Although many Filipino musicians dream of catering to an international audience, few are actually blessed to do so.

One of these artists is jazz guitarist Johnny Alegre. Aside from holding shows and releasing albums (under Candid Records) in the UK, he had also performed in the US.

“It was incredible to have played before a mixed crowd in Hollywood,” Alegre says of his US stint. “Everyone was so appreciative and supportive.”

A write-up published by the Los Angeles Times compared Alegre’s performance to those by Pat Metheny and Gabor Szabo. Alegre hopes for this accolade to serve as impetus for the US release of his albums.    

This wish may soon be granted. Alegre had recently recorded “3,” an album which had the Filipino collaborating ex-Quest members Ron McClure (bassist) and Billy Hart (drummer), both luminaries in the US jazz scene. 

“Everything fell into place especially when I learned that Ron and Billy were available to record,” Alegre said. “Then (record label) MCA indicated that they are also willing to distribute and promote the album. Anybody who could help was there when needed.”

Alegre calls “3” either his ‘rock-iest’ or ‘un-jazziest’ album because the tracks here can be appreciated by fans of either genre.

The Filipino jazz guitarist plans to mount shows at various rock joints through his own Sneakernet production.