley, Published on 25/08/2015
» Military marching bands brought Western music to Asia, beginning a process of cultural fusion and interaction that continues to this day. Christian religious music came along at the same time, often in the form of hymns, but I'm not sure that hymns had the same impact as the dramatic, crashing sound of brass instruments played by marching musicians.
Get into the groove
Life, John Clewley, Published on 29/04/2014
» Record Store Day was held at events at record stores around the world on Saturday. The event, which began in the USA in 2007 to encourage record stores and fans of vinyl in the US and UK to buy more records, was a huge success. Media ratings agency Neilson said it was “the most successful Record Day ever for vinyl”.
Obits to African giants
Life, John Clewley, Published on 11/02/2014
» Two giants of African popular music passed away recently: Congolese bandleader and singer Tabu Ley Rochereau and legendary producer Ibrahima Sylla. Both of these musical icons helped to popularise African music not only within the continent but beyond it and on to the international stage.
Howlings of a haunted Wolf
Life, John Clewley, Published on 09/10/2012
» Howlin' Wolf was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. His music influenced rock 'n' roll and the development of modern popular music; his stage act, in which he dropped to all fours, crawling and howlin', inspired countless imitators, as did his deep, rich baritone voice. But unless you were, to paraphrase a line from one of Willie Dixon's songs (expressly written for the Wolf), over 300lbs (135kg) and wore size 14 shoes, you would be hard-pressed to measure up to one of the USA's great musical icons.