Dirk Powell is known as a one-of-a-kind artist, and a “musician’s musician,” in the world of rural American music. He has deep roots in both Appalachia and Louisiana, having learned banjo, fiddle, and accordion from his grandfather and other elders, yet mixes that “first language” knowledge with an artistic sensibility that has drawn comparisons to the Band. Dirk’s solo albums have informed younger generations of traditional players and songwriters since the 1990s, building a bridge from hardcore tradition to the emotional realities of today.

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He has toured extensively with artists such as Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Rhiannon Giddens, Loretta Lynn, Irma Thomas, Jack White, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, and many more. In the world of film he’s worked directors with Anthony Minghella, Ang Lee, and Spike Lee, and his studio on Bayou Teche is known as a center for American roots music. He is in demand as a producer and writer, with one of his best-known compositions, “Waterbound,” having been recorded over 100 times. He lives in Lafayette, Louisiana and tours regularly with Rhiannon Giddens and his daughter, Amelia Powell.

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Dirk Powell is a badass. To the bone. He is, in addition to being the greatest old-time banjo player alive, a graduate student of both mountain and Cajun fiddle styles, and diatonic button accordion… he is a singer, songwriter, producer, recording engineer and, all in all, an artist of unique vision and unbending integrity. As far as I can tell there is no genre of American roots music that Dirk doesn’t understand, no primordial mode he can’t master, no polyrhythmic code he can’t crack. ~ Steve Earle

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God gave this one an overdose of talent. ~ Joan Baez

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