Album Notes

The DU UY Quintet was formed with the aim of presenting new, interesting, and diverse original music. More a compositional ensemble than a genre-derived group, the DU UY Quintet’s identity is found within the stylistic interplay of the musicians rather than a pre-defined style of music. This allows the DU UY Quintet the compositional freedom to write and perform music of varying styles (funk, boleros, jazz, electronica, drum and bass, samba, rock, cha cha, bossa nova, and who knows what else) yet still retain a strong, identifiable group sound. The DU UY Quintet’s shows provide head-turning music for audience members just discovering the group, and new and evolving compositions for repeat listeners.

The DU UY Quintet is based out of San Francisco, and can be found in some of the hippest venues in the bay area and beyond. Additionally, all the musicians have been and are currently performing with some of the most exciting groups in the area. Trumpeter- Danny Cao, saxophonist- Doug Thomas, and drummer- Alexis Razon have been performing nationwide with the instrumental groove band Vinyl for the past 10 years in many notable local and national venues. Guitarist- Jon Monahan is a long time member of local hip-hop luminaries Felonious. Bassist- Paul Eastburn performs regularly with the exciting, Brazilian-oriented Nobody From Ipanema and up and coming bay area band No Origin.

The debut recording of the DU UY Quintet features "More More More" a funk / jazz groover written by trumpeter Danny Cao; the latin tinged Jon Monahan penned "Los Dos Deuces"; "Sleepy" -what dub/ jazz/ reggae should sound like; the drum and bass / hip hop / big band extravaganza "Texas Is Endless"; "Marvin" -another smoldering funk jazz number; and "Ago Went" -an ethereal improvisation set up by an agogo bell inspired bass line.