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WORLD MUSIC

THAILAND

Introduction

There are only two pieces of Thai recorded music inspired by caves or bats, Khang Kao Kin Khluay (The Bat Eats Bananas) and Ruesii Long Tham (The Hermit Gets Lost in the Cave), but the first one is considered a true classic of Thai traditional music and it has been recorded by numerous artists.

For many of the entries here it was unfortunately not possible to provide full information or links to Websites. In some cases it even proved impossible to translate the artist’s name. As for release dates, I was frequently unable to learn the original dates. The last five entries for Khang Kao Kin Khluay (The Bat Eats Bananas) may have been released in 2006 or even 2007, that is after the cutoff date of this discography.

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KHANG KAO KIN KHLUAY (THE BAT EATS BANANAS)

MUSIC BACKGROUND: An ancient Thai traditional instrumental piece said by some to have originated in central Thailand. The music has a very long and involved history. The original composition bearing this title, “Khang Kao Kin Khluay,” was presented as a suite, preformed in a sacred ritual, and “its characteristics can be specified by short melodic patterns with [a] lively and vigorous tune.” (Anon. 2006) However, at some later date it was decided to keep the title and replace the music with another fast rhythmic composition with the vulgar title of “Ling Thork Kador Suea” (A Monkey Pulls the Foreskin of the Tiger’s Penis). This latter piece “consists of three short melodies in a chan dio form, giving a feeling of enjoyment and excitement.” Originally a fast song, “it was often used as a contrasting theme in dance drama when a comic scene was called for. Later, the piece came to be performed on its own as a popular piece of fun music in the Thai classical music repertoire under the new name “Khang Kao Kin Khluay” (Bat Eats Bananas).” (Tingsabadh 1998) Over the years the

original melody disappeared, replaced by the increasingly popular one, but the original title remained. The present composition consists of three sections where melodic repetition is a major element. Today Khang Kao Kin Khluay is one of the most popular Thai melodies. Many versions have been made for both instrumental and vocal performance, in the Thai traditional style and in the Look-thung style. (Anon. 2006) This discography listing includes many very different versions of the piece: classical Thai bands and orchestras, different solo instruments, popular bands, and even jazz versions. All told 25

different versions are listed here. But this listing is far from complete because it omits, due to lack of information, numerous early versions, which were recorded and released on vinyl over the years. Several of the Thai CDs listed below do not give the date of release and the album title is not transcribed into the Latin alphabet, so to help with proper identification a copy of the cover art of each album has been included. Conveniently, the CD covers often have a picture of the solo instruments on each album. The phonetic spellings of the titles in the Latin alphabet will vary considerably from one album to another. The photos of bats eating bananas show a flying fox from the Oakland Zoo (above right) and a Jamaican fruit bat (above left). Ref: Anon. 2006, Liner Notes, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra CD, p. 12 Tingsabadh, Charit 1998, Liner Notes, Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Khanen-Sai-Yoke (Thai Classical Music in Symphony), p. [13]

VARIOUS VERSIONS OF

KHANG KAO KIN KHLUAY (THE BAT EATS BANANAS)

WD-TH1 Japan ca.1970s

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย

WD – Ethnic – Orchestral

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (saw – string instrument, klui – flute, ching – hand cymbal, klong – tambour, etc.)

Prod. Co: (?) Time: 4:21 LP: (Title in Thai ?) Crown Brand CTR 242

12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 4) Notes: This is the only known vinyl release of Khang Koa Kin Khlouy (The Bat Eats Bananas), but, given the popularity of the piece, there were certainly many, many other recordings both before and after this one. Here string instruments carry the theme throughout with the ching (little hand cymbals) and the kong (tambour) keeping a medium tempo. At various points the flute joins the ensemble and livens the spirit.

