burmese music
Mr. Naing said that like jazz musicians, Burmese players "look at one another and listen to the tune and play accordingly."
"And even though they might play the same piece of music, the next time they play it differently," he said.
But does it sound anything like jazz?
"No," Mr. Naing said with a laugh, "it's totally different."
A Burmese orchestra will play in New York tomorrow and Saturday for the first time in almost 30 years. (login: rwalks, pwd: walks) I first heard some of this incredible music in a Burmese restaurant in Northern Virginia and bought this fine disc not long after. It's a good place to start.
Comments
Oooh -- at the Myanmar Restaurant in Falls Church? That place is great, even with all the purple lighting.
Posted by: Ryan | December 12, 2003 9:41 AM
That was it. I haven't been back since, but not because I didn't like it. I tried Burma in Chinatown and had a disappointingly bland vegetable dish.
At Myanmar they put the Burmese music on as they were closing, and then quickly took it off, causing me to groan audibly (as I was already fascinated with what I was hearing and wanted to hear more). I asked the waitress to play more and she complied.
Posted by: nedlog | December 12, 2003 10:23 AM
I've only been to the Myanmar once in the last few years (I've moved further west, so I'm not in the area as frequently), but they seem to have maintained their good food, even if the service is a bit slow.
Also a bonus: I chatted with one of the waitresses (a daughter of the owner) and she said that her mother is vegetarian, so they never use fish sauce in any of the vegetarian dishes (always a danger in Southeast Asian restaurants).
I'm somewhat well-versed in various world music, but don't believe I've heard much in the way of Burmese. I'll have to check out the CD you mentioned...
Now if I could just find a Balinese restaurant that played gamelan music. :)
Posted by: Ryan | December 12, 2003 10:40 AM
I'm from burma. you've definately got to watch out on some stores cos they dont sell proper burmese food but most of them do.if u go to burma, the food there is great(especially the desserts)
Posted by: Zwe | April 5, 2004 9:31 AM