When I Wait For You

Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Mike McGoldrick, and John McCusker.

Dirk Powell has achieved near legendary status in the international roots music scene. His bonds with Louisiana and with the mountains of Kentucky are unmistakable – but so is his far-reaching vision and ability to translate the essence of tradition for modern audiences that need the timeless and sustaining messages that tradition brings. Powell’s new album, WHEN I WAIT FOR YOU, blends his deep understanding of American roots music with a unique ability to weave traditional sounds into a contemporary musical tapestry. The result is one of the year’s freshest and most engaging contemporary folk albums. The album’s 13 tracks of mostly original material showcase Powell’s gritty vocals and penchant for catchy melody set against a soundscape of fiddles, accordion, whistles, harmonica, and rhythm section, with Powell’s vocal performances reminiscent of Levon Helm in one moment and his mentor, Cajun legend Dewey Balfa, in the next. Donald Shaw (Capercaillie) produced the album which was recorded in Louisiana and Scotland and features special guests Rhiannon Giddens, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Mike McGoldrick, and John McCusker.
 
Over the course of his career, Dirk Powell has recorded and toured with Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Linda Ronstadt, Jack White, Loretta Lynn, and many others. His work in film, including COLD MOUNTAIN, found him collaborating with producers including T Bone Burnett, and directors like Anthony Minghella and Ang Lee. He was a founding member of the important Cajun group Balfa Toujours and has been a regularly featured artist in the award-winning BBC series THE TRANSATLANTIC SESSIONS. WHEN I WAIT FOR YOU is the follow up to his 2014 Sugar Hill release WALKING THROUGH CLAY.

“God gave this one an overdose of talent.” —Joan Baez
 
“Dirk Powell is a badass. To the bone. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and an all in all 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.” —Steve Earle