Khaen Master Nouthong Phimvilayphone playing Lotfai talang

Khaen master Nouthong Phimvilayphone plays Lotfai Talang near his home close to Pakxe in south Laos. The melody and rhythm imitate the sounds of a train. Nouthong lived in France for many years together with a number of other Lao immigrants and they performed around Europe with the troupe "Molam Lao", that has been released on CD by Nimbus Records. Phimvilayphone is also a master player of other instruments than the khaen; for instance the Ranat (xylophone) and the Kachapi (folk guitar). A number of years ago he moved back to southern Laos, farming sticky rice and enjoying life.
The khaen that Nouthong plays on this recording is a G-minor khaen made by Ajarn Somdee.
Recorded in August 2012 with a Canon PowerShot S80.

[@bopeep268]

According to Wikipedia this kind of instrument dates back to the bronze age of the Lao people. Which means that 80's synthetic MIDI is actually ancient lao with a modern fusion.

[@politure]

...DAMN

[@fanwtn5124]

Laos people are just Tai people in Laos, Thai people are Tai people in Thailand. Tai Kradai people live around southern China (Yunnan etc) to Northern India. So it’s not that weird that they share a lot of instruments. And they was living under the same flag many many time before

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

@@fanwtn5124 interesting. I never knew that

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Everything old is new again!

[@RBD738]

@@fanwtn5124 we are Lao people ethnic go the land we stand on first we were a kingdom then France ruled the country of Laos what I am trying to say is we are not Thai people we are ethnic Lao people so please do not compare us to any other ethnic group

[@thestrongestsoul5203]

Sounds so futuristic yet not built on anything electrical, just pure from nature.

[@Annuhlynne]

All things are done through nature. We are not separate from it, and neither are our machines.

[@Arkileos12]

Literally a thousands year old synth, amazing

[@stephendeben1590]

this sounds like a midi file and i love it

[@greenhawkstudios716]

stephen deben on some real talk, maybe they got it from the Khaen instrument. That woukd be dope

[@novavargas169]

Nothing new under the sun

[@nancyyang21]

This is one awesome instrument. I remember my dad used to play this all the time. And he was awesome at it. He was pretty good at the Hmong Qeej and many others as well. RIP Dad. This music reminds me of you.

[@aryanlo6695]

nancy yang , old people's use to play this at the funeral home at night around 11 pm to 3 am, when you or us walked home and miss these people's but rest in peace to your dad.

[@bassline5633]

It's be good for you to learn!

[@carlosalvarenga8435]

Take after him and learn the blessing of music

[@elianna838]

Everyone in the club is gangsta until the DJ starts riffing on a Khaen

[@Nomamaes]

THE CIRCULAR BREATHING IS INSANE

[@comefindnemo3741]

I think it’s more like a harmonica where drawing air makes a sound as well

[@harrymenglis5319]

As a Cambodian! Khaen is slowly dying. As a student who loves Isan culture, please tell me more how to play Khaen. This is the best instrument.

[@xia9746]

As an Isan people i agree with you

[@phetindra8216]

@@xia9746 "Khaen is slowly dying"?!?

[@RBD738]

The origins of this instrument is from Laos but the people of Asia loved the sound so much it spread all around Asia

[@davidorloff4554]

@@phetindra8216 It's becoming less and less popular and the culture is getting lost

[@phetindra8216]

@@davidorloff4554 On the opposite in Isaan Thailand and in Laos. Browse the YT for "Khaen Isan" or "Khaen Lao". You will find alongside with old grandmasters lots of "young guns". I follow this instrument in Facebook too and I assure you, no concern. Without the Khaen we won't be able to sing our folk songs called "Lam" and "Khap". The very first role of the Khaen is to accompany those singers.

[@shqip_sumejja]

This is one of my favourite instruments and is from a country that people overlook! Love to Lao from Albania ❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@restlessascension3260]

Can't get enough of this instrument the sounds are unreal all from one instrument

[@nichochan8681]

It makes me think of an old 80's synthesizer. I actually really enjoy it.

[@calebshaw5647]

What an incredible instrument. The skill of the player is lost on me because of my lack of knowledge on it, but I am in awe.

[@mflance7197]

why isn't this a more popular instrument. though it may be to easy to play to be takin seriously but that is the best sound ever

[@emmataylor8132]

on the contrary, it's incredibly difficult to master!!

