Just back from an exhilarating recording trip to Santa Cruz, Calif., for the second installment of the project by Okinawa's Takashi Hirayasu and American guitarist Bob Brozman. This time the duo was joined by other musicians on percussion, drums and bass, and also David Hidalgo from Los Lobos and the Latin Playboys on guitars.

Playing mostly Hirayasu's original songs, they have certainly added a new dimension to their sound with funk, ska, Mexican and Cuban rhythms. Their first album, "Jin Jin/Firefly," will be released overseas this spring and has already been receiving rave prerelease reviews. They will be undertaking a European tour in April and May.

In the meantime, Brozman will be visiting Japan, with fellow American guitarist Woody Mann. Both have their roots in the blues. Brozman is the world's leading player of National Steel Guitar, while Mann learned to play under the legendary Reverend Gary Davis. It's their disparate interests that make this show such a tantalizing prospect. Brozman's Hawaiian and world music styles are the perfect compliment to the jazz improvisations of Mann.

Bob Brozman and Woody Mann, March 3, 7:30 p.m. at Kichijoji Star Pines Cafe. Admission 5,300 yen in advance, 5,500 yen at the door (includes one drink). Tickets and information Star Pines Cafe (042) 223-2251 or TAB Guitar School (03) 5350-3509.

March 4, 7 p.m. at Nagoya Tokuzo. Admission 5,000 yen in advance, 5,500 yen at the door, from Ticket Pia (052) 320-9999, Tokuzo (052) 733-3709 or TAB Guitar School. March 5, 6:30 p.m. at Osaka Umeda Banana Hall. 5,000 yen in advance, 5,500 yen at the door from Ticket Pia (06) 6363-9999, Banana Hall (06) 6361-6821 or TAB Guitar School.

While in California I heard of the shocking death of Japanese musician Donto. Just 37, he died of a brain hemorrhage while on holiday in Hawaii. Known mainly as a guitarist, Kyoto-born Donto first came to prominence with the group Rosa Luxembourg and later the Bo Gumbos, which played Bo Diddley-inspired New Orleans-style music.

In 1995 Donto was part of the unit Uminosachi which recorded a wacky blend of Indian, Indonesian and Okinawan music on the CD "Indonesian Sea Food." Donto relocated to Okinawa where he took up playing the sanshin, which he also taught, and recorded three solo albums. Whatever he turned his hand to, Donto did so with his own unique style, intelligence and humor.

In the last few years Donto mainly performed in Japan with his wife Sachiho, formerly of Japan's longest-running female outfit and punk band, Zelda. After Zelda split up, singer Sayoko decided to go it alone, incorporating mainly reggae into her solo albums. She has recently released a new album, "Undertone," and will be touring soon in support of that album.

On her first two solo outings Sayoko recorded in Jamaica and London with reggae musicians such as Sly and Robbie; Dennis Bovell; and Aswad. On this latest release, however, she decided to stay at home. Guest songwriters and musicians include the Boom's Kazufumi Miyazawa, Hakase of dub/calypso/reggae outfit Little Tempo and Hirofumi Asamoto, largely responsible for that ultra-cool sound on UA's albums.

Indeed, UA is probably Undertone's closest musical reference point: strong melodies mixed with hip dance grooves and dub. Sayoko's music and voice reflects her own effervescent character; at turns inspiring and reflective, surprising and familiar, yet always intriguing.

Sayoko, March 9, 9 p.m. at Kyoto Club Metro. Admission 2,000 yen (including one drink); for information, call (075) 752-4765. March 10, 7:30 p.m. at Osaka Club Quattro. Admission 3,675 yen (including one drink); for information, call (06) 6357-4400. March 12, 8 p.m. at Yamaguchi Ube Big Hip. Admission 3 yen,000; for information, call (083) 629-0435. March 19, 7:30 p.m. at Aoyama Cay (B1 of Spiral Bldg) in Tokyo. Admission 3 yen,500; for information, call (03) 3498-5790.

Sadao China's all new Nenes lineup make their Japan mainland debut next month. It will certainly be intriguing to find out what they sound like. Mostly in their early 20s, only one of the quartet has any background in Okinawan min'yo. Rumor has it that, for the time being, their music won't see any radical departure from Nenes' previous incarnation. Nenes will be performing with Kotobuki, featuring Japanese female singer Nabi. In contrast to the sweetness of Nenes, Nabi has a screeching, and at times grating voice, but is known for powerful performances.

Nenes and Kotobuki, March 5, 2 p.m. at Tokyo Yurakucho Kokusai Forum (C Hall). Admission 4,750 yen from Ticket Pia (03) 5237-9999.

A highly recommended Celtic/Irish gig is the first visit to Japan by Lunasa. Lunasa consists of some of Ireland's top traditional musicians: extraordinary flutist Kevin Crawford, former Waterboys bassist Trevor Hutchison (who went on to play with the Sharon Sharron Band, as did their guitarist Donogh Hennessy) and fiddler Sean Smyth, who has played with Donal Lunny's Coolfin.

Original members also included Coolfin piper John McSherry and Capercaillie flutist Michael McGoldrick, who turn up as guests on the group's new album "Otherworld," but won't be making the trip here. Instead, touring member Cillian Vallely will be on pipes and low whistle.

The most compelling aspect of Lunasa's music is their innovative use of rhythms. Hutchison plays an acoustic upright bass, while Hennessy cuts his guitar with a distinctive and percussive style. Within traditional Irish melodies are flashes of improvisation and jazz that take their music to a different plane. In this respect, Lunasa could be poised to take over the mantle of the mighty '70s group Bothy Band. Their material includes their versions of tunes by modern masters such as Tommy Peoples as well as their own original material. For any fan of real Celtic music who wants to work up a sweat, Lunasa is not to be missed.