_____________________________________ WD-TH2 Thailand 1998

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANK KOW KIN KHLUAY) WD – Ethnic – Orchestral

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: BANKOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Cond: Shardad ROHANI

Prod: Prapol Suksantsompob Prod. Co: (?) Rec. Loc: Thailand Cultural Centre (Small Auditorium) Rec. Date: Mar. 4-5, 1998 Liner Notes: (20-page Booklet in Thai & English) Charit Tingsabadh Time: 3:20 (3:15) CD: KHAMEN-SAI-YOKE

(THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC IN SYMPHONY) BSO 6-98-2 (Tk 1) Notes: “In this performance, the solo violin plays the main theme while other instruments play the accompaniment in a lively fashion. Many percussion instruments are used such as Klong Khaek (a set of

male and female drums) as well as the Ching and Charp (two hinds of hand cymbals) in order to bring a spirit of Thai music. The melody, “Pleng Oak Louk Mod,” (a coda) brings the piece to an exciting finish.” (Tingsabadh 1998) The violins flit and swirl around the melody, then towards the end they pick up the pace and start a variation on the theme. Ref: Bankok Symphony Orchestra, Information, musdata.info

Bankok Symphany Orchestra, Khank Kow Kin Khluay ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (3:23), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)

Tingsabadh, Charit 1998, Liner Notes, Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Khanen-Sai-Yoke (Thai Classical Music in Symphony), p. [13]

_____________________________________ WD-TH3 France 1998

KHANG KAO KHABKLUAI (BATS EAT BANANAS) WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (Unknown musicians) (ra-nad, gong, clappers, ching, & klong)

Prod. Co: Productions Sunset France; Boulogne, France Rec. Eng: François Jouffa Rec. Loc: Ko Samui (Samui Island) Time: 1:37 (1:24) CD: KO SAMUI – THAÏLANDE – THAILAND Mélodie SA 141023 (Tk 6) Notes: A delightful little oriental piece where the gamelan carries the melody accompanied by percussion instruments including a small gong, sticks, chimes, and tambour. Slow-paced clicks keep time along with the other percussions while the gamelan ranges up and down. Towards the end the little gong answers the gamelan in counterpoint and then the gamelan makes a few rapid runs as if in flight finishing with an upscale flourish. The island of Samui where this piece was recorded is in the Gulf of Siam off the east coast of the peninsula, about 500 km south of Bangkok. See also Jouffa’s recording of bat sounds in a cave in Bali. (See under Recordings of Bats & Birds – Indonesia – Bali – Grotte de Goa Lawah) Ref: Thailande, Ko Samui CD, chapitre

_____________________________________ WD-TH4 Thailand 1999

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANGKHAO KIN KLUAY) (SONG OF BATS)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional) Arr: Kamol ACHARIYASART

Perf: Thanamas CHURSAWAS (classical guitar)

Prod. Co: Bangkok Guitar Society; Bangkok Liner Notes: (8-page folder in Thai

& English) Time: 2:33 CD: GUITAR LAI THAI 2 Bangkok Guitar Society (?) (Tk 2) Notes: A pleasant, skillful performance on classical guitar. The liner notes mention that this is an “old song for plays. Funny and amusing tone. Fast rhythm. It has 3 parts." Ref: Bangkok Guitar Society, Guitar Lai Thai Vol. 2, lossless-galaxy

_____________________________________ WD-TH5 Thailand ca.2000

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KANG-KAOW-KIN-KOY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (ra-nad-ake – dulcimer) (with ching & klong) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 3:52 CD: SOLO RA NAD MAI NUOM IMF TD-60 (Tk 2) Notes: The piece is performed on a ra-nad, which is a wooden xylophone (as pictured). A nice straightforward rendition where the notes flutter about.

_____________________________________ WD-TH6 Thailand ca.Early 2000s

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANG KAW KIN KOUY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: THE DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS BAND Cond: Seree WANGNAITHAM Prod. Co: Ocean Media Co. Ltd.; Patumtanee Time: 1:58 (1:55) CD: THAI TREASURE – THE THAILAND MELODIES Ocean Media Ocm CD 022 (Tk 3) Notes: A classic rendition performed solo on a ra-nad with a saw, ching, and klong.

_____________________________________ WD-TH7 Thailand 2001

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KAANG-KAW-KIN-KLUAY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: SAMACCISIL GROUP (with khim, saw, ching, charb – hand cymbals, klong)

Prod. Co: V. MusicSound; Bangkok Liner Notes: (2-pages in Thai & English) Time: 4:37 1. CD: THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC V. MusicSound TCD 29 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue CD: THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC – THAI STRING CLASSICAL

MUSIC – VOL. 1 (Titled: Kangkao Kin Gluay) V. MusicSound TCD 29 (Tk 1) Notes: Performed by a Thai stringed musical instrument band. The khim and the saw play a slow-paced version with hand cymbals and small tambour for rhythm. A flute (klui) is heard underscoring certain phrases. As the piece progresses the instruments gather momentum and the pace picks up. The color photo on the reissue CD cover shows a model playing jakhay or saw-ra-khay, a Thai string instrument, which is not heard on this album. Ref: Thai Classical Music – Thai String Classical Music – Vol. 1 (Reissue CD), musicsound

_____________________________________ WD-TH8 Thailand 2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KAANG KAO KIN KLUAY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (violin & guitar) Prod. Co: V. MusicSound; Bangkok Time: 4:41 CD: THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC V. MusicSound TCD 43 (Tk 4) Notes: A languid, slow version where the violin and the guitar alternate on the melody throughout. Both violin and guitar do variations on the theme and at the end they play together.

