Laos – Kaen Solo Pieces

This is a tape I bought in Luang Prabang, Laos, in October 1996. The pieces are all solo performances on the kaen, which is a bamboo free-reed mouth organ considered to be the national instrument of Laos and a symbol of Lao identity. The different regional styles of kaen playing are discerned by the rhythms used in the phrasing, and traditional folk melodies are used as a springboard for complex improvisations in each piece. Unfortunately, this instrument is rapidly being replaced by cheesy electronic keyboards in Lao music, a trend that will hopefully see a reversal soon.

Download it here