Album Notes

Ozone Quartet is an instrumental rock/fusion band based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Originally known as Cloud Nine, the group formed in 1992 when Wayne Leechford (stick) and Hollis Brown (electric violin) joined forces with Graham Fry (guitar) and Steve Smith (drums). After two self-released recordings and numerous regional shows, Cloud Nine started to gain recognition as an eclectic instrumental band that was paving new ground and reintroducing the best influences in rock-fusion.

In 1995, Cloud Nine began writing material for what was to become the first Ozone Quartet CD, Fresh Blood. With new drummer, Francis Dyer, the band's sound became more focused. Cloud Nine's unorthodox instrumentation and original style began to draw attention from the small but growing scene of old and new found supporters of progressive rock and fusion music around the world. Cloud Nine performed at the first of several USA progressive rock festivals including ProgDay and Progscape. Due to trademark laws, Ozone Quartet became Cloud Nine's new name in 1997. Wayne and Hollis established their own record label, Flat Five Records, Inc. to release Ozone Quartet's material.

With the release of Fresh Blood, Kenny Thompson assumed the responsibilities of the guitar chair. Ozone Quartet continued to play regional shows and increase their fanbase. Nocturne, the group's second CD release, was completed in 1999. Once again, the band found themselves looking for a new guitar player. Ozone Quartet toured in support of Nocturne with new guitar player, Jeremy Shaw.

Ozone Quartet's music is compared by critics and fans to progressive rock-fusion pioneers like King Crimson, Dixie Dregs, and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Despite these comparisons, Ozone Quartet's sound is totally unique. The group's two CD releases on Flat Five Records, Fresh Blood and Nocturne, received critical acclaim by the worldwide progressive rock community and international radio air play.