The Equity and Social Justice Quartet, a new jazz group formed by Bay Area bassist and educator Markus Hunt. The jazz ensemble features Markus Hunt on bass; David Boyce on saxophone, Henry Hung on trumpet, and Timothy Orr on drums. "The Equity and Social Justice Quartet is deeply personal,” says Hunt. “Most of my life, I have worked in schools, helping young people find their voice. As I considered how this project could be an extension of that work, I realized that I was afforded a unique opportunity—the marriage of art and empathy. The Whisper of Flowers is Hunt's first recording as a leader. The title of the album was taken from a quote from bassist William Parker: “It is not about jazz, it is about sound as revealed through the mysteries of life. About those who have said yes to the whisper of a flower and the shout of a blue hurricane.”

Markus Hunt, bassist and educator, is frequently found in the rhythm section of Rent Romus’ ensembles—most notably in Life’s Blood and The Ruminations. He is also a collaborator with pianist Eli Wallace, and acts as Upper School Head at the Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco.

David Boyce is a prominent saxophonist and educator on the San Francisco music scene. A founding member of the groundbreaking 1990s Acid Jazz group, The Broun Fellinis, as well as the Supplicants, Boyce plays with emotion and intensity. He teaches music and is the Jazz Lab Band Director at the Urban School in San Francisco.

Henry Hung, an accomplished trumpeter, composer and arranger in the Bay Area, has a subtle attack that rings with power and clarity. He has shared the stage with likes of Stanley Clarke, Jimmy Cobb and the Marcus Shelby Orchestra. In addition, he performs regularly with the Klaxon Mutant All-Stars, John Turk, Jr. and the Glide Ensemble, and Con Brio, among others. He debuts his original live jazz score, Notes Toward a Supreme Fiction, for Hope Mohr Dance at the ODC Theater in April 2014.

Timothy Orr is a versatile drummer who has performed with a number of musicians in many genres—from avant-garde to zydeco—including local and international artists Josh Roseman, Stephen Schwartz, Damon Smith, Andre Thierry, Rent Romus, Joshua Allen, and Marco Eneidi. A student of Ed Blackwell, he acts as the marketing associate for the Monterey Jazz Festival.