Quintopus

Improvisatory but not esoteric, virtuosic yet unpretentious, Quintopus mixes up its own electro-pop futurism out of a little jazz, a little rock, a splash of alternative indie pop, and a good old-fashioned sense of adventure. Drawing on its six members' diverse backgrounds in a full spectrum of jazz, rock, and classical music, the band applies its eclectic, open-ended approach to a mixed repertoire of original compositions and personalized arrangements of songs by artists like Bjork, Radiohead, and Ben Folds. While uncompromising in its pursuit of new musical territory, Quintopus remains equally dedicated to the belief that improvised instrumental music can be engaging and fun, providing grooved-based, hard-rocking performances that grab audiences, jazz fans or not.

The brain-cephalopod of drummer, composer, and bandleader Chris Teal, Quintopus began as a collaboration by like-minded improvisers who met at Rochester, New York's Eastman School of Music. Originally from Spokane, WA, Teal is now a freelance musician and teacher in the Rochester area and a member of the Po’ Boys Brass Band, DubbleStuff, and the Katie Ernst Trio. Also contributing a healthy crop of original tunes to the Quintopus book is guitarist and intergalactic laser ray-gunner Mike Frederick. Also from Spokane, WA, Frederick will be joining “Blue Steel”, the United States Air Force’s popular music ensemble in the winter of 2010. At the keyboard is Chris Ziemba, a native of Buffalo whose virtuosic and sensitive playing has impressed audiences around the Northeast in his work with Trio Slaye, Walt Weiskopf, and the Dave Rivello Ensemble as well as appearing on Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz.” Rounding out the rhythm section is bassist Geoff Saunders, a member of the popular Rochester-based indie rock group Walri and an award-winning busker of international acclaim. In addition to freelancing in Chicago, saxophonist Doug Stone played with Maynard Ferguson and the Big Band Nouveau and has been a regular faculty member at the Birch Creek Music Center. Dave Hart on trumpet is a performer and educator who has worked in locations as far-flung as Thailand and California. In addition to their musical activities, Quintopus is committed to supporting social justice through benefit concerts for such organizations as the National Association of Free Clinics, Doctors Without Borders and Nashville Musicians Disaster Relief.

The debut Quintopus album, Voyage to Ornoc, provides a taste of this ensemble's unique aesthetic, one that refuses to be pigeonholed as straight-ahead jazz or typical fusion. Instead, one hears a well-balanced mixture of electric and acoustic, introspection and explosion, and composition and improvisation. Aligned with the newest trends in creative instrumental music, Quintopus is carving out a space for a new generation of jazz players and listeners.

Instrumentation

Chris Teal - Drums

Mike Frederick - Guitar

Chris Ziemba - Piano/Keyboard

Geoff Saunders - Bass

Doug Stone - Tenor Saxophone

Dave Hart - Trumpet

View Quintopus's EPK