Dirk Quinn

...is the guitarist for a high energy funk/jazz band based out of Philadelphia that travels extensively throughout the US and Canada.  Utilizing over a decade of steady performing, Quinn has developed a unique and progressive style - one that appeals to a wide variety of music listeners with fans ranging from the jam band hippies to the jazz snobs.

Initially attracted to the guitar as a teenager after being introduced to classic rock giants such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, Quinn’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 virtually non-stop with countless musical projects afforded him ample opportunity 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.

In 2007 Quinn made his long-awaited recording debut releasing his self-titled CD - "Dirk Quinn". Working the club and coffee house circuit, Quinn became increasingly in demand, play­ing as many as three gigs a day while getting the occasional call to share the stage with musical legends such as Steve Kimock, Bernie Worell, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Alan Evans (Soulive), Keller Williams, Garaj Mahal, Booker T, Jimmy Bruno, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), Marco Benevento, Zach Deputy, Jim Weider (The Band), Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Rodney Holmes (Santana), "DreamWeaver" Gary Wright, and Sam Kininger (Soulive) - each performance steadily garnering more recognition for Quinn, who believes in winning fans one by one on the merit of the music.

"QuinnTet", his sophomore CD release, features “thoughtful, original melodies flowing seamlessly over groove-heavy rhythms; intricate song structures giving way to strongly expressive, organic improvisations.” Drawing inspiration from every musical genre, his solo acoustic sound has been compared to the guitar “pyrotechnics” of Keller Williams and Michael Hedges, 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.

Surrounding himself with a group of extremely talented and like-minded musicians, Quinn has been playing shows across North America while receiving an ever increasing amount of media attention. His music has now been featured on over 100+ radio stations worldwide and gets regular airplay in his hometown of Philadelphia.  Notable spins include the "Pick of the Day" on WXPN in Philadelphia as well as on the nationally syndicated "Keller's Cellar" broadcast hosted by Keller Williams.

The Dirk Quinn Band released "Live at Home" in January of 2012.  Featuring tracks recorded over 5 different shows in and around their hometown of Philadelphia, the new CD runs the gamut from beautiful and delicate movements to evil dissonance; from intricate and thought provoking melodies to hard driving funk and is a fantastic representation of the group's live show experience.

The band’s infectious 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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