_____________________________________ WD-TH9 Thailand ca.2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KAUNK KAW GIN-GUAG)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Theera POOMANEE (khim & saw)

Suriya Chitoum (saw)

Sombat Sungvienthong (klui & cymbal)

Suwat Arthalerk (klui)

Anucha Boripan (cymbal)

Nivet Luevicha (drum) Cond: Prasit Nakornpanom Prod: Voragal Thumasungkeeti Prod. Co: (?) Liner Notes: (2-pages in Thai) Time: 4:33 CD: THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC (KHIM SOLO) (?) DTVT-5115 (Tk 1) Notes: A rare case where the liner notes provide the names of all the Thai musicians. This is a similar arrangement to the version by the Samaccisil Group (see above WD-TH7), only here the mix is better.

_____________________________________ WD-TH10 Thailand ca.2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KANG-KAO-KIN-KLUAY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Wai KAOU (pee-part – flute)

SID-ARAWAN (ra-nad-ake)

(with ching & klong) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 3:38 CD: PEE-PART-PRA-CHUN HOM-RONG IMF TD-158 (Tk 4)

Notes: An elaborate ensemble consisting of the ra-nad (wooden xylophone) and the pee-part (flute) with its whinny sound backed by the kong and the ching all play at a rapid pace. The ra-nard is not prominent enough in the mix where the rhythm instruments dominate.

_____________________________________ WD-TH11 Thailand ca.2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: KANA SUZ SAI RAI MUEG (with ra-nad, klui, saw, ching, ta-pone)

Prod. Co: Plaeg Thai; Chiang Mai, Thailand Time: 3:34 CD: LANNA FOLK VOL. 17 – THAI DEM PRE YOT Plaeg Thai (?) (Tk 10) Notes: The title of this album means “Modern Thai Folk Music.” It is in the style of Lanna folk music from northern Thailand and this is one of four versions of the piece released on this Chiang Mai budget label. A fairly routine performance with the ra-nad soloing backed by the saw, ching, and ta-pone. Then the klui flute solos playing forcefully and increasing the tempo at the end. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand

_____________________________________ WD-TH12 Thailand ca.2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Tanachai SUANTA (sime – 4-string banjo) Prod. Co: Plaeg Thai; Chiang Mai, Thailand Time: 4:51 CD: LANNA FOLK VOL. 19 – KHONG DEE MUNEY LAM PEANG Plaeg Thai (?) (Tk 15) Notes: The title of this album means “Good Things from Lam Peang.” It is in the style of Lanna folk music from northern Thailand and this is one of four versions of the piece released on this Chiang Mai budget label. The sime, which sounds like a cross between a guitar and a banjo, solos throughout this version. Towards the end he speeds up the pace and then at three successive points he sounds like he’s going to wind it up but instead he’s off again briefly. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand

_____________________________________ WD-TH13 Thailand ca.2002

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Art JATANONG (khim)

Chaiwat Samnano (klong) Prod. Co: Plaeg Thai; Chiang Mai, Thailand Time: 2:54

CD: PLAEG THAI DEAM – PLAEG PUINI MUEG Plaeg Thai (?) (Tk 6) Notes: The title of this album means “Original Thai – Local Folk Music.” It is in the style of Lanna folk music from northern Thailand and this is one of four versions of the piece released on this Chiang Mai budget label. The khim hammers out the tune very nicely backed simply by the klong tambour. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand

_____________________________________ WD-TH14 Thailand ca.2003

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย

WD – Popular – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: KANA SUZ SAI PAI MUEG (with sime, guitar, klong)

