Showing 1 - 10 of 30
Passing of a giant
Life, John Clewley, Published on 11/10/2025
» Sad news reached the World Beat desk this week that Prof Dr Terry E. Miller of Kent State University in the US passed away on Oct 1. He was 80 years old.
Molam master passes
Life, John Clewley, Published on 15/07/2025
» World Beat journeyed to Roi Et province last week to attend the funeral of Assoc Prof Jarernchai Chonpairot, who passed away on the July 5 aged 83.
Concert presents a fresh take on Thai classical music
Life, Published on 02/07/2025
» Contemporary Thai classical music will be reimagined through unique voices of oboe and English horn during "Thai Mai" concert, at Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lat Phrao 41 yaek 7-2, on Sunday, at 4pm.
Beauty as a curse
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 17/02/2025
» Notable artist Yuree Kensaku is often inspired to create from observing obstacles in life. Her latest exhibition, "The Mansion Of Plates", was inspired by the idea that beauty is a curse.
Remembering soul' s ' Sultans of Sweat '
Life, John Clewley, Published on 21/01/2025
» For twenty years, between 1961 and 1981, the hugely popular US soul and R&B act Sam & Dave, thrilled audiences with their all-action, stompin' soul music. Both singers were brought up singing in gospel choirs at church and they took their 'pleading preacher' call-and-response gospel style to secular audiences.
Black Doves is a strange bird
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 13/12/2024
» Upon watching the new British spy series Black Doves, one is left with mixed feelings. Here's another show attempting to mix genres but struggling to find its own footing.
Another teen movie to miss?
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 30/08/2024
» From Fast Times At Ridgemont High in the 80s and American Pie in the 90s to Superbad in the 2000s, films that blend raunchy comedy with teen coming-of-age themes have proven timeless. They captivate new generations of young people growing up, navigating the awkwardness of adolescence and exploring their burgeoning interest in the opposite sex. These films have a way of tapping into the universal experiences of teenage life, using humour to highlight the absurdities of growing up.
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).
Travel notes
Life, John Clewley, Published on 23/05/2023
» Cambodia, like many Southeast Asian countries, enjoyed a golden era of popular music during the 1950s and 1960s, when Phnom Penh, known as the "Pearl of the Orient" became an important cultural centre, a breading ground for the meeting of Western rock and pop and Cambodian music. Author Dee Peyok in her fascinating new book Away From Beloved Lover: A Musical Journey Through Cambodia (Granta, UK, 2023) notes that "the music of East and West merged across Southeast Asia to the most fascinating mélange of instruments, attitudes and expressionism".
A subpar comeback
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 17/02/2023
» Along with popular franchises like Iron Man and Spider-Man, Ant-Man is one of my favourites of all the Marvel Cinematic Universe mainly because the stories are different and focus on family drama that is entertaining, lighthearted and never takes itself too seriously.