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Laos is credited with the invention of the khaen, a free-reed bamboo instrument used to accompany the singing style known as lam, also called khap
in northern Laos. Here we present examples of popularized lam
lao from the various regions of Laos, performed by Thongtine
"Nola" Sao Tangvane, Timnoy Loukanane, Malavanh, Deng Doungduan and Bangoune Thonekeo.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous
support of Mr. Chan Southiseng for this web page. |
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Lam Saravanh |
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| Also known as Lam Salavan and named after the southern province, this style is very well known and loved throughout Laos because of its catchy melody and dance rhythm. For a more traditional version of Lam Salavan, listen to
Nang Soubane Vongath
and Sengphet Souryavongxay. |
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Lam Pheun |
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| This is another lam style from the south of Laos where rhythms tend to be more dynamic than their northern counterparts. This is another lam that gets the audience on its feet to dance around the singers. |
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Lam Phu Thai |
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| Although the style is named for the Phu Thai, an ethnic minority living in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, it is understood that this lam is sung "in the style of" the Phu Thai. This is Laotian blues at its very best. |
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Khap Toum Luang Prabang |
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Luang Prabang, located in the far north of Laos, was the royal capital
before 1975 and 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. |
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Lam Tang Vay |
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| 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. |
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Lam Ban Soc |
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| Sometimes written as Lam Ban Xok and another style named after a village, this one in Savannakhet province. |
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Lam Khonesavanh |
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| Similar to Lam Ban Soc and from the same province, this is another of the more popular southern lam styles. |
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Lam Sithandone |
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| 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. |
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Lam Mahaxay |
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| 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. |
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Lam Long |
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| 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 tro, a two-stringed fiddle. |
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Lam Toey |
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| 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. |
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Lam Kone |
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| 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. |
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Lam Deun |
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| No information on this style at the moment. Please write to us at seamus@the-same.org if you would like to contribute to this article. |
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Lam Hane |
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| No information on this style at the moment. Please write to us at seamus@the-same.org if you would like to contribute to this article. |
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Lam Thad |
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| No information on this style at the moment. Please write to us at seamus@the-same.org if you would like to contribute to this article. |
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Khap Som |
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| No information on this style at the moment. Please write to us at seamus@the-same.org if you would like to contribute to this article. |
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