Cuban rock band from Miami, Pearly Queen, immensely popular in the early to mid 1970's on the burgeoning Miami music scene, attracted the interest of Carlos Andarra, who was the nephew of Panamanian President Andarra. Andarra licensed their debut album and they became the most popular Latin rock band in Panama. Band members included Alberto Arguelles on guitar, Paco Rodriguez on electric bass, Kenny Combs on organ and trombone, Carlos Salazarte on percussion, Raly Guanche on drums and lead singer Iggy Gelabert. They were joined later by Rudy Perez. Pearly Queen's greatest success came from a single that was released shortly after their debut album was released but was not included on their album. The song was the infectious "Quit Jivin'," a track which has become an essential staple of the rare funk scene world-wide.

That Esquire sounds massive through the Bassman. Beautiful tone

So nice to hear a guitar demo without a ton of distortion. You did it right.

Hey Matthew, great playing and great guitar. Traffic was a band in the 60's with Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, Chris Wood, and Jim Capaldi. They wrote a song called Pearly Queen that was real popular around 1968.

To say that you are that guitar’s current “ Caretaker” speaks volumes about you Matthew. Your honesty and love for your music & gear makes you who you are in this world , and I’m with a few others here commenting on how that Fender couldn’t have fallen into better hands . Sounds absolutely killer through that Bassman amp & I wouldn’t touch a thing on either one . Great tones & playing as usual . You have come a long way in the short span of about 4 years since I first saw you on KZfaq . How you consistently stumble onto these rare finds just amazes me , but I’m glad you do & keep sharing them with us all out here in the rest of the world. Thanks 👍

The black pickguard definitely fits this mean guitar the best.

Dude. Every time I listen to you play I can feel my dad looking on with me, we lost him almost 15 years ago but I KNOW he'd have been 100% vibing. Thank you for the music you make!!

Esquires are my favourite Fenders. I got to play an old one from the late 50's for a time. Best guitar I've ever played (& I'm a Gibson guy). That single bridge pup was staggeringly good. It just screamed the blues.

Matthew, I'm a huge lover of SRV, Jimi, Rory Gallagher and all the greats. I didn't know it was possible but man, you are becoming my absolute favorite guitar player. I've already learned all of your songs. You're kickass man. Don't EVER sell yourself short.

The intonation of that guitar is incredible.

I certainly wouldn't mind having Matthew as my neighbor. I could listen to him jam all day.

Best sounding telecaster I have ever heard. Has a certain presence to the sound.

Joe could not have left his guitar to a better person than you Matthew. You can not only really appreciate it, you can play the hell out of it. Cheers buddy.

You're not only a great player, but also an excellent curator and historian of these instruments. Thanks for all you do!

A lovely mix of Keith Richards and Don Rich tones.. and THEN some. Bravo on that score!

Man, the riffs coming out right after the 6:33 mark, just killer. Sounds so good.

There was a funk band around 1974 from Miami called Pearly Queen (also a title of a Dave Mason song) ....they were funk with kind a Cuban rhythm vibe. Songs they were (kinda) known for were 'super star' and 'stop jive n' .

It's funny how guitars, really good guitars get the ship played out of them. they get to look rough but that's the love that they're getting through the years because it's so good.

The tones on this specific video are just mesmerizing, Matthew. Well done!

So much feel and soul in your playing ☀️🤩 And that sound 🥳

I love the smokey bar look of that guitar. You're really good at finding nice old instruments and really good at playing em too

Nothing like these old wood guitars. When Leo made these guitars the wood was already many decades old. Great find.

Another killer job!! Thanks Matthew!! Always a pleasure to watch your videos

That one is definitely a keeper! Happy it found it's way to you. Look forward to hearing you make more wonderful music with it!

Great find! Wow!! Love the new music!! Your tones are so dialed in!! All the best to you, Matthew!!

Awesome!! You definitely struck gold with this one.

Absolutely fantastic guitar!! That pickup is amazing!!! Dont let that one go, brother!!! Thank you for the extended playing demo!!

Beautiful! Some really nice overtones 😊 Thank you, Matthew

Man that thing sings like a ringing bell! That's a million $$ tone man! When you tuned down and adjusted the tone control it almost sounds like you have a light fuzz pedal on it

The Esquire has always been such an intriguing guitar. So raw and such interesting character

It's not just that the old Esquire is a total cool guitar, it's also that you are an excellent and worthy player. Not many can make it sing like you!

That tone is to die for! Gorgeous! ❤

Wow the combination of your playing an the quality of that guitar 🎸 the sounds is probably the best I've heard. Beautiful

Great tone as usual. Love the faded tint of the laquer.

Oh Matthew..keep that one! Watch loads of your vids, love your playing and taste and that guitar sounds absolutely PREMO!

Stunning guitar! Can’t wait to see its restoration as it ventures into its next life.

Awesome guitar and fantastic playing. Perfect tele tone, thanks.

Best sounding Tele/Esquire I’ve heard you play yet! That bridge pickup does the thing! Rich and bitey at the same time!

Super episode🎉 All amazing, congrats for new single.

