The Dirk Quinn Band didn’t just play the Beatles’ Abbey Road at the Zlock Performing Arts Center in Newtown, PA on January 31st, 2025; they inhabited it, exploring its hidden corners and presenting a fresh perspective that both honored the original and showcased their own unique musical identity. The show constituted a conversation between generations of musicians and a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting.
Scabby Toad is the Dirk Quinn Band’s “warts-and-all” take on the iconic Abbey Road. It’s a labor of love, born from a festival gig and fueled by a crowdfunding campaign that allowed the band to pay the necessary licensing fees. The result is a raw, honest, and surprisingly funky interpretation of Abbey Road that’s as reverent to the Beatles’ iconic album as it is refreshingly original.
From the opening chords of “Come Together,” the band established a groove that was both familiar and unexpected. Quinn’s acoustic guitar, laced with delay and reverb and often running through a reverse pedal, created a spacious atmosphere that allowed the rhythm section to shine. Bassist Rory Flynn, drummer Cutter Mummert, and percussionist Chuggy Carter locked in tight while Cody Munzert’s keyboards added layers of texture and color. And when the band finally landed on the iconic guitar solo, the crowd cheered.
Throughout the evening, the DQB seamlessly blended genres and styles. “Something” featured a beautifully bowed bass courtesy of Flynn, while “Octopus’s Garden” took on a clave-infused, Latin-feeling groove. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” morphed into a psychedelic jam, complete with swirling keyboards and distorted guitar, and when you thought you knew where the music was headed, they’d throw in a curveball, like the unexpected “War Pigs” jam that emerged from “Polythene Pam.”
However, the band’s creativity wasn’t limited to reinterpreting the Beatles. They also showcased their original material, seamlessly weaving it into the Abbey Road tapestry. “Daily Special” was a funky, soulful tune with a driving beat and soaring guitar lines, courtesy of the Telecaster Quinn picked up in place of his acoustic guitar. “Mizu” was a more introspective piece featuring a haunting melody and atmospheric textures, and “Mammoth Bar” was a bluesy rocker with a catchy chorus and blazing guitar solo.
The Dirk Quinn Band’s performance was a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people. They took a classic album and made it their own, infusing it with their proprietary blend of jazz, funk, and rock, and created a joyful and unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, jazz, funk, or just great music, do yourself a favor and check out the Dirk Quinn Band. They’re a talented group of musicians with a passion for improvisation and a knack for pushing boundaries, and Scabby Toad is a testament to their creativity and love for the music that inspires
