There’s something spectacular about inventing instruments for a throwback sound. The man known only as Quintron is such an inventor. The New Orleans-based musician has blessed South Florida with many appearances with his wife, Miss Pussycat, singing and playing maracas alongside him. In a manner of a few days, they will return to Miami, as part of many events celebrating another year of Art Basel Miami Beach.
On stage, Quintron often stations himself behind the grill of a classic car, working headlights included. He plays a hybrid keyboard made of a Hammond organ and a Rhodes synthesizer. Incessant beats are generated electronically and often involve his “Drum Buddy,” which is composed of oscillators, lights and possibly a tin can. His songs have a vintage garage rock quality that swing hard and groovy.
A true original, Quintron would make for a fascinating interview. However, the notion of asking this playful, creative genius questions about his method would be futile. In one rare interview, he once told writer Phil Hunt: “I am aware that this interview is a game and I can step outside of this page to see it for what it is. You know, I may never say what I have just said in another interview ever. I can be inconsistent, unreliable, contradictory … like electricity or plumbing.” There’s even conflicting information as to his real name. It’s either Robert Rolston, according to Wikipedia or Jay Poggi, according to the All Music Guide.
But who cares about the person when his music is so raucous and fun. Maybe the sublimation of persona assists the free-wheeling creative feel of the loose, relentless jams Quintron so smoothly weaves. Though he hasn’t released a full-length album since 2011’s rollicking Sucre Du Sauvage, those attending his upcoming show can expect a limited edition 100-minute cassette entitled Changes 999 that covers almost 20 years of career highlights and some new material.
Quintron & Miss Pussycat play the Art Basel Kick Off at Churchillís Pub with Cop City Chill Pillars, White Mystery, Rubber (O) Cement, Dino Felipe on Thursday, December 5. $10, 8pm. RSVP
~Hans Morgenstern | The Independent Ethos
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