Quill (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | Late 1960s |
| Founder | Jon Cole, Dan Cole |
| Defunct | Early 1970 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Quill was a rock ensemble that operated throughout New England, New York, and the mid-Atlantic region during the late 1960s, achieving nationwide acclaim by appearing at the inaugural Woodstock Festival in 1969. Established by Boston-area siblings and singer-songwriters Jon and Dan Cole, the group included Roger North on drums, Norm Rogers on guitar, and Phil Thayer handling keyboards, saxophone, and flute, with Jon playing bass and Dan serving as the lead singer.
Early days
The band's fundamental lineup enabled a wide range of instrumental and vocal configurations. Roger North provided the rhythmic foundation on drums and percussion, while other members frequently alternated instruments to enrich their sound palette. Both Jon and Norm took turns as lead vocalists; Dan contributed on guitar or trombone paired with Phil’s saxophone to create a horn section. Norm occasionally added cello parts, Phil sometimes played bass, and all members participated in collective vocals. This adaptability supported the extensive songwriting vision driven by the Cole brothers.
Success
Quill's flexible arrangements boosted both their stage presence and recording sessions. Although Dan primarily fronted the band, their capacity to shift focus complemented their diverse musical approach. The majority of their compositions were crafted by Jon and Dan Cole.
Woodstock
The band performed on Woodstock’s main stage on Saturday, significantly raising their national visibility.
After Woodstock
Following the release of their debut album, Jon Cole left to focus on production endeavors. The remaining four members collaborated with producer Tony Bongiovi to record a second album under Cotillion Records; however, it was never issued. The group disbanded in early 1970.
After Quill, Jon Cole worked alongside Andy Pratt and Jimmy Thompson before founding Mechania, an innovative firm specializing in automotive self-repair education. He later moved to Hawaii where he became a specialist in off-grid energy systems and currently directs Light on the Earth Systems, advocating for widespread adoption of solar power worldwide.
Dan Cole took charge of Intermedia Sound Studios and produced local artists as well as multimedia soundtracks, including Boston’s renowned laser light show Lovelight. He facilitated ASB's role as Joe Cocker’s touring band and secured production agreements with Island Records. Transitioning later to advanced production hardware and software development at Sony Professional Products Group, Dan also became a private investor and consultant while maintaining independent music production activities.
Roger North performed drums with folk singer Odetta before joining the post-Easy Rider lineup of Holy Modal Rounders and relocating to Oregon. He designed North Drums kits that remain highly regarded among drummers today and currently plays with Freak Mountain Ramblers based in Portland.
Members
- Dan Cole (born 1949, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) – lead vocals
- Jon Cole (born 1947, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) – bass guitar
- Roger North – drums
- Norm Rogers (April 21, 1943 – July 9, 2011; born in Ottawa, Canada) – guitar
- Phil Thayer – keyboards
Discography
- Quill (1970)