Remember the group of musicians that went by the name of Asia Beat Project who drew enthusiastic applause at last year's Bangkok Jazz Festival?

The good news is that they'll be back this year, both as Asia Beat and in an expanded line-up under the name Asian Super Guitar Project.

But the name isn't important. Japan's Kazumi Watanabe and Eugene Pao from Hong Kong are always willing to meet up for an impromptu Asianergy recording session, as the conceptual project founded in 2004 by Korean jazz guitarist and producer, Jack Lee and Malaysian multi-percussionist Lewis Pragasam, leader of Asia Beat Band, is known.

The project is a unique blend of all musical possibilities with emphasis on the rhythms of Asia, and explores the sonic capabilities of the world.

"I want to let the world know that we, Asian people, can play our own special music," says Lee, after a recent "warm-up" showcase with Watanabe, Pao and Pragasam at Green Space on J Avenue, Thong Lor.

The three guitarists and drummer formed Asian Super Guitar Project (ASGP) earlier this year after a two-week jam session to work on their new compositions, well worked out pieces that pay a lot of attention to musical form, individual sound and cover an immense dynamic spectrum.

Lee grew up with the sounds of rock guitar heroes Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck and in his teens discovered Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell and Miles Davis.

At 17, he pursued a computer science major at Columbia University in New York. A stint as a disc jockey at the well-known station WKCR-FM exposed him to an extraordinary breadth of jazz music.

In 1991, he released his first album "Poong-Un" ("Winds and Clouds") and toured South Korea and Hong Kong.

His second album, 1992's "Magnolia Blossom", evolved after an auspicious meeting with Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta.

In the following years, Lee recorded "Where My Heart Goes", which explored his Asian cultural heritage and collaborated with accomplished multi-instrumentalist Norihito Sumitomo.

He often works and performs with legendary pianist Bob James, and produced James' latest album, "Angels of Shanghai", an East-meets-West collaboration with a group of Chinese classical musicians.

Last year, Asianergy released its self-titled debut album featuring pianist Dave Grusin, drummer Harvey Mason, Sumitomo, New York-based pianist Charles Blenzig, Horta and Suphala, an Indian tabla player from New York who has collaborated with the likes of Sean Lennon, Norah Jones and Vernon Reid.

The rhythmic grooves and flowing melodies showcase a true fusion of multi-cultural influences, blending Latin music with Asian sensibilities.

"I want to use more Asian influences - Indian rhythms, Korean melodies, Japanese senses and more. When I achieve a new, formal jazz, I can bring it to the world music scene. I think we have potential in the Western music market," says Lee.

"There are no major stars from Asia on the world jazz scene. Asian sentiments, Asian feeling and Asian heart are different from Western but it doesn't mean we can's succeed."

The Asianergy project will continue to explore and expand its possibilities with more special guests planned to join the next album.

"For the new album, I am inviting Bob James, Four Play and many Asian musicians along with Americans. I think it will make big news."

Bangkok fans can catch Asia Beat on Saturday and the ASGP's set on Sunday.

The fourth Bangkok Jazz Festival takes place this weekend at Sanam Suapa (Dusit Palace).

Tickets for three days are Bt3,000 and Bt1,200 for one day. They are available at Thaiticketmaster.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation