NEW YORK -- New York based pop/rock group Ken Nakano & The Flying Penguins recently completed their debut release, entitled "Thirsty". Two years of writing and recording have culminated in an album that is at once melodious and discordant; spanning cultures and traditions.

The group was formed in 1993 by Ken Nakano, who is vocalist, songwriter and bassist for the band. Ken played in several touring bands in his native Japan, sometimes on his own and other times backing larger acts. He moved to New York in the late eighties and soon assimilated himself into the NYC music scene, soaking up inspiration the whole way.

In late 1993, Nakano decided to finally record and release some of his solo work. To that end, he called together a number of other Japanese musicians living in New York. From the recording of "Thirsty", The Flying Penguins were born: Wado Taniguchi (guitars) who launched Borderless Records with Ken, Sakae "Name" Namekawa (drums) and Michi (guitars).

60's British Rock influences are immediately apparent on "Thirsty" but Ken's melodies, unpredictable yet contagious, more closely trace his Japanese roots. The songs on the album, many of them in English and some in Japanese, are a kind of reference set that foreshadows a prolific musical career.

"Thirsty" will be released on March 5, 1996 by Borderless Records and distributed by Trip Records through independent distributors nationally.