Monsoon-Country

Laos is credited with the invention of the khaen, a free-reed bamboo instrument used to accompany the singing style known as lam, also known as khap in the northern provinces. Here we provide samples of popularized lam (also morlam, molam) from various regions of Laos, performed by Thongtine “Nola” Sao Tangvane,  Timnoy Loukanane, Malavanh, Deng Doungduan and Bangoune Thonekeo.

Lam Saravanh  

Also known as Lam Salavan and named after the souther province, this style is very well known and loved throughout Laos, with its catchy melody and dance rhythm.

Lam Pheun  

This is another style from the south of Laos where rhythms tend to be more dynamic than their northern counterparts. This style gets the audience on its feet to dance around the singers.

Lam Phu Thai  

Although this style is named for the Phu Thai, an ethnic minority living in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, it is understood that the lam is sung “in the style” of the Phu Thai. This is Laotian blues at its very best.

 Khap Toum Luang Prabang  

Luang Prabang, located in the far north of Laos, the royal capital before 1975, was the center of classical music, dance and theatre. This tune is based on the classical tradition but is more folk in spirit, complete with hand-clapping and chorus provided by the audience.

Lam Tang Vay  

Located in the province of Savannakhet, the village of Ban Tang Vay, meaning ‘rattan chair’ because of the local craftwork, is the source of another very popular lam style.

Lam Ban Soc  

Sometimes written as Lam Ban Xok and another style named after a village also in Savannakhet province.

Lam Khonesavanh

Similar to Lam Ban Soc and from the same province, this is another of the more popular southern lam styles.

Lam Sithandone

This style is also called Lam Siphandone, meaning ‘four thousand islands’, a popular destination for backpacking travelers. Of all lam lao styles, this one is closest to lam klawn of the Issan region of northeast Thailand.

Lam Mahaxay

This style comes from the town of Mahaxay in the province of Khammouane. It bears similarity to Lam Phu Thai in rhythm and is sometimes confused with Lam Khonesavanh.

Lam Long

Popular in the Mekhong valley and named for the river, Lam Long Khong is slow and meandering like the river itself. A unique feature of these examples is the combination of khaen and the hauntingly beautiful sound of sor, a two-stringed fiddle.

Lam Toey

This Lam has a rhythmic melody and fast tempo and is very often sung during traditional festivities. Normally it takes the form of a dual between a male and female singer where it is used to announce and reply to declarations of love. (Notes by Khampha Inthisane)

Lam Kone

Lam Kone, also know as the Lam Thang Sanh, is composed of several melodies. The song is about the history of the country, legends or the daily life of the people. (Notes by Khampha Inthisane)

Lam Deun

Lam Hane

Lam Thad

Khap Som