We are concentrating on the ‘sor’ from Thailand, the traditional two-stringed violin that is a mainstay of Isan musical culture.

"Diew Sor Isan: The North East Thai Violin of Thonghuad Faited" focuses on the talents of one of the instrument’s greatest proponents and brings his key releases together onto one anthology for the first time.

Thonghuad comes from the ‘molam’ tradition, the dominant rural music that hails from Isan, the north east Thai province that borders with Laos and Cambodia. Underpinned by woozy basslines, drones and clattering percussion, his music is characterised by sprightly melodies through to haunting dirges that could come from as far a field as eastern China, or even the Celtic traditions of Ireland.

Detailed notes trace his history from humble beginnings to playing up to five gigs a night in Bangkok at the peak of his fame. Whether it’s playing beautifully crafted solo pieces, or providing a counterpoint for raw vocal work, Thonghuad Faited is a nationally recognised master of his craft who has additionally cut sides with dozens of established singers over the years, such as Waipod Petchsupan and Angkanang Kunchai.

Percussive, otherworldly and universal, we are proud to present this unique music to the world, much of it released outside of Thailand for the first time.

+CD version: cardboard/gatefold paper sleeve
+The liner note by Chris Menist (Paradise Bangkok)
+English/Japanese text

TRACKS:
1. Diew Sor (Sor Solo) - Thonghuad Faited

2. Diew Sor Kid Hod Baan (Sor Solo - Missing Home) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan and Petch Burapa Band

3. Ruammit (Mix Up) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan, Thongmee Chamnipa and Petch Burapa Band

4. Eua Aree See Sor (Eua Aree Playing Sor) - Thonghuad Faited with Prayong Cheunyen and AiMeud Kaimook

5. Hae Klongyao (Klongyao Drum Parade) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan, Thongmee Chamnipa and Petch Burapa Band

6. Lam Plearn Isan Samakkee (Lam Plearn Isan Unity) - Supaap Daoduangden (vo.), backed by Thonghuad Faited with Prayong Cheunyen and Petch Burapa Band

7. Zeang Klong Kao (Ricebox Zeang) - Thonghuad Faited and Petch Burapa Band

8. Hongthong Kanong Lam (Hongthong's Rumble Dance) - Hongthong Dao-udon (vo.), Thonghuad Faited with Doi Intanon and Petch Burapa Band

9. Waen Wiset (BaanLeng) (Magic Glasses (Instrumental)) - Thonghuad Faited with Prayong Cheunyen and Meud Kaimook

10. Diew Sor Radap Lok (Sor Solo - World Class ) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan, Thongmee
Chamnipa and Petch Burapa Band

11. Sinchai Taam Fan (Sinchai Finding Girlfriend) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan, Thongmee Chamnipa and Petch Burapa Band

12. Diew Sor Lom Pat Prao (Sor Solo - Wind Blowing the Coconut Tree) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan and Thongmee Chamnipa

13. Diew Sor - Diew Khaen (Sor Solo - Khaen Solo) - Thonghuad Faited and Khunpan with Petch Burapa Band

14. Lam Tud (Lam Tud) - Thonghuad Faited with Khunpan, Thongmee Chamnipa and Petch Burapa Band

15. Lam Plearn Kieow Lam Plearn (Lam Plearn Chatting Up Lam Plearn) - Supaap Daoduangden (vo.), backed by Thonghuad Faited with Prayong Cheunyen and Petch Burapa Band