Mor lam (Thai/Isan: หมอลำ) is an ancient Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (Northeastern Thailand). Mor lam means expert song, or expert singer, referring to the music or artist respectively. Other romanisations used include mo lam, maw lam, maw lum, moh lam and mhor lum. In Laos, the music is known simply as lam; mor lam refers to the singer.
Traditionally, mor lam was extemporaneous singing of gaun-type poetic verse accompanied by the khene, a free reed mouth organ; but the modern form is most often composed and uses electrified instruments. Popular modern forms of the music are often characterised by quick tempi and rapid delivery. Traditionally, lam encompasses a wide range of tempi. Some consistent characteristics include strong rythmic accompaniment, virtuosic vocal acrobatics, and a conversational style of singing that can be compared to American rap. There are also elaborate rules for verse composition and improvisation, which are not always followed.
Typically featuring a theme of unrequited love, mor lam also reflects the difficulties of life in rural Isan and Laos, leavened with wry humour. In its heartland performances are an essential part of festivals and ceremonies, while the music has gained a profile outside its native regions thanks to the spread of migrant workers, for whom it remains an important cultural link with home.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น