Ponga (band)
Encyclopedia
Ponga was a Seattle-based improvisational quartet composed of Dave Palmer
(keyboards), Bobby Previte
(drums), Skerik
(saxophone) and Wayne Horvitz
(keyboards). Ponga's performances and recordings were entirely improvised with no over dubs. The quartet started in 1997 and upon their first self-titled release in 1999 toured North America, Europe and Japan to excellent reviews. Often described as "intuitive" with references to Miles Davis, the group was also noted for styles that were all-encompassing. Reviews emphasize both aesthetic and technical expertise. The first album was followed by a release of Re-mixes by such notables as Fila Brazillia
, Spacetime Continuum
, and Amon Tobin
containing more danceable beats. The final release Psychological like the first was recorded live and in part at the O.K. Hotel
in Seattle. Along with their live performances it also received favorable reviews.
Dave Palmer (American keyboardist)
Dave Palmer is an American session keyboardist native to Texas and living in Studio City, California. Palmer has toured, performed, or recorded with Air, Fiona Apple, Seal, Chris Isaak, Joe Henry, Bobby Previte, Wayne Horvitz, Ponga, Critters Buggin, MC 900 Foot Jesus, Aimee Mann, Solomon Burke,...
(keyboards), Bobby Previte
Bobby Previte
Robert "Bobby" Previte is a drummer, composer and bandleader. Previte earned a B.A. in Economics at the University at Buffalo, where he also studied percussion. He moved to New York City in 1979, and became active in the city's thriving jazz and experimental music scenes...
(drums), Skerik
Skerik
Skerik is an American saxophonist from Seattle, Washington. Performing on the tenor and baritone saxophone, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin, Garage a Trois and Skerik's Syncopated...
(saxophone) and Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz is an American composer, keyboardist and record producer.-Biography:Horvitz, a "defiant cross-breeder of genres", has led the groups The President, Pigpen, Zony Mash, and the Four Plus One Ensemble...
(keyboards). Ponga's performances and recordings were entirely improvised with no over dubs. The quartet started in 1997 and upon their first self-titled release in 1999 toured North America, Europe and Japan to excellent reviews. Often described as "intuitive" with references to Miles Davis, the group was also noted for styles that were all-encompassing. Reviews emphasize both aesthetic and technical expertise. The first album was followed by a release of Re-mixes by such notables as Fila Brazillia
Fila Brazillia
Fila Brazillia was an electronica collaboration from Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire in North-East England. Formed in 1990 by Steve Cobby and David McSherry...
, Spacetime Continuum
Spacetime Continuum
Jonah Sharp alias Spacetime Continuum is a producer of electronic music. After starting his musical career as a jazz drummer in London, UK, he moved to San Francisco, USA. During the 1990s Sharp released a series of albums on the Astralwerks record label...
, and Amon Tobin
Amon Tobin
Amon Adonai Santos de Araújo Tobin , known as Amon Tobin, is a Brazilian musician, composer and producer of electronic music. He is described as a virtuoso sound designer and is considered to be one of the most influential electronic music artists in the world...
containing more danceable beats. The final release Psychological like the first was recorded live and in part at the O.K. Hotel
OK Hotel
The OK Hotel was a bar and music venue located under the viaduct in Seattle's Pioneer Square district. The club's 15-year-plus life span came to an end with the Nisqually earthquake of February 28, 2001, which damaged numerous buildings in the historic district.Most widely recognized as a prominent...
in Seattle. Along with their live performances it also received favorable reviews.
Musicians
- Wayne HorvitzWayne HorvitzWayne Horvitz is an American composer, keyboardist and record producer.-Biography:Horvitz, a "defiant cross-breeder of genres", has led the groups The President, Pigpen, Zony Mash, and the Four Plus One Ensemble...
- keyboards - Bobby PreviteBobby PreviteRobert "Bobby" Previte is a drummer, composer and bandleader. Previte earned a B.A. in Economics at the University at Buffalo, where he also studied percussion. He moved to New York City in 1979, and became active in the city's thriving jazz and experimental music scenes...
- drums - Dave PalmerDave Palmer (American keyboardist)Dave Palmer is an American session keyboardist native to Texas and living in Studio City, California. Palmer has toured, performed, or recorded with Air, Fiona Apple, Seal, Chris Isaak, Joe Henry, Bobby Previte, Wayne Horvitz, Ponga, Critters Buggin, MC 900 Foot Jesus, Aimee Mann, Solomon Burke,...
- keyboards - SkerikSkerikSkerik is an American saxophonist from Seattle, Washington. Performing on the tenor and baritone saxophone, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin, Garage a Trois and Skerik's Syncopated...
- saxophone, samples
Discography
- PongaPonga (album)Ponga is the first album by the improvisational quartet Ponga. The album is a recording of live improvisation with no over dubs at the O.K...
(Loosegroove 1998) - The Ponga Remixes (Loosegroove 1999)
- Psychological (P-Vine 2000)