*****

Ek Nakhon is a singer from the south of Thailand, who has worked for several years with Siripon Ampaipong; Sawng Khaen Su Taen Mae reveals him as a very impressive singer in his own right.

The first two tracks show Ek at his best: he has a beautifully deep voice, which is best displayed in the wider vocal range of the latter, Huajai duang gao. Both tracks also feature some well-judged accompaniment, with a prominent part for the flute. The instrumentation is also a notable factor in the third track, Khaw khuang taen ngao, on which the acoustic guitar keeps the texture attractively tight.

Most of the other songs fall into two groups: tracks 4, 7 and 8 are brassy and rather soulless up-tempo jaunts which nevertheless counterbalance the slow tracks 6, 9 and 10. Track 10, Pi yang khoi, is the most interesting of this latter group, with a distinctive, intermittently funky bassline.

The standout track of album, however, is track 5, Nawng pai yuu nai. This is a fantastic song with a gypsy/Latin flavour, which unites the virtues of liveliness and feeling which the other tracks possess individually.

Ek's voice, naturally deep, strains towards the upper end of the register, but if anything this adds character to his singing. This, combined with the imaginative instrumentation and a few excellent songs, makes Sawng Khaen Su Taen Mae an album well worth listening to.

Thanks to Peter for sending me a copy of this to review!

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