Mor lam is an ancient Lao song form, very popular both in Laos and Isan or Northeastern Thailand, where the majority of ethnic Lao live. Typically, a single vocalist or a man and woman are accompanied by the khaen reed organ alone. The music is characterized by a great tonal range and sudden changes from normal to prestissimo tempo. Thai scholars propose that the origin of the form was in shamanistic chants, but its similarities to central Thai lam tad make it easier to believe it is a formalized courting rite.
