Jazz, like cooking, is all about taste - and timing. And the time for the New Orleans group Quintology is now. On their second CD release, Quintology (an actual band, not just a hastily assembled collection of solo players!) blends its five distinct musical ingredients into a rich, satisfying gumbo of modern jazz, with a side dish of spicy soul.

The set of all-original, mostly straightahead material features compositions by all five band members (all products of the University of New Orleans' jazz program), including three from drummer Mark DiFlorio. The opener, "Reality Check," is a funky, groove-based jam in the Jimmy Smith vein, courtesy of keyboardist Charlie Dennard. "Tears In My Vino," from saxophonist Brent Rose, is a no-holds barred burner, and a showcase for Rose and guitarist Brian Seeger. The album's centerpeice is DiFlorio's 15-minute epic "India," which opens with almost four minutes of quiet, meditative solo drumming before the rest of the band joins in. With its Eastern theme and complex structure it's a bit of a departure from the rest of the album, but proof that these guys can play more than just head, solo, head. The band quickly jumps back into the soul-jazz bag for Seeger's "Jacanabac" and bassist Brady Kish's "Leap Year Stomp."

This is fresh, exciting music that proves there's still plenty of young talent brewing in the cradle of jazz.

www.quintology.com