Album Notes

Dirk Etienne knew by sixth grade that he wanted to sing professionally. He began performing at the age of 5 and by 20 was singing in local clubs in Hollywood. At the age of 23, Dirk opened on a national tour and performed for over 1 million fans. He has worked with Grammy-winning producer Robert Margouleff and multi-platinum producers Kenny Kerner and Michael Lloyd, among others.

After touring the U.S. in the late 70’s and early 80’s, Dirk married and settled in Carmel Valley, California, where he has continued to work as a producer and recording engineer while pursuing other business interests.

In 2007, Dirk’s passion for singing was reignited as he began conceptualizing High Standards. These songs are those that Dirk heard during “cocktail hour” and at the Monterey Jazz Festival when he was a boy. “These songs tell a story and set a mood.”

Dirk produced High Standards with Grammy nominated Dennis Murphy (Acoustic Alchemy, Maria Muldaur), who also plays the upright bass on the CD. Mark LeVang whose music credits include Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, B.B. King and Elton John, accompanies Dirk on the piano. Bernie Dresel rounds out the ensemble on drums. Bernie has played with Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Gwen Stefanie, Christina Aguilera and Doc Severinson, among many other major artists as well as film and television scores.