Atomic Pigeons

Brooklyn-based composer Sana Nagano has a highly distinctive approach to violin playing, grounding chaotic improvisations with restrained precision. Formally trained in both jazz and classical traditions, she rips up the rulebook with projects such as the avant-bluegrass trio Astroturf Noise and 2021's prog jazz quintet Smashing Humans, 2022’s superb free-jazz trio Anime Mundi (with legendary Karl Berger, Medeski, Martin & Wood’s veteran Billy Martin), experimental strings duo Peach and Tomato as well as Sarah Bernstein’s Veer Quartet.

Excelling at pairing classical violin technique with FX-laden improvisations to merge various styles inventively, Nagano shows equal commitment to freedom and form in many of the works she is involved in. For her latest project as a leader, Nagano introduces an electrified, high-flying avant-math quartet Atomic Pigeons. Her polyrhythmic compositions are derived from the raw echoes of the headbanger worthy heart-beats, infused with powerful yet deeply intertwined improvisations organically. Her musical collaborators include astonishing guitar virtuoso Harvey Valdes, burning guitarist of Cleric and John Zorn’s Simulacrum Matt Hollenberg on bass vi, polyrhythm master Danny Sher on drums (Horsetorso, Crippling Alcoholism).

BOOKING: info@companyofheaven.com and/or sana@sananagano.com

Photos by Annie Del Hierro-Jost, Dec 2023 Nublu 2023