Prod. Co: Plaeg Thai; Chiang Mai, Thailand Time: 4:17 CD: LANNA FOLK VOL. 30 – BAN RIG PEAG MUN JAI 2 Plaeg Thai (?) (Tk 10) Notes: This trio, Three Local Friends, consisting of sime (4-string banjo), guitar, and klong (tambour), play to a modern dance rhythm where the sime and guitar alternate on the theme, with first one soloing then the other. At the end the tempo increases. The title of this album means “Compilation of Music 2.” This is one of four versions of the piece released on this Chiang Mai budget label. The original CD release used a different cartoon drawing of the three musicians. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand

_____________________________________ WD-TH15 United States 2003

PLEENG KHAANG KHAAW KIN KLAUY (BATS EATING BANANAS) WD – Popular – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: POMPRAPIT PHOASAVADI Prod. Co: World Music Press; Danbury, CT Liner Notes: (Booklet) Time: (?) CD: FROM BANGKOK AND BEYOND: THAI CHILDREN”S SONGS, GAMES AND CUSTOMS World Music Press (?) (Tk 19) Notes: This CD comes with a booklet and features 6 songs, 3 instrumentals, photos, a Thai folk tale, history, festivals, recipes and a pronunciation guide. “The set includes over 70 photographs that reveal the people, customs, instruments, animals and countryside of Thailand. Delicious recipes to sample, common Thai words and phrases, a folktale, craft projects, map, cultural context and more rounds out the collection. Much of the text is copy-permissible including all the musical transcriptions and the map. Ros Phoasavadi sings and pronounces every selection on the companion CD, accompanied on traditional instruments.” (Anon. 2013) Ref: Anon. 2013, From Bangkok and Beyond CD, paperbackswap From Bangkok and Beyond: Thai Children’s Songs, Games and Customs CD, worldcat From Bangkok and Beyond: Thai Children’s Songs, Games and Customs CD, worldmusicstore From Bangkok and Beyond: Thai Children’s Songs, Games and Customs CD, musicmotion

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WD-TH16 Thailand ca.2003

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KANG KAW KIN KLUY)

WD – Fusion – Popular – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: THE BANGKOK SAXOPHONE QUARTET Henri Bok (baritone sax) (with soprano, alto, & tenor saxes) Prod. Co: (?) Liner Notes: (8-page Booklet in Thai & English) Time: 4:04 CD: POOYAI LEE (?) (Tk 8)

Notes: The Bangkok Saxophone Quartet is the first saxophone quartet in Thailand and Southeast Asia. There first public performance was in May 1991 in a grand public park in Bangkok. (Liner notes) For this number the BSQ (as they are known) consists only of soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes plus vibraphone with no percussion accompaniment. The ensemble states the theme in traditional manner with the soprano sax dominating. Then the alto and soprano play together or solo separately. The baritone sax is occasionally heard in the background doing harmony. All instruments stick close to the classic melody throughout with very little variation.

_____________________________________ WD-TH17 Thailand 2004

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KANG-KAW-KIN-KLOAY)

WD – Popular – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: ธนิสร์ ศรีกลิ่นดี Tanis SRIGLINDEE (klui – flute)

(with organ, guitar, & tom tom) Prod. Co: Nong Taprachan; Bangkok Time: 3:20 CD: THE LEGENDARY THAI FLUTE Nong Taprachan (?) (Tk 12) Notes: A totally pop version that starts with a tom tom beat and organ chords to introduce the klui flute playing the melody over a pseudo-Latin dance rhythm. The flute runs through it in a higher register followed by bridge solos on timbales and electric guitar. Then the flute returns and improvises around the tune up to the end. Ref: Tanis Sriglindee, The Lengendary Thai Flute, eThaicd

_____________________________________ WD-TH18 Thailand 2004

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KANG-KROW-KIN-GLUY)

WD – Fusion – Latin – Jazz – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: THE BANGKOK ACOUSTIC

Naraongrit Tosa-nga (ra-nad) Wutichai Jarungklin (fiddle) Payap Lurksuwunnee (klui) Piya Wiwattanachaison (guitar) Pakee Navy (bass) Boonchai U-thaitum (Thai percussion) Nuttawut Leesakun (Thai percussion) Jeerawat Sang-anan (drums) Prod: Naraongrit Tosa-nga & Nuttavud Punsaichur Prod. Co: Groovin’ House Records Ltd., Nontaburi Liner Notes: (?) Time: 4:52 (4:49) CD: THE BANGKOK ACOUSTIC Groovin’ House (?) (Tk 4) Notes: This band mixes Thai traditional and international styles. Kang-Krow-Kin-Gluy (sic) is a “quite well-known Thai old-styled song which is later arranged into new style of funny and lively Latin.” Set to an enthusiastic Latin rhythm the ra-nad solos on the theme, then the fiddle solos followed by the klui flute. The ra-nad descends to the lower octave and improvises for a few choruses. The guitar also improvises for a while then the ensemble comes in followed by the ra-nad that returns to the theme. All finish with a flourish. Ref: The Bangkok Acoustic CD, Groovin’ House, thaiCDexpress The Bangkok Acoustic CD, Here Distribution, 2010 Reissue, Amazon (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)

