Another Side of Thai King Bhumibol

01Jul09

I thought I’d bring your attention a fascinating article that a friend posted on his blog, Rising Stardom. I’m sure many of you have heard of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, perhaps because he is the longest-serving current head of state (63 years!) or due to the harsh Lèse majesté law that can be heavily enforced when anyone insults the monarchy (I better tread lightly…). The article tells us a bit about the king’s exploits as a jazz musician. You might recognize some of the musicians he’s jammed with…Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Les Brown, Gene Krupa, Jack Teagarden, Buddy Rich, and Roy Eldridge. I found this article most interesting since it revealed an entirely different aspect of a public figure who I only knew through his occasional gracious pardon to those unlucky few who criticize him or his position.

http://blog.risingstardom.com/2009/07/concert-history-tour-part-13.html

P.S. You can listen to some of his compositions here (http://kanchanapisek.or.th/royal-music/index.en.html)

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