Editing Mor lam (section)

{{Short description|Lao and Thai music genre}}
[[Image:Khenesarong.jpg|thumb|A [[khene]] player in [[Isan]]]]

'''Mor lam''' ([[Lao language|Lao]]: ໝໍລຳ; [[Isan language|Isan]]: หมอลำ {{IPA|lo|mɔ̌ː lám|}}; {{langx|th|หมอลำ}}, {{RTGS|''mo lam''}}, {{IPA|th|mɔ̌ː lām|}}) is a traditional [[Culture of Laos|Lao]] form of [[song|song originating]] in [[Laos]] that is also popular in [[Isan]], where the majority of the population is ethnic Lao.  

'''''Morlam (or molam)''''' is a traditional storytelling and entertainment form in the Southeast Asian country of Laos, and the northeastern part of Thailand (formerly part of Laos), known as ''Isaan''. 

The term ''molam'' is a combination of the term ''mo'', meaning “master,” and ''lam'', meaning to sing in a style called ''lam''. Literally then, ''molam'' means “master of the ''lam'' singing style,” but the term is also used more generally to performances in the lam genre.  It refers to both the music and the artist.  Other [[romanization|romanisation]]s used include '''mor lum''', '''maw lam''', '''maw lum''', '''moh lam''', '''mhor lum''', and '''molum'''.  In Laos, both the music and singer is called '''mor lam''' (ໝໍລຳ), and when referencing the subgenre/ region of origin, the term "lam" is used, followed by the subgenre/region name.

The characteristic feature of ''lam'' singing is the use of a flexible melody tailored to the [[tone (linguistics)|tones]] of the words in the text. Traditionally, the tune was developed by the singer as an interpretation of a ''[[klon (poetry)|klon]]'' poem and accompanied primarily by the ''[[khene]]'' (a [[free reed aerophone|free reed]] mouth organ). The modern form is frequently [[musical composition|composed]] and uses electrified [[musical instrument|instrument]]s. Traditional forms (and some [[Laos|Lao]] genres) use a slower tempo than the quicker [[tempo]] and faster deliveries of more modern lam music. Strong rhythmic accompaniments, vocal leaps, and a conversational style of singing distinguish ''lam'' from American [[hip hop music|rap]].

Typically featuring a theme of [[unrequited love]], ''mor lam'' often reflects the difficulties of life in rural Isan and Laos, leavened with wry humor. In its heartland, performances are an essential part of festivals and ceremonies. ''Lam'' has gained a profile outside its native regions from the spread of migrant workers, for whom it remains an important cultural link with home.