After a four year stint traveling with the U. S. Marine Corps Band, Brent Rose went on to study Jazz Performance at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ed Petersen and Ellis Marsalis. In 1998, he was awarded first prize in the Ernest Swenson Jazz composition competition, for his piece “Kirotedo,” which is the lead-off tune on Quintology’s debut disc. Brent’s professional career has included stints with Galactic, the New World Funk Ensemble, and the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. Brent has appeared on recordings with Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Chévere, and the Naked Orchestra. Brent is widely acclaimed in New Orleans as an emerging young jazz musician.
A protege of Ellis Marsalis, Charlie Dennard has performed with a virtual Who’s Who in New Orleans, including New World Funk Ensemble, Michael Ray (from the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool and the Gang), Stanton Moore (of Galactic), and Theresa Andersson to name a few. In 1996 Dennard produced his first CD of all original music featuring his own band, 5 O’Clock Charlie, entitled “The Lookout.” As a sideman, Charlie has also recorded alongside many greats such as the Birmingham Metropolitan Orchestra and Charles Neville (of the Neville Brothers). Charlie has a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans, and is currently a piano and ensemble instructor at Delgado Community College and at the University of New Orleans.
Dubbed “One of New Orleans’ best jazz guitarists,” by Gambit Weekly, Brian Seeger is on the forefront of the New Orleans music scene. His performance and recording credits include Aaron Neville, Stanton Moore, Karl Denson, Big John Patton, Chris Wood, Charlie Hunter, Jason Marsalis, Delmark Records tenorman Ed Petersen, Zachary Richard, Davell Crawford, Joe Krown, Theresa Andersson, and many others. New Orleans Magazine’s selection of Brian as one of their “Jazz All-Stars” in 1999 serves as a fitting summation of his stature in the local music community. Brian is comfortable off of the stage as well, garnering critical acclaim for his work as a record producer and composer. Among his production credits are Quintology’s award winning eponymous debut, Chévere’s Baila Mi Ritmo, Olivier Bou’s Bou-Shah-O-Ray, which features Stanton Moore, Steve Masakowski, and Nicholas Payton, The Jesse Lewis Union, as well as demo discs for a number of other artists. Brian’s compositions have graced numerous CDs, appearing on Theresa Andersson’s Vibes, Stanton Moore’s All Kooked Out, Quintology’s Blues By 5, and also on Mr. Moore’s Verve Records debut, Flyin’ the Koop. Mr. Seeger holds a Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, as well as a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from a well known New Orleans institution. Brian currently is an instructor at Delgado College.You can visit Brian’s extensive website, with his calendar, selected recordings, leadsheets, and other goodies by clicking here.
Mark DiFlorio has studied drums with world famous drum innovator Johnny Vidacovich, and master Brazilian stylist Ricky Sebastian. Besides working with Quintology, Mark performs with Chevere, Naked On The Floor, The Brian Prunka Quartet, and the Naked Orchestra, and is the first call sub for some of New Orleans’ best gigs, including Astral Project, The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Three Now 4, and the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars. In May of 1999, Mark received his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans, where he also was a graduate assistant and Music Theory instructor. He is a winner of the Ernest Swenson Composition competition, having won 1999’s contest with his piece “India,” one of many of his compositions that appears on Quintology’s “Blues By 5.”
Finding his musical voice on an often uncompromising instrument, acoustic bassist Tommy Sciple has been active on the New Orleans modern music scene since 1997. In !999, Tommy received his Master’s Degree in music from the University of New Orleans and cites studying with renowned bassist Bill Huntington as having a profound effect on his approach to improvised music. Tommy is currently working hard on a solo effort that will feature himself on both acoustic and electric basses, Brian Coogan on piano and fender rhodes, Simon Lott on drums and various percussion instruments, and possibly a few surprise guests. You can catch Tommy at this year’s Jazzfest with Quintology, Chevere, and gospel singer Paulette Wright Davis.