[@ketchupash2252]

@@emmataylor8132 not to mention how hard it is to create.

[@eyesneveropen-meow-5125]

may be too easy to play to be taken seriously? what

[@thastayapongsak4422]

Easy to play? I would like to see you learn how to even hold it properly.

[@eblisdolphin1306]

not as easy to play as you think, it's like trying to have proper piano hand positioning while having proper finger hole placement at same time and breath control. Def not easy

[@_2twenty2]

This guy is absolutely shredding

[@KrummyBrinkleJr.]

i wanna think these rural Laos villagers will hear vaporwave and be like "ha sounds familiar"

[@mongoloboii6595]

Sounds hella nostalgic

[@gullivergarden]

Hi Victor! it is not difficult to find his house; from Pakxe town, you take the main road towards the airport. Before the airport, on your left hand, you'll find a (small) road sign to "ban don kho". he lives in this village, right beside the temple called Wat Chom Cheng. They have a very big golden Buddha statue there. Just ask around for mor khaen Nouthong Phimvilayphone and people will show you his hoiuse :)

[@aaproductions4441]

Bro got doxxed 💀

[@TheBbxr]

This instrument has to be the grandfather of syntheave/ vaporwave

[@JALC-x]

no?

[@TheBbxr]

@@JALC-x yes?

[@hothi92]

@@TheBbxr maybe? I don't know, can you repeat the question?

[@TheBbxr]

@@hothi92 synthwave is a genre of music And the music of synthwave sounds very inspired from the sound of this instrument

[@hothi92]

@@TheBbxr I know what synthwave is bro. You missed the joke lol

[@treatb09]

it's basically a mini, pipe organ. XD i need one.

[@bassline5633]

That's were pipe organs came from actually

[@rachelevancavich6148]

This is really beautiful. Thanks for bringing joy into the world with your talent.

[@letMeSayThatInIrish]

Some fat chords there. Interesting instrument.

[@gullivergarden]

I have not found any really good makers around Pakxé. Nevertheless, in Isaan I tried a khaen from khaen maker called Suk Ganharat, that lives in Chayapum Province in Isaan. That khaen was an extraordinarily fine instrument! I have contacted Suk and he says an instrument costs 4000 Baht and must be ordered one year in advance! Moreover, you must transfer a 1000 baht deposit to his bank account.

[@tylerdean5135]

How does one get into contact with these Khaen makers? It would be nice to own a good one made by a legitimate maker!

[@jazzbassist]

I know an Irishman or two who would get jiggy with this. Man that's cool

[@yepisuredolikecats3979]

this is an incredibly fascinating instrument

[@ILLiteSociety]

This would be a CRAZY sample!

[@tonytee1914]

Check out Odesza . “Say my name” and “Bloom”

[@btxtboys]

this instrument is so beautiful

[@jpnoflove3476]

Khaen Lao is amazing

[@michaelrobshaw4345]

First heard this on a radio program years ago presented by John Kirkpatrick.Had no idea what the instrument was but wow.

[@StarsWithScars]

The real analog synth

[@buddy.boyo88]

new electronic gems drop

[@ГеоргийИсаев-к7и]

sounds like Steve Reich

[@DIRTY-MERLIN]

Terry Riley too

[@mattsilvaarmwrestling]

Speechless

[@SpencerLuxBurton]

Absolutely just beyond amazing

[@wadepreston5781]

This instrument was played behind the chanting in the intro of Aerosmith’s song Voodoo Medicine Man.

[@hainish2381]

That is so beatiful!!!

[@samuelluftensteiner68]

I came in search for an instrument and found a shredder of legends

[@derkalavier]

What. A. Sample.

[@drminkers]

WTF? This is insane? One of the most shockingly good things I have heard!! Anyone know how to get in kontakt with Ajarn Somdee?

[@pompeeto8699]

Masters with skills 💯….

[@stevenshaneyfelt]

this reminded me of Boston keyboard solos, insane!

[@nighteclipse_1999]

this instrument is so awesome

[@Cali49a]

Sounds amazing 😉

[@7thonekeo]

Très beau ! bravo !

[@untitledSWchannel]

I'm planning a trip to Laos in October/November. Does anyone know if he plays live or when I can see him play?

[@hank-uh1zq]

Love it!!!!!

[@CrypticStudiosYT]

Fun fact yall know that chill remix of playboi cartis"meh"? This is the instrument that played that theme

[@vermin5367]

Proud sample provided by Hal Walker.

