Exclusive track premiere of ‘Cubhouse’ by Hunters Chorus, taken from the upcoming EP, ‘The Ping Pong Ball Career Center’, out August 5th 2022.

Hunters Chorus is an alter-ego, recording moniker, and instrumental music ensemble of classical guitarist Ramon Fermin. This Summer they return to offer ‘The Ping Pong Ball Career Center’, a five-song EP to follow up 2021’s full length album ‘The Boy Ain’t Right’.

“‘Cubhouse’ was fun and easy to put together in the studio. Elyse Ader – who usually plays viola – had a sprained finger at the time and played one-handed harp on the track. We had a slightly larger band than usual for us- Elyse on harp, Ami Nashimoto on cello, Pat Murphy on acoustic guitar, Tony Gennaro on vibraphone, Jason Slota on drums, Brett Carson on piano, and myself on electric guitar. We set up in a big circle in the live room, rehearsed the song quickly and did a few takes. It was the first time that exact lineup of the band played together”.

The upcoming release features a familiar roster of musicians, including: Elyse Ader on harp and viola, Ami Nashimoto on cello, Patrick Murphy on acoustic guitar and electric bass, Jason Slota on drums and percussion, Ben Boye on rhodes piano, and Ramon on lead nylon, acoustic, and electric guitars, and electric bass. Joining the band in the studio for the first time are: Brett Carson on acoustic and rhodes piano, and Tony Gennaro on additional percussion. ‘The Ping Pong Ball Career Center’ was recorded by Jack Shirley at the Atomic Garden in Oakland, CA.

‘The Ping Pong Ball Career Center’ kicks off with the rhapsodic and mercurial ‘Cubhouse’, a stunningly jubilant sonic invocation of new life. ‘Cubhouse’ tumbles playfully through simple, sunlit tunes, jaunty grooves, and curious quirks, whimsically combining rock opera energy, orchestral splendor, and a touch of the bizarre.

Captured live and featuring solos by Ramon on electric guitar, Patrick Murphy on steel-string acoustic guitar, and Brett Carson on rhodes piano, ‘It Was Raining on the Day I Moved the Car for My Dad’ finds Hunters Chorus channeling a late night, jazz-rock tinged atmosphere. The moody ballad climaxes in antiphonal interplay between the electric piano and guitars, and finally gives way to a spectral, naturalistic coda imbued with tender nostalgia and hopeful mana.

The solo nylon acoustic guitar feature ‘Thank You for Still Being My Friend’ moves through cycles of percussive, groovy riffs before evanescing into an intimate, improvised soliloquy, and finally concluding on an upbeat and humorous romp.

Recorded quickly and manifesting a live, unfussed spirit, ‘The Ping Pong Ball Career Center’ captures Hunters Chorus in an alluringly candid and honest light. The new release is a colorful new turn for the San Mateo-based ensemble, full of bright moments and triumphant snapshots welcoming the listener to stay awhile and revel in the play.

Hunters Chorus Official Website / Instagram / YouTube / Bandcamp