His hair is now short and he's thicker round the middle, but Winai Phanturak, former vocalist and guitarist with string combo the Impossibles, says his voice is still strong.

"Many things have changed over the last 40 years. But one thing you can count on is my voice. It might have lost a bit of power, but it's still recognisable," says the member of the legendary band that was top of the Thai pop parade in 1969.

Winai is coming out of retirement on Saturday along with other big names from the late 1960s, '70s and early '80s - fellow Impossibles member Settha Sirachaya, Nakhon Vejsuphaporn of Grand Ex' - and Sunthorn Sucharitchan of Royal Sprite for "Unsung for Dad", a concert celebrating His Majesty the King's birthday at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani.

The guys will be joined on stage by their grown-up children, which in Winai's case means his 22-year-old son Vitdivat and daughter Kahchakan, who's 16.

"It's a concert for the whole family," says Winai.

"Those who grew up listening to Grand Ex', Royal Sprite or the Impossibles are now fathers themselves just like us. Imagine the nostalgia as fans and families unite to listen to their favourite bands of yesteryear. It's the perfect celebration for Father's Day."

Part of Mind 2006, an international trade exhibition, conferences, workshops and special events dedicated to music and the arts, "Unsung For Dad" opens with a set by legendary jazz outfit Infinity.

"My children and I will sing three songs: 'Oh I Say', 'So My Love' and a the Thai song 'Khwam Rak Priak Ha'," says Winai.

"Oh I Say" is one of the King's legendary compositions, while "Khwam Rak Phriak Ha" was written by Winai's close friend and the founder of Grammy Entertainment, the late Rewat Buddhinan.

"Generally speaking, fans will know these old songs but I think they'll find the new arrangements exciting," says Winai.

More than 40 musicians will provide the backing for Winai and his friends, with several numbers, among them "Khwam Rak Phriak Ha", getting the full big-band treatment and a jazzy orientation.

Son Vitdivat, while not shy about appearing in front of a large audience, says that singing with his father is not easy, especially as dad really does have a great voice.

"There are so many details. We've had to work hard on becoming a good team," says the young man.

The doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost Bt2,000, Bt1,500, Bt1,200, Bt800 and Bt500 and are available at Thaiticketmaster.com. Proceeds will be shared between the King's charity projects and the Music Association of Thailand to support the construction of its new building.

Mind 2006 runs from Thursday through December 11 at the exhibition hall and is open daily from 11am and 8pm.

Phoowadon Duangmee

The Nation