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Lak Lan (ลักลั่น) derives from a Thai word that can be translated as juxtaposition, dichotomy, or paradox. Although these qualities can be seen as incongruous, eccentric, or confusing, the concept of Lak-Lan opens up room for an exchange of dialogue - a gap for creative opportunities; a temporal moment to investigate new possibilities between spaces. Lak-Lan serves an impetus to unify ideas that are seemingly opposite, define new directions, and provide meaning to Kengchakaj (Gheng/chAH /kad) Kengkarnka’s (Gheng /ghan/kAH) voice as an artist. His compositional practice is rooted in African American derived rhythms infused with the aesthetics of Thai music. These compositions investigate themes of contradiction in identity, thoughts, and feelings - elements he has adopted, captured and expressed through improvisation in the compositions and arrangements of this album.

Below are the names of each track, with brief subtitles related to the piece in question.

Hom Rong
The overture of the divergency.

Lak-Lan
Mismatch. Partly coincide, partly collide.

Lom Huan
Breeze of memories. Whiffling through time.

6849
Time parallax.

Sneha
Uncertainty. The In-Between.

Deceptible
Sensory distortion.

What Called Home
Familiarity, displaced.

New Chapter
Never-ending, ever-changing.

Fa(c)t
My body, I, and status quo.

Mind the Gap
r e n d e z v o u s

Revolving
Loop-around in circles.

Kengchakaj (Gheng/chAH /kad) is a Bangkok-born, New York-based award-winning improviser, pianist, and composer.

Kengchakaj’s work focuses on using improvisation-based music as a tool intended to create collective participation among people, and fabricated empathy towards another. His idiom is rooted in African American derived music infused with the aesthetics of, so-called, “Thai” flavor.