What to Expect

A new collaboration comes to Smalls on April 30 at 9pm, bringing together a group of well-known Bangkok players who have crossed paths in other projects before but are appearing together at Smalls for the first time as Boong Gi.

Boong Gi takes its name from the Thai word for a scoop or basket used to gather things together, which fits the band’s approach well. The group brings together traditional jazz language, modern harmony, groove, improvisation, and influences from outside jazz, pulling different ideas into the same set without sounding overly formal or academic.

🎷 Pongporn “Aum” Togean – Tenor Saxophone

Pongporn “Aum” Togean is a Bangkok-based tenor saxophonist active in younger jazz circles and small-group settings. While his public profile is still relatively limited, he appears as part of a new generation of players working across jazz standards, original music, and freer improvisation.

🎸 Thanaphat “Waint” Pasitanont – Guitar

Thanaphat “Waint” Pasitanont is a guitarist active in Bangkok jazz circles, often performing in small-group settings with pianist Nagorn Tantivess. His playing moves between jazz harmony, groove-based accompaniment, and more open interaction with the rest of the band.

🎻 Siritat “Tat” Yaemklin – Bass

Siritat “Tat” Yaemklin is a Bangkok bassist whose work appears across both live performance and recording settings. He is part of a younger group of musicians bringing contemporary influences into jazz-based projects.

🎹 Nagorn “Oam” Tantivess – Piano

Nagorn “Oam” Tantivess is one of the more visible members of the group, with a background that includes formal piano study, composition, and original music. He has appeared in recital and performance settings around Bangkok and has also presented his own compositions.

🥁 Tharit “Pun” Sriyutthakrai – Drums

Tharit “Pun” Sriyutthakrai is a drummer with a background in jazz studies and performance. Active in Bangkok’s younger jazz scene, he combines formal training with an approach that stays flexible and responsive in small-group settings.