A celebration in song

Published on September 3, 2007

Last weekend's back-to-back concerts celebrating GMM songwriter Nitipong "Dee" Hornak's 25 years in showbiz may have packed in the crowds, but they failed to impress critics in terms of either form or content.

The major music label had lined up its major recording stars to pay tribute to the songwriter, in much the same way as it would bring them together for a double-CD-greatest-hits compilation. As record buyers know, most of these double CDs have different themes, mixing pop with rock or dance, or, at the very least, slow rock with hard rock.

A first glance at the artists on the bill suggested that the concerts would follow the pop-and-rock formula. So it came as something of a disappointment when the shows offered little beyond various takes on mainstream pop.

In terms of form, both shows failed badly. While themes like "dance" were given for the first concert, they were ignored for the second.

But they looked to be meaningless afterthoughts in any case.

As for content, the 60 songs on the concerts' playlist, which included the same 10-number medley on both nights, were mostly aural bubble gum. Disappointing their fans were Thai dancing queen Christina Aguilar, with the cover of a pop number, and rockers Micro, who opted for a ballad.

No one expected all the lyricists' 300 songs to be included in two three-hour shows but it should have been possible to avoid duplication.

The organisers had other ideas. Both shows opened with GMM's younger stars singing the covers by veteran artists from the double-CD album celebrating Nitipong's 25-year songwriting career.

The first concert then moved on with "Khao Jai", a song Nitipong wrote when he was with Chalieng. Former band members Phusit Laithong and Kiertisak Vetheevuthajarn played khlui (flute) and guitar respectively, with Kiertisak and the concert's stars harmonising on the vocals.

"This was the first song Dee wrote. It marked a beginning for all of us - Taeng's first starring role in a music video and my debut in a recording studio," said Kiertisak.

"Dee wrote songs for other singers, who became rich and famous, but not for Chalieng," laughed Phusit.

The concert then followed the same pattern as July's tribute to Reawat Buddhinan, with groups of women and men taking to the stage to pay tribute to the songwriter. First up were the ladies - Nanthida Kaewbusai, Amp Saowalak, Marsha Wattanapanich, Mai Charoenpura and Rose Sirinthip. They were followed by Billy Ogan, Sakda Inca, Neng Y Not 7 and Kob Taxi.

"This concert is like a big party, with all the artists showcasing their signature songs," said Nanthida.

The guys then took a break while the ladies chatted about the lyricist's beautiful style and teased each other with their heart-breaking songs.

Nicole Theriault was next with "Busaba" and "Oh Oe" then Billy and Mai thrilled the crowds with a duet.

"Arts longa vita brevis [art lasts forever, but artists die and are forgotten]," said a philosophical Billy, quoting the words of the late Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern arts in Thailand.

The first concert closed with Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre's "Man Khoi Doo Lae Lae Raksa Huajai", with Nitipong joining all the artists on stage. The audience rose to their feet for a standing ovation as an unbilled Thongchai joined the ensemble for the final part of the song.

The second show started like the first, with younger GMM artists. Then the spotlight shone on Surasee Itthikul, who played the guitar lead-in to "Dontri Nai Duangjai" from the 1976 teen movie "Wai Ollawon" as the singers slowly made their way to the stage.

Waen Thitima and Tum Somprasong both performed their signature songs before duetting on "Arj Ja Pen Khon Nee".

Screams heralded the arrival of Jay Jetrin who thrilled the audience with his best-loved tracks. He was followed by popular duo - and brothers - Golf-Mike, who it soon became obvious were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Though they gave a polished performance, they weren't rewarded with the screams they've come to expect at their own concerts.

Nuvo, Christina Aguilar and Micro made the stage, and the second concert closed out with Asanee-Wasan's "Rak Ther Samer" performed by the entire cast and Nitipong.

Despite the mixed quality, Nitipong seemed happy with the event.

"These concerts were a great honour for me," said the distinguished lyricist.

"But it isn't only me who's behind the success of these songs. Credit should also go to other GMM staff - the composers, producers, music video directors … even the messengers."

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation