FIELD RECORDINGS
Recordings from Northern Thailand and Northern Guatemala documenting traditional music, instruments, performers, and everyday musical life.
Dave Soldier’s field recordings are captured in collaboration with local musicians and communities. The collection includes instrumental performances, songs, ensemble music, and sounds from the environment.
NORTHERN GUATEMALA
All recorded by Rory Young & Dave Soldier, San Mateo Ixtatán, February 2007.
El Velorio
A fiddle tune traditionally played at wakes, performed by Don Matteo Tomax.
Rain Prayer
A ceremonial performance recorded during a parade in the churchyard in San Mateo Ixtatán. Performed by the Romeristas, a Mayan group from Chiapas, Mexico, related to the Chuj-speaking Maya of San Mateo, the music accompanies an annual pilgrimage to pray for rain.
Some of the drums have rattles attached.
Marimba Orchestra Dances
Pieces for marimba orchestra performed by Son Yinhatil Nab’en in San Mateo Ixtatán, February 2007. The ensemble typically features four players on one marimba, three on a second, with drum kit and electric bass.
Songs from San Mateo Ixtatán
A song in Chuj, sung and played on guitar by Don Matin Tomax.
Sung and played on guitar by Jose (Moisés) Lorenzo Luciano. Composed by Xuan Xap.
NORTHERN THAILAND
Pin Pia
Two pin pia pieces performed by Cun Smithitham in July 2005. The pin pia is a traditional Northern Thai string instrument whose resonator is held against the player’s chest to shape its distinctive vibrato.
Salah Saw Seung Ensemble
String-band music from the hills near Lampang, performed by workers and friends at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center.
Known as a Salah Saw Seung Ensemble, the group features saw fiddle, seung lute, san flute, and frame drums.
These two virtuosic pieces were recorded in July 2005, along with eleven shorter pieces recorded in January 2000.
Eleven shorter pieces recorded in January 2000. These recordings were played regularly over the PA system at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center.
Elephants in the Field
Field recordings from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, including members of the Thai Elephant Orchestra during their morning bath in the creek.