Yearly Archives: 2012

The roneat is a Cambodian instrument that is similar to the Western xylophone. There are two played in an ensemble, the roneat ek, positioned at the front of an orchestra, considered to be the female voice and the roneat thong, the male voice.

Celebrating a wonderful musician who has left an incredible legacy.

We interviewed Colin Symes who sang a version of Caedmon’s song on the new Northumbria Community recording, about the story behind the song.  A lowly cowherder with a love for music, and how he found his voice.

Martin’s musical mystery tour – Just come back from Sweden so this months music videos comes from that beautiful land. They have some unique traditional instruments like the nyckelharpa and wonderful traditions like yoiking (a style of singing).

I love this song sung by Sofia Jannok a singer-songwriter from Sweden who has taken the  tradition of yoiking (Sami singing) and made it her own on this pop song.

A short clip from the Garlands for Ashes DVD. This is a very popular instrument amongst the Khmer people of Cambodia, a dulcimer type instrument called the Khim..  Originally it is thought to have been introduced to Thailand and Cambodia from China. I loved the sound and managed to find one, deep in the recesses of a market in Phnom Penh.

Martin’s musical mystery tour – On my travels I get to hear incredible diverse music. So here is a monthly blog of some of the sounds and stories that have inspired me – a selection of various genres and styles from around the world . Last month’s selection was current popular Hawaiian island music – this month we look at some of the more traditional sounds.