_____________________________________ WD-TH19 Thailand ca.2004

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANG KAO KIN KLOUY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: NUM-SAOW-KARASIN GROUP (with phin, khaen, wot, ra-nad, klong, & ta-pone) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 5:30 CD: PLERN JAI THAI LAOS

(?) (Tk 1) Notes: The album cover shows pictures of the five instruments played by this band (from left to right): phin (3-string lute), khaen (mouth organ), wot (panpipe), ra-nad (xylophone), and saw-ou (2-string fiddle). The phin, khaen, and the wot are all played in northeast Thailand. (Anon., n.d.) A lively complex arrangement of the piece starting with an intro by the phin and wot. The theme is performed by the phin and ra-nad accompanied by the khaen, wot, klong, and ta-pone. For the bridge the ra-nad and phin do counterpoint. Then the phin solos and later the khaen, which has a raspy wind sound. Finally the ra-nad solos and does some very rapid improvising right up to the end. Ref: Anon. n.d., Traditional Thai Musical Instruments, wikipedia.org Website

_____________________________________ WD-TH20 Thailand ca.2004

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (BAT EAT BANANA)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: มนญู พลอยประดับ Ajarn MANOON PLOYPRADAB

(classical guitar)

(with keyboards ) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 4:21 CD: THAILAND MY LOVE

(?) (Tk 6) Notes: Ajarn Manoon Ploypradab teaches at the Lanna music school and at the Music Department of Payap University Chiang Mai. (Anon. n.d.) A classical guitar intro leads gently into the melody accompanied by a rhythm guitar playing harmony. There is some improvisation, followed by the bridge in low and high register, more variations on the theme, and a run to the final twang. Ref: Anon. n.d., Ajarn Manoon Ploypradab, Biography, ThailandGuitarSociety

_____________________________________ WD-TH21 Thailand ca.2005

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (THE BAT)

WD – Popular – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Raewat LAMLERTSUK (with piano, saw, pi-nai, sime, bass, & drums) Prod: Raewat Lamlertsuk Prod. Co: Siam Highlights Co. Ltd.; Time: 3:44 Compilation CD: SIAM CLASSICAL Wattana Chai SHL-0348250007 (Tk 9) Notes: This piece has been mistakenly titled “Khang Kao Pane Jorn,” which means “The Traveling Bat.” The music here is clearly that of “Khang Kao Kin Klouy” (The Bat Eats Bananas) and it is difficult to understand why the title was changed for this compilation. This is a popular modern beat version of the well-known piece, introduced by piano, where the saw plays the melody followed by solos on the pi-nai (harsh-sounding oboe) and the piano, all accompanied by the bass and drums. This pattern is repeated twice and at the end the piano picks up the pace. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand Ref: Raewat Lamlertsuk, Siam Classical CD, israbox

_____________________________________ WD-TH22 Thailand ca.2005

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANG KOW KIN KLOUY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Lieutenant Dilek KLAHAN (ra-nad-ake) (with klong)

Prod. Co: Somchai Thai Musical Instrument Time: 2:28

CD: รอ้ยเรยีงเสยีงระนาด ๑ ROI REANG SEANG RANAD 1 (By the Sound of the Gamelin 1)

Somchai Thai Musical Instrument (?) (Tk 12) Notes: The ra-nad plays the melody at a medium pace backed by the kong (tambour). A rapid repeating of the final note emphasizes certain phrases and the artist also throws in a few embellishments by dragging his mallet briskly across the sounding plates. The coda is a rapid run up the scale. The title of this album means “One Knows the Ra-nad – Vol. 1.” Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Personal communication & transcriptions, Dec. 5, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand Roi Reang Seang Ranad 1, library.msu

