Laos World Music And Laotian Folk Music CDs

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Laos, a poor, rural country tucked snugly between Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma and China, has a musical tradition very closely tied to that of its neighbors, Thailand in particular.

The northern Thai region of Issan is made up largely of Lao people, and the music of this area is often grouped with that of Laos proper. The Hmong people of Laos have a unique and rich musical heritage. Connected to, but distinct from, that of their neighbors, Lao music is one of the hidden treasures of Asia.

Finding CDs dedicated solely to Lao music can be difficult; there have been many releases over the years, including many from the vinyl era, but many have fallen out of print. Lao music is often available on compilations of Hmong, Thai, or Issan music.

There are, however, a few available, and nearly all will feature Lao instruments like the khene. Whether or not you end up finding a good Laos-only CD or get a compilation comprised of Laos and its surrounding areas, you will be getting some good music, so don't worry too much about it! Musical tradition rarely follows modern geopolitical borders anyway, so you honestly can't go wrong here.

We would love to hear about your experiences/reviews for any Lao music you buy or have or have heard; why not add a message to the Lao music forum and help spread the word about this music!

Laos folk CDs for sale

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Articles (world folk music CDs)

Khene, the bamboo reed flute from Laos and Issan

Thai: แคน Also: khaen; kaen; khen The khene, a long bamboo reed instrument, is the most beloved musical instrument in Laos, and the Lao instrument most familiar to the rest of the world. Often a common part of daily life, in some families as indispensable as chairs and tables, the khene is revered worldwide for its highly unique buzzing sound. The...

Luk thung is the country music of Thailand

Thai: ลูกทุ่ง Also: plen luk thung; luuk thung; loog thung; look thung; luk tung Generally described as Thai country music, luk thung is a style of music that has become quite popular in Thailand since the 1960's. It is generally slow paced (although there is a livelier variety), and the lyrics often deal with the plight of poor people in rural...

Newari folk music of Tibet

The Newars, an indigenous group in the Kathmandu valley of central Nepal, create a unique form of music in which percussion plays lead, and wind instruments provide incidental color. The musical direction is dictated by nature, particularly time and seasons. The style of music from this region consists solely of percussion and wind instruments - no strings...

Ranad ek and ranad thum, the xylophones of Thailand

Thai: ระนาดเอก (ranad ek); ระนาดทุ้ม (ranad thum) Also: ranat ek/thum; ranad thume The ranad ek is a kind of high-pitched xylophone from Thailand with either 21 or 22 bars made of bamboo or other hard wood. The lower-pitched ranad thum is based on the ranad ek, but has longer, wider keys. In both, the bars hang together on...

Laos folk CDs