[@chewy3396]

Streets of rage on Sega genesis vibes

[@ShadowKSG]

beautiful

[@peter-subramanian]

Sounds like A Link to the Past bgm 🤩

[@darrelloliver557]

Sound like 80s wit the talking car

[@MichaelFlynn0]

Brilliant. Thanks for posting.

[@gardikagigih5704]

wonderful!

[@Finallywinterr]

2:12-3:00 sounds like it belongs in bleach’s ost

[@kalgeriax1016]

Underated instrument.

[@WaveyDaveyStacey]

How the fuck is he getting that backwards note kinda sound?! Awesome...

[@LuisFernandez-ql2er]

Perfect for techno music.

[@SlickMajic]

How have I just found out about this

[@gullivergarden]

Yeah, do that! that's a great idea.

[@LEWTSPEC]

Encarta '97 brought me here

[@Cali49a]

Amazing!!!!

[@dpdthecollection8578]

I want it! Dope

[@gullivergarden]

Oh, sorry :) that was not my intention! I certainly hope (and believe) that Nouthong is still alive and well!

[@ballayboris4311]

where can i buy the same please ?

[@rodeoandersonne7544]

8 bit console game music from 90s - polyphonic remix

[@andreanicolaleksic5513]

This is so cool

[@jezuuun1043]

aaaaaaaaaaaa this is so cool!!!

[@elconejito99]

So this is the instrument from Sounds of Siam (I think)

[@user-lp2qe2bk5g]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOD DAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMM

[@o_458]

ดีครับ

[@GS250Premiun]

Masterful technique!

[@medikamentenmarkus8184]

Amazing

[@Ninejahman]

Steve Reich approves! =)

[@DIRTY-MERLIN]

Terry Riley too

[@MetMoi-1980]

Hay quá

[@ridzverse]

His cheeks tells why he is a master

[@3imba7ation88]

Where can I find this instrument???

[@chaovang8528]

Finger looks old but working perfect hahaha

[@shakyloltv5475]

Thailand 🇹🇭

[@meis18mofo77]

this sounds like an arcustic 80 supersaw

[@guadalupetorres2514]

Very good

[@ailaotairtair1204]

wow...hot master

[@pedrogaspa]

amazing!

[@theyankeeracers]

Kind of reminds me of Victor’s Lament by Philip Glass

[@27779206]

Is from ancient China

[@annasaefong5992]

อยากให้มีแต่เรื่อง

[@hayride29]

Excellent. thanks for the response. Have you asked to see if there were any GOOD khaen makers in the area where Nouthong live? The khaen that Nouthong played was made by Somdee. Thanks for the information...Victor

[@JohnGottschalk]

Is that black dot a plug to cause a drone pipe?

[@misterpeedot]

Khmer call this instrument Khaen as well not sure if we borrowed from laos, please my Kun Lao confirm.

[@Pra5150]

@Khmer Son Yes the Khaen is borrowed from Laos. . The only Khmer that play the Khaen is the Khmer of Lao decent that live in Strung Teng province otherwise the Khmer only use the Khaen for Khmer national dance called Robam Khaen...

[@locuscades1906]

Is this like Bad Dudes or Double Dragon?

[@samgreak352]

It's like I'm playing wolfenstein

[@roberthemsley2]

Lotfai means train. Probably why it sounds like a chug

[@gabrieltyp969]

jo

[@MrNicolasderetti]

Sounds like its on reverse

[@guisergestalt9510]

I like and hate it at the same time, hurts my ears after a while 😂

[@yakinthebox6985]

Sounds like it would be in a 90s anime

[@hayride29]

Where did you find Nouthong? Where exactly does he live?

[@brentcrane4918]

You know I keep that mf thang on me

[@KennySpace]

Is there a vst for this?

[@hgdon-homeiswheretreesare-9239]

Since they first discovered the bamboos, so they could make instruments out of them too 😅

[@azkahaura412]

Is khaen from Laos?

[@abmong]

I believe so, it's the national instrument of Laos, but other ethic Tai peoples in SE Asia play it too.

[@hayride29]

Thank you for your quick reply. Would please forward me Suk Ganharats phone and contact information for me so I can order 1 or 2 excellent khaens. I 've heard of a excellent khaen maker in Chayaphune Province by the name of Paw Suk. Did you hear about him when you were there? Or maybe it's the same maker as Suk Ganharat.