Roi Reang Seang Ranad 1, By the Sound of the Gamelin 1, sabuyjaishop

_____________________________________ WD-TH23 Thailand ca.2005

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KHANG KAO KIN KLOU)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: Payar LERKSUWANEE (klui – flute) (with ching & klong) Prod. Co: Somchai Thai Musical Instrument Time: 3:35 CD: ROI REANG SEANG KLUI 1 Somchai Thai Musical Instrument (?) (Tk 6) Notes: The title of this album means, “One Knows the Flute – Vol. 1.” The klui flute soars and warbles around the melody improvising passages here and there. Ref: Mounai, Saowanee, Translation & transcriptions, Dec. 6, 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand Ref: Roi Reang Seang Klui 1, israbox

_____________________________________ WD-TH24 Thailand ca.2005

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KARNG-KAO-KIN-KLUAY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (khim) (with saw, ra-nad-ake, ching,

ta-pone – large tambour, & klong) Prod: Chatchai Duriyapraneet Prod. Co: Thai Lumpoo Co. Ltd.; Bangkok Rec. Co: TLP Studio Liner Notes: (8-page Booklet in English) Time: 3:32 CD: THE SOUND OF KHIM Thai Lumpoo TLP 7 (Tk 1) Notes: An exciting well-orchestrated version featuring the khim, a hammered dulcimer with 14 set of 3-strings, and the saw, a string instrument. The CD comes in a deluxe double-box package with an 8-page booklet on Thai Classical music.

_____________________________________ WD-TH25 Thailand ca.2005

ค้างคาวกินกล้วย (KARNG-KAO-KIN-KLUAY)

WD – Ethnic – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (klui – flute) (?) (pi-nai – flute) (with flute, pi-nai, ra-nad-ake, ching, klong, & ta-pone) Prod: Chatchai Duriyapraneet Prod. Co: Thai Lumpoo Co. Ltd.; Bangkok Rec. Co: TLP Studio

Liner Notes: (8-page Booklet in English) Time: 3:32 CD: THE SOUND OF WIND INSTRUMENTS Thai Lumpoo TLP 8 (Tk 3) Notes: Flute trills, ra-nad runs, and ta-pone beats introduce the klui flute performing the melody backed by the traditional rhythm ensemble of ching, klong, and ta-pone. The bridge is a repeat of the intro arrangement. Then the pi-nai, sounding like a hoarse oboe, performs the tune with the same backup. The coda repeats the intro. The album cover shows from the top: the pi cha-wa, the klui or khlui (flute), and the pi-nai. The CD comes in a deluxe double-box package with an 8-page booklet on Thai Classical music.

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RUESII LONG THAM (THE HERMIT GETS LOST IN THE CAVE)

MUSIC BACKGROUND: Before the turn of the 20th century, the Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand enjoyed considerable political power and prestige. One indicator was the development of a rich body of music that is particular to northern Thailand, and often played on instruments only found in the north. Since the mid-1970s, there has been a

resurgence of interest in the cultural legacy of Lanna, and many universities now sponsor traditional music and dance programs. (Anon. 1 n.d.) This traditional piece is titled “Hermit Gets Lost in the Cave.” Regarding hermits in Thailand, Munier writes – “In contrast to the monks, hermits do not belong to any religious order, and thus they have the freedom to practice physical exercises, such as yoga. They were also medicine-men, astrologers, and poets.” (Munier 1998) It is not known if this title refers to any specific cave. Scattered about Thailand there are at least seven caves called Tham Russi (Hermit Cave). But we are only interested here with a cave located in northern Thailand since this is traditional music of the Lanna culture of northern Thailand.

For the northern region Dunkley lists a Tham Russi in the province of Chiang Rai. (Dunkley 1995) But this cave has no legend that mentions a hermit getting lost in the cave. However, in northern Thailand there is an extensive cave system with “clearly defined passage levels”, Tham Chiang Dao, near Amphoe Chiang Dao, which has been surveyed to 5,190 meters. (Dunkley 1995) A Thai legend concerning this cave tells that “abouit (sic) thousand aed (sic) thousand years ago, there was a serious hermit who searched for a peaceful place to fulfil (sic) his religious rites and he happened to find a pleasing cavern that was wide and calm. He, then, stayed in the cavern and spent the times to rapt in a mystic trance.” (Anon. 1972) Another legend for this cave says that “some people believe there is a mysterious power in the caves – you must be careful when entering the caves – you must return the same way as you enter the caves. Materials must not be taken by you away from the caves, if not you must lose your way and will be detained in the holy caves by the mysterious power.” (Bhamarabutr 1980) A good way to insure that cave formations are not vandalized and taken out of the cave. I would like to thank Surapong Bowonpatthanon of the Tippanetr Enterprise Music Store in Chiang Mai for calling my

