The Band

Detroit native, Nathan Brown has been laying down his own brand of intelligent, funky, jazz-infused bass since the age of 15. Nathan studied music at Henry Ford College and learned the business as an active player on the Detroit scene. This lead to a long-term stint as a member of guitarist-flautist Alexander Zonjic's band (1986-1993). This gig gave Nathan the opportunity to play with Bob James, Earl Klugh, and others.

Nathan relocated to San Diego joining up with UTL for the next several years and recording on UTL's release "Up For Air" (1995). Since the mid-90's, Nathan has toured with Scott Wilkie, The Boneshakers, and jazz guitarist Brian Hughes among others.

Nathan's current gig is with Coco Montoya. Nathan is an active session player and regularly performs with some of the most consistent soul, r&b, and contemporary jazz groups- Randy Jacobs (and The Boneshakers), Scott Wilkie, Jason Weber, Patrick Yandall, and Kamau Kenyatta and is a frequent call for tours. Nathan has recorded with the Scott Wilkie Band, the Boneshakers, Charlie Musslewhite, Joe Ely, Eliades Ochoa, Willie Nelson, Adam Duritz, Bill & Bonnie Hearne and many others.

The original "fnkysax", Quintin Gerard W. grew up in Norco, Louisiana with established jazz roots as a member of the District VI Honor Jazz and Concert Bands of New Orleans where he performed with Harry Connick Jr. Quintin was awarded a scholarship in music from Loyola University in New Orleans where he majored in Jazz studies and under Ellis Marsalis.

In 1989 Quintin moved to Los Angeles playing with many of the top names in "Smooth Jazz." such as Jeff Lorber (The "Worth Waiting For" tour), Kenny Garrett, Najee, Dave Koz, Ron Brown, and Hollis Gentry III. Quintin joined UTL in the mid-90's.

Quintin has recorded with Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band's "Testimony" CD), and the late Rick James. His major commercial recording sessions include B.E.T.'s Comic View (Opening Theme 1998-2000), MCI, Levi's Strauss, Estee Lauder, and Sears Kenmore Television Commercials.

Selections from Quintin's debut CD "Fnkysax" were included in "The Golden Empire" released by Jersey Style Films, Inc. Quintin also recently launched a new product line of Professional musical instruments under his trademarked brand name Fonk Horn™.

A native of the Three Rivers, CA David's versatility and aggressive playing lead Jazziz reviewer Jonathan Widran to call David an "electric guitar fancyman." Now based, in the LA/OC/SD mega-metroplex, David's professional career has spanned over 20 years and a broad variety of musical contexts.

Davids credits include extensive studio and live work with artists like Mike Gealer, Gregg Karukas, Hollis Gentry, Carl Evans, Scott Wilkie, Glen Fisher, and others. Live credits for David include appearances with Michael Cates, Mike Gealer, Euphoria, Scott Wilkie Band, Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, and many others.

A native of Valencia, California, Richard received early training from Stewart Fischer (brother of jazz giant Claire), Earl Palmer, and Joe Porcaro. In 1980, Richard received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and was honored as an exceptional soloist at the 1983 Fullerton Jazz Festival.

Richard later relocated to San Diego where he has continually worked with top professionals including a long-time association with Rob Thorsen and Ruby Presnell ("Ruby and the Red Hots") in their group called Ruby and Cool Blue appearing on their album "Skin". Richard is one of the busiest drummers in Southern California having shared the stage with artists such as Jimmy and Jeanie Cheatham, Kenny Rankin, Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson, Marshall Hawkins, Clare Fischer, Gary Foster, Jackie and Roy, Andy Simpkins, Jackie and Roy Kral, and Kamau Kenyatta. Chef also appears with Hubert Laws on his CD "Hubert Laws Remembers the Unforgetable Nat King Cole"

"Chef RnB" is known for uncanny talent with brushes, his undeniable energy, joy for performing, and his strict attention to dynamics and groove. Richard has been featured in Modern Drummer magazine and made high-profile appearances at the Namm Show. Chef is affiliated with Smith Custom Drums, Turkish Cymbals, and Alternative Percussion.

Jayson has been a multi-instrumentalist since his youth. Over the years this has included guitar, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and keyboards. Keyboards became Jayson's main focus while he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees while diving into straight-ahead and fusion groups during the 80's.

Relocating to San Diego in the early 90's Jayson established UTL. The self-produced "Dive In" was released in 1993 leading to national distribution and airplay - lasting 5 weeks on the Gavin's "Chartbound". Regional touring and jazz festival appearances led to performances with the strongest names in contemporary jazz...too many to list.

A second CD, "Up For Air", was completed in 1995. In the late 90's Jayson took time out from the music business to raise a family. For the past several years, Jayson has been working on writing new material, recording in a local studio, raising a family, and getting older.