Biography

Dirk Powell is a musician with deep roots in several rural American traditions. He learned banjo and fiddle from his Kentucky grandfather and has been an integral part of the thriving Cajun/Creole music community in Louisiana since his early 20s, when he formed the band Balfa Toujours. Through combining these centered musical languages with a more widespread creative vision, he has developed a career as an artist with a unique presence... one tied strongly to roots music but also creatively open and expressive. Dirk’s original music has resonated around the globe, including his song “Waterbound,” which has become a folk/roots classic. Dirk toured with Joan Baez for 10 years and has also performed/recorded with Eric Clapton, Loretta Lynn, Rhiannon Giddens, Buddy Miller, Linda Ronstadt, Jack White, Levon Helm and many more. His contribution to film includes collaboration with directors like Anthony Minghella ("Cold Mountain"), Ang Lee ("Ride with the Devil"), and Spike Lee ("Bamboozled"). Dirk is known as a multi-instrumentalist, performing regularly on guitar, fiddle, banjo, accordion, piano, mandolin, and bass. He is often part of "The Transatlantic Sessions," and his solo records have received wide acclaim. Dirk is also in demand as a producer and owns his own studio (The Cypress House) on the banks of Bayou Teche near Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. His latest recording “When I Wait For You,” co-produced with Donald Shaw, will be released in September, 2020.