“Having known Dirk K for many years, it is gratifying to witness his growth as both a guitarist and composer as evidenced on his new recording Lockout Station. Dirk has surrounded himself with two excellent bandmates, Dave Ostrem on bass and Andrea D’Angelo on drums, and the album reflects the musical vibrancy of the resurgent artistic scene taking place in Las Vegas. This is a terrific trio, and the potency of the music will surprise you.” - Peter Erskine
Well this comes as a complete surprise! I played with Dirk K many years ago when he was very young and starting out. He always had command of the instrument, but his conception was leaning toward what we now know as smooth jazz. Nothing wrong with that, but Dirk has moved on and reinvented himself artistically which is not an easy thing to do!. This music is simply as deep as it gets. Wonderful compostions all masterly played by Dirk and his cohorts. The interaction between the musicians of Lookout Station is amazing, and the whole concept is indeed completely refreshing. Highly suggest you check it out! - Randy Brecker
Lockout Station - Download $9.99, CD $20 free shipping (USA only)
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Dirk K - guitar
Dave Ostrem - bass
Andrea D'Angelo - drums
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recorded and mixed by Tom Schuman at SchuBox Studios, Las Vegas, NV
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mastered by Martin Walters at Big Time Audio,
Jonesborough, TN
All compositions by Dirk Kleutgens
“I like this recording…the compositions are original, the musicianship is thoughtful and aware and the sound of the recording is very spacious and open. No one is overplaying and everyone is listening hard. Really great performances…Congrats Dirk! - Alan Pasqua
Really beautiful. Great trio. I love the tunes, grooves, and interplay. - Mike Richmond
"All About Jazz" review
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"Ever since my wife and I decided to move to Las Vegas in 2004, I wanted to build and run my own recording studio.
Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of recording and producing numerous local bands and wonderfully talented singers and composers.
But nothing could prepare me for the extraordinary musicianship and compositional depth of Dirk K and his trio. From the first
session I knew this would be a very special project. Dirk is a master at his instrument and has an uncanny ability to
spontaneously incorporate brilliant effects to his guitar sound in real time (an audio engineer’s dream!).
Dave Ostrem blew me away with his effortless command, and melodic control of the upright bass.
Andrea D’Angelo has got to be the most musical drummer I’ve ever heard!
When these three spirits get together, they generate such a beautifully organic musical landscape,
it’s hard not to feel energized, mesmerized and thoroughly enlightened. They are all powerful soloists and still manage to compliment each other in the process.
Dirk’s challenging compositions are melodic, harmonic and rhythmic adventures which bring out the best in each of these incredible musicians.
As an added bonus for me, these three guys were a blast to hang with!
I am honored to be a part of this project and I am sure it will turn some heads and drop some jaws!" - Tom Schuman
