Various Artists – Laos: Molams and Mokhenes (2009)

There was a request for this particular release of the famous Inedit label. Although I have a substantial collection of ethnic music, it’s significantly smaller than my classical one, and so is my knowledge of it. Already the sound of the traditional Laotion instrument on focus here, the mouth organ or khene, left me rather puzzled. Hown on earth can these bamboo pipes produce the very sounds you’ll hear on this album? I suppose it is all about the expertise with which the reeds were made, as a professional instrument builder once told me.

As for the music, the first track, Lom Phat Paï (traditionally played for the king by three khene players), was also a surprise; it was as if I was listening to a Terry Riley or Steve Reich composition. Laotion minimalism from bygone ages, so to say, and it makes you wonder from what sources the Americans drew for their inspiration. Admittedly, I’m speculating, but one never knows.




Tracks

PROVINCES DU NORD
01. Lom Phat Paï [0:02:19.25]
02. Khap Thoum Luang Prahang [0:03:08.35]
03. Khap Samneua [0:02:29.65]
04. Khap Xieng Khouang I [0:02:44.73]
05. Khap Xieng Khouang II [0:02:05.67]

PLAINE DE VIENTIANE, VALLEE DE MEKONG
06. Lam Pheune [0:02:39.25]
07. Khap Ngeum [0:06:59.30]
08. Lam Kone, Lam Long, Lam Teuil [0:07:33.63]
09. Lam Deune [0:02:49.57]
10. Lam Teuil [0:00:57.53]

PROVINCES DU SUD
11. Lam Mahaixai [0:03:11.23]
12. Pheune Soy [0:01:11.28]
13. Lam Pouthay [0:02:45.06]
14. Lam Tangvay [0:02:43.45]
15. Lam Khonesavane [0:03:04.50]
16. Lam Som [0:05:37.73]
17. Lam Siphandone [0:04:55.51]
18. Lam Saravane [0:04:12.05]

Performers

Various artists