Amazing guitar! Incredible tone. Enjoy! Looking forward to the restoration vids.

Absolutely perfect tone.

this IS THE TONE when I think of Tele's. Have owned a few good ones long ago, but went to bass over 50 years ago, still playing.

Great tone, note clarity and sustain. And of course great tasteful playing.

You are one lucky dude! That guitar is one of a life time! The tone is absolutely killer. Has that Vince Gill tele tone!

You really know how to squeeze out the best tones out of any guitar. The esquire sounds great. Looking forward to your release of your album. Love the songs I’ve heard!!

Totally Floored....the Esquire, the Playing........You continue to Conquer the KZfaqs...And we LOVE IT!!!...Thanks, Matthew.......................

amazing tones and playing as always.

Just perfectly imperfect!!! Congrats

Awesome! Your videos have really evolved well - thanks for all of the time and effort on these - fun to watch :)

Damn the sound in that intro gave me chills! Rock on brother, congratulations on that amazing Esquire and keep up the great playing and content! Thank you for sharing! 🤘🏻🎸🍻

That pickup sounds absolutely fantastic.

Thank you for the great content and playing Matthew. And I don’t see how you can give away that guitar. I’ve seen you play a lot of instruments and watching this video I can see how you are really connecting with this guitar. I think she’s yours.

Very cool story and axe. Traffic wrote a song called Pearly Queen that was made more well known by Dave Mason's cover in the early 70's

You are a star in the eclipse of the moon and the sun and very shortly now you will shine through. Love you Matt, keep posting and stop buying those guitars!!!

It don't get no better than that ,some of the best tone I've heard in a long time.

Great find and really nice sounding instrument. Congrats Matt. That is a keeper!

Sounds great! Love the tone and bite it gives!

Dude, just had to jump on and say the singles sound SICK!!! Exactly what the world needs. Rock and Roll brother ✌🏼

Amazing. This and the Jazzmaster you last got are so damn cool!

Incredible find!! Well done and love your videos!!!

Wonderful sounding guitar! And awesome playing!!

oh damn that sound... love the tone of the bridge pickup with the tone rolled off a lot.

very nice Matthew you got my drooling again with this find, looking forward to see any mods you do in the future

Spectacular tones and playing. Esquires are special. And for those who argue that an Esquire is just like playing a regular Tele without the neck pickup… nope. Position 1 bypasses all the tone controls. It’s pure tone.

Wow what a story. What a guitar and great sound !

Awesome sounding guitar. Great playing as always!

Not sure it can get much better for what it is. Congrats man!! Sounds just spot on !!

Absolutely love it!!! Im gonna buy your singles and some merch as well! have a killer day brother!

just an awesome sounding tele!!!

Wow! Amazing sound from that Esquire, you are so great at getting the best tone from each guitar you play! 👍👍

Love your playing! Great find!

Great job in what your doing and how you do it. Love this channel

Another great video man, what a work of art!!

Unbelievable sound…. Love it!!!

You didn't find that guitar! That guitar found you! :) Cheers from the Land Down Under.

EXCELLENT SOUND....YOU MAKE IT TALK .....GREAT STYLE.....KEEP GOING.

Wow, that thing looks and sounds amazing! I'll bet you're stoked, congrats Sir!

Wow she's a beauty, loving the dark orange nitro on the neck. Super sweet tones Matthew :)

Very nice. Super snappy and raw sound.

Are We All the Same ... you are rockin the house with that tune!

Unbelieveable sound from that pick up !

Such a cool guitar, sounds amazing with the Bassman!

Congrats, sweet guitar, sounds incredible, it's in good hands. Also I think your playing has been so good lately.

Nice playing on this gorgeous instrument...!

Beautiful acquisition. I look forward to seeing your refret and any other restoration work. Please include fret size as well.

Love the patina on the bridge. Nice find.

From what I remember "pearly queen" was part of pearly kings and queens. A London organized charity from working class culture. They wore suits with buttons made from mother of pearl in various designs. A song was written about them, or in reference. Traffic? With Steve Winwood? I believe I remember Dave Mason doing that one. I had his live album. Also a reference to in lyrics from Wishbone Ash? A 70s band name? Possible. Being part of, then, pop culture in London, bands would have reference them. Or used it as a name.

Your channel is fucking great period.

🔊 Watched on the iMac w'Sound thru my Bose PA system!! 🔊 Ha ha - definitely sounding *Right* my friend. Beautiful - and thanks for looking after these old girls... 🙏 Bobby 🎵

That is a very special sound. Congratulations on being the current caretaker.

You always bring me the content I love.

That old board has a great tone... definitely worth a minor restoration Congratulations Matthew

Dude that bridge pickup is crazy good sounding. Holy crap

Awesome guitar rip their enjoy your video and music keep up the good work

That thing sounds beautiful man!

Walking the walk for sure matthew, you know better than anyone, this instrument is irreplaceable, like pulling excalibur from the stone , you had to be the one!😎

Unbelievably good.

That guitar has awesome tone, I love it! Keep it up man.

Beautiful....

you make that one sing. sounds amazing.