The Robert Lee Group is a unique project consisting of original compositions inspired by Korean folk stories and poetry, spanning various fantasy and romantic narratives. Led by Toronto-based emerging upright bassist, composer and bandleader Robert Lee, the project aims to develop an artistic identity founded in the emotional provocation of jazz and improvised music while exploring and implementing Korean traditional elements into one cohesive creative theatre. A graduate from the University of Guelph and Humber College music programs, Lee obtained his Masters in Contemporary Performance from Berklee Valencia in 2021. Lee has studied and performed with Neil Swainson, Allison Au, Mike Downes, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Amanda Tosoff, and others. He has performed at various venues and festivals across Ontario and internationally and as well, performed on the 2024 JUNO nominated album Little Bit a’ Love by vocalist Denielle Bassels. With this dynamic new project focusing on his latest album Forbidden West, Lee has delved deeper into exploring his identity as a Korean Canadian, questioning what it means to simultaneously straddle two contrasting cultural identities. Jacqueline Teh vocals, Dennis Kwok saxophones, John Lee daegeum/janggu, Jay Yoo guitar, Jen Lo piano, Jon Catanus drums