Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This guy is really amazing, perhaps THE best live guitarist I’ve ever seen. The chord movements and rhythms are unique and light-hearted. I was enthralled by his fantastic talent, energy, and passion. - iTunes
This stuff is slammin'! - host of the nationally syndicated radio show “The Groove Boutique”
This disc has what it takes to satisfy everyone who likes good music - more than enough technique to keep it interesting, tons of groove to keep your head nodding, and enough fun to encourage repeated listens. This is some great stuff and I look forward to future releases! - CDBaby
Mixed meter, progressive soloing and melodic sensibilities point toward an accessible yet modern sound. The melodies have a memorable quality and stand on their own as original and unique.
This is a very refreshing sounding group with an adventurous ethos. At the same time the music is in an accessible place; not too out as to scare the uninitiated away. People who can feel the funk and folks who have listened to jazz should be able to sit down at the same table and dig this music.
- Taxi - The world's leading A&R company (Sep 20, 2006)
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Quinn’s appeal is, because both the musician and the music have so many endearing qualities, our best guess is that it’s partially his scruffy, approachable appearance and funky jazz melodies, but that more importantly, his audience can see and hear the passion that he pours into every note he plays.
His honesty and raw enthusiasm are also evident in one of his main musical styles: improvisation. - Rachel Perry, staff writer, PLAY Magazine (Dec 6, 2006)
I feel his music when I'm painting. It evokes a deep spiritual quality within. His original guitar picking and musical rhythms create an unexpected journey. Each time we perform together, we meld more deeply, harmonizing music and art, unfolding something new and exciting. - Luc Sonnet - International Fine Artist (Nov 21, 2006)
Discography
Dirk Quinn (self-titled)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Dirk Quinn
... is a Philadelphia based jazz/funk guitarist who has utilized nearly a decade of constant performing to develop a unique and progressive style. His recently released self-titled debut features “thoughtful, original melodies flowing seamlessly over groove-heavy rhythms; intricate song structures giving way to strongly expressive, organic improvisations.” Drawing inspiration from music of all types, his solo acoustic sound has been compared to the guitar “pyrotechnics”of Keller Williams and Leo Kottke, while his full band compositions bear resemblances that range from the honest, urban funk of Soulive to the brave experimentation of Medeski, Martin and Wood.
Initially attracted to the guitar after being introduced to classic rock giants such as Led Zeppelin and The Who, Dirk’s thirst for the unique and bizarre soon had him jamming along to the more radical and daring Mahavishnu Orchestra and the humorous, bass-laden noise of Primus.
Playing as many as five nights a week with countless musical projects afforded him ample time to hone his chops. It wouldn’t be long before the refining of his own artistic message coupled with a fresh, new outlook and a deeper musical/life philosophy opened up to him the world of jazz. Miles, Coltrane, Monk and Brubeck along with the more contemporary sounds of Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ahmad Jamal and Jaco Pastorius began heavily influencing his musical direction. Liberated by the idea of free improvisation, he was finally able to realize and focus his musical vision.
The debut CD is aptly self-titled, showing a new-found confidence and excitement for this unique brand of groove-oriented jazz. Surrounding himself with a group of extremely talented and like-minded musicians, Dirk has been playing throughout the northeastern United States while receiving an ever increasing amount of radio airplay. Locally, his music has been put in a regular rotation on Philadelphia’s 90.1 WRTI and 97.5-2 WJJZ-HD2. Nationally, he gets spins on XM Radio’s Beyond Jazz channel as well as on "The Groove Boutique" - a syndicated jazz/funk program that's broadcast on FM in 13 cities nationwide.
Since the inception of the band at the beginning of this year, and with no management or booking agent to speak of, the quintet has already landed some prestigious bookings - including a slot at Bethlehem's Musikfest, two performances on the main stage at World Cafe Live, as well as a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music - and have been honored to share the stage with such legends as Chico Huff (Pat Martino, John Swana), Jef Lee Johnson (George Clinton, David Sanborn), and Sam Kininger (Soulive).
The band’s high energy and musical interplay routinely attract listeners that are admittedly more accustomed to lyric-based music. With great melodic sensibilities, rhythmic experimentation and an accessible modern edge, the Dirk Quinn Band is jazz/funk improvisation at its most exciting!
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