The String Cheese Incident keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth on Wednesday shared a new instrumental single, “Sanza”. The track, which features his SCI bandmate Jason Hann on percussion, arrives as his first solo release of the year.

“Sanza”, another word for the mbira family of African hand instruments, is rhythmically enveloping from the start, as a looping guitar riff from Dan Schwindt (who plays in Hollingsworth’s solo band) sets the stage for Kyle’s infectious keys. The track continues to build, egged on by Hann’s global percussion, until it explodes into a funky dance party that connects styles from across the globe.

“This tune has been a long time coming, the seeds for this one developed over the last year or so,” Hollingsworth wrote on social media. “The vibe and inspiration for the song came from my guitar player, Dan Schwindt. He and I were jamming and listening to some African and world beat rhythms. He started playing around with mbira-style riffs and the song blossomed from there. The track also features Jason Hann on percussion. Excited to finally release this track!”

Related: String Cheese Incident’s Kyle Hollingsworth Readies Phish Polka Covers For Dick’s Lot In New Video [Watch]

Hollingsworth is gearing up for the 2022 edition of Kyle’s Brew Fest, set to occur on Friday at Wibby Brewing in Longmont, CO. In addition to a performance from his eponymous solo band, the craft beer-centric fundraiser for Conscious Alliance will feature a set from Steely Dead. Friday will mark the annual event’s debut at Wibby Brewing.

Listen to the new Kyle Hollingsworth single “Sanza”. Hollingsworth will reconvene with The String Cheese Incident to headline the Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival in Felton, CA the weekend of September 17th and 18th. For tickets and a full list of dates head here.

Kyle Hollingsworth – “Sanza”