The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band [ CD : 21st Century Molam ]

The concept of Paradise Bangkok was born out of looking for records. Back in 2009 DJs Maft Sai and Chris Menist pooled together their collection of obscure Reggae, African, Jazz and Thai vinyl to put on the very first Paradise Bangkok party, a place to drink, dance and enjoy the natural musical links between sounds from across the globe. Thai luk thung and molam, both popular, rural music styles were spun alongside Mulatu, Augustus Pablo, R.Burnam and Fela Kuti.

Fast forward to 2012, and The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band make their live debut in the Thai capital. Drawn from different music scenes in Bangkok, the band, (initially formed to back vintage luk thung and molam vocalists who sang live at the events) consists of Kammao Perdtanon on phin (Thai lute), Sawai Kaewsombat on khaen, a type of bamboo harmonica, Piyanart Jotikasthira on bass, Phusana Treeburut on drums and Chris Menist on percussion.

Whilst based on the centuries-old molam sounds of Isan in the north-east of the country, the band also draw out the trance-like qualities of the music be it the repeated motifs of ‘Sao Sa Kit Mae’ lead by Sawai’s ethereal khaen, or the driving grooves of ‘Lam San Disco’ where Kammao’s psyched out phin comes to the fore. The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band are rooted in tradition, with an eye to the future…