The new set of recordings include 62 performances of 47 of the King's works. To promote the recordings, there will be press conferences, interviews and flyers at Thai embassies abroad, says Ratana Wichyanrat, assistant to Chitralada's school principal and publishing manager for the music. The works range from Dixieland jazz and blues to ballet pieces, anthems crafted for leading Thai universities, and a tune written on the back of an envelope for visiting Princess Alexandra of Kent. Bolling's band, which has incorporated jazz in modern serious music, plays six other tunes. The King wrote lyrics for five songs.
Jazz is truly a worldwide language.
The story goes that the King would get carried away playing at dinner functions he hosted for Thais in Switzerland, and he often didn't eat until halfway through the night, after everyone else. For the monarch, plainly, jazz and his people were much loved indeed. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .