Born: August 21, 1969 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Joe Quintana is the quintessential journeyman guitarist. Every weekend (and many week nights) he sets up his equipment, tunes his instrument, and performs a full repertoire of music for the local patrons, be they a handful or a hundred. This routine over time blends into a lifetime of self discovery, immersion and dedication to craft.
Quintana was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on August 21, 1969, raised in a bicultural environment as a military brat, which is a blessing for a young musician absorbing so many influences that come with international travel. His parents being appreciative of all musical genres and styles always made sure that Joe and his brothers (also musicians) were exposed to music at home.
After the obligatory formative early years, Joe by 1995 had set up his own band and began to play in Rincon, Puerto Rico as the house band at the Calypso Café, which led to other gigs and many mutations of his bands over the years. He is still very active in the area.
Joe’s guitar styling is very much in synchronization with the particular song, adding just the right nuance in relation to the mood he wants to portray. He is adept on the acoustic as an accompanist, and is at home in an unplugged setting. But it is on the electric that Joe is recognized as one of the top tier blues players on the island, and his impeccable sense of timing is showcased on Latin jazz/rock numbers where he really comes into his own.
Joe Quintana is playing continually either as a hired sideman for live performances or studio recordings, but usually as the leader for his own outfit. His association and collaborations with his brothers Manuel, an exceptional drummer, and Gabriel, a keyboardist/drummer, has been the catalyst for his own forays into exploring and seeking his individual direction as well.
In Joe’s own words “The Joe Quintana Band with its evolving variations, has always been about positive energy, bringing people together to celebrate the joy of living, and joining the people by speaking the universal language of music.”
Source: James Nadal