attention to this piece of music. Ref: Anon.1 n.d., Classical Music of Northern Thailand, asianclassical Anon. 1972, Story of Chieng Dao Cave, 70p, in Dunkley 1995, p. 46 & 119 Bhamarabutr, A. 1980, The Story of Chiengmai, 116p, in Dunkley 1995, p. 45 &119 Bowonpatthanon, Surapong, Personal communication, Tippanetr Enterprise (Record store), Chiang Mai, Thailand, Dec. 6, 2007 Dunkley, John R. 1995, The Caves of Thailand, Speleological Research Council Ltd., Sidney, p. 45-46, 52

The Hermit Lost in the Cave, ฤๅษีหลงถ า้,, (Girl plays tune on sueng) (1:39) YouTube

Munier, Christophe 1998, Sacred Rocks and Buddhist Caves in Thailand, White Lotus Press Ltd., Bangkok, p. 255

WD-TH26 Thailand ca.1975

ฤๅษีหลงถ า้ (LUESILONG THUM – sic)

WD – Traditional – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: มหาวทิยาลัยเชียงใหม่

Lanna Orchid Ensemble of Chiang Mai University (with klui, phin, saw, & klong) Prod. Co: (?) Liner Notes: (2-pages in Thai) Time: 4:36 1. LP: CLASSICAL MUSIC OF NORTHERN THAILAND (Unknown label & cat. No.) 12” 33rpm

2. Reissue on CD: NORTHERN CLASSICAL MUSIC # 1 (ca.2003) (?) CD-TE 054 (Tk 9) Notes: This traditional piece, titled “Hermit Gets Lost in the Cave,” is introduced by the klui, which then carries the melody backed by the phin, saw, and klong. This version lacks the density and passion of the other version (see below WD-TH26). The Lanna Orchid Ensemble of Chiang Mai University is one such ensemble. They are a "salaw saw seung" ensemble, utilizing such northern instruments as the salaw (free bow fiddle), saw (single-reed pipe) and seung (plucked lute). (Anon. n.d.) The cassette of this album was released in 1975 and presumably an LP was released at that time, but this could not be verified. Ref: Anon. n.d., Classical Music of Northern Thailand, Ruesii Long Tham (4:36), asianclassical (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Classical Music of Northern Thailand (Cassette), rateyourmusic

Lanna Orchid มหาวิทยาลยัเชียงใหม,่ rromd

_____________________________________ WD-TH27 Thailand ca.2003

ฤๅษีหลงถ า้ (RUESEE LONG THUM – sic)

WD – Traditional – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (with klui – flute, khim, phin – lute, bass, & ching) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 5:16 CD: MUSIC OF NORTHERN THAILAND (?) CDB 043 (Tk 4) Notes: A captivating piece of music full of passion introduced by the klui flute and the khim and performed by an ensemble of klui, khim, phin, bass, and ching cymbals where the warbling klui carries the melody. This is linear oriental music that flows out horizontally and one has the distinct impression of getting lost within the intricate, intertwined labyrinths of the music. Ref: Classical Music of Northern Thailand,

_____________________________________ WD-TH28 Thailand ca.2004

ฤๅษีหลงถ า้

WD – Traditional – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: (?) (with klui, saw, sime, ching, & klong) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 5:12 CD: PA-NU-TAD APICHA NATONG (?) TD-99 (Tk 4) Notes: The klui flute carries the melody with the saw backed up by sime, ching, and klong. A nice lilting rhythmic version that repeats the same theme over and over.

_____________________________________ WD-TH29 Thailand ca.2004

ฤๅษีหลงถ า้

WD – Traditional – Instrumental

Comp: (Traditional)

Perf: LAN-NA INSTRUMENTS BAND (with saw, klui, bass, ching, charg, klong, & ta-pone) Prod. Co: (?) Time: 3:07 (3:03) CD: LAN-NA INSTRUMENT’S BAND (?) TDE-141 (Tk 2) Notes: The saw opens the ensemble where the klui flute and saw carry the melody backed by a fairly elaborate rhythm section of bass, ching & charg cymbals, and klong & ta-pone drums.

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