Ping Pong Pang

Ping Pong Pang is what happens when you mix the soul of Eastern European folk, the spirit of jazz and the spontaneous energy of free improvisation. Three master musicians came together for a recording session on a rare sunny spring morning in Seattle, and 10 songs emerged as their first, epynomous, album together.

Multi-instrumentalists Amy Denio, James Hoskins and Kai Strandskov have toured the planet, immersed themselves in the traditional and experimental flanks of the musical spectrum, and released over 60 recordings between them. Together, the trio channels these influences into a unique fusion: a gamut of organic sounds and textures, ranging from melodic to dissonant, affable to gritty, and celebratory to meditative, with the voice of the Balkan region serving as a common theme.

Denio is no stranger to followers of Right Brain Records. Her 2022 solo vocal album Chapel Sessions has been widely praised, and we featured her in a 2019 podcast episode. In PPP the Seattle Jazz Hall of Famer plays a lot of clarinet, saxophone and accordion, while also adding impromptu vocal parts in strategic spots.

Hoskins is similarly esconsed in RBR, having recorded a sublime album with Vickie Dodd and two acclaimed free improv albums with Spontanea. He’s a master of the cello, but also shines here on the Greek bouzouki and Bulgarian gadulka.

Strandskov is a new and welcome addition to the RBR family. A multi-percussionist with a deep resume and a vast array of tools in his arsenal, he anchors Ping Pong Pang with rhythmic energy, graceful subtleties and sharp ears.

Together they’ve made created a distinct and memorable sound that will transport you across centuries.