Album Notes

Drawn together by their mutual appreciation for their different styles of playing, DIRK K being a Contemporary Jazz and Fusion player who has recorded and performed with Jazz greats such as Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, Rick Braun, Paul Taylor, Toots Thielemans and DAN SISTOS being a Flamenco guitarist who has worked with Pop Sensations Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton decided on a collaboration. The result is their Debut CD: Acoustic Journey "This Is Flamenco Jazz."

Both guitarist bring out the best of each individual style. It is a new symbioses they call FLAMENCO JAZZ.

Flamenco Jazz uses authentic Flamenco rhythm patterns such as the Rumba and the Buleria and combine these with swing elements and walking bass playing. The CD features Monk's Round Midnight, Miles Davis So What and Blue in Green, Nica's Dream by Horace Silver, Dolphin Dance by Herbie Hankock as well as two original compositions by DIRK K, Stolen Dreams and Never gonna see you again.

Acoustic Journey's unique approach towards these Jazz Standards has never been done before. With guests, bassist John Leftwich and J.K. and percussionist Pete Korpela, "This Is Flamenco Jazz" is truly a modern masterpiece.

Song Descriptions:

Blue In Green - Traditionally a ballad by Miles Davis, we transformed it into an up tempo flamenco rumba with killer solos and a driving rhythm section.

Round Midnight -€“ This is a Thelonious Monk classic. A beautiful melody sings over a dark harmonic foundation full of dynamics.

Ana Maria - Using the flamenco rhythm “Buleria” we transform a Wayne Shorter tune into a modern blend of jazz, fusion, and flamenco.

Dolphin Dance - A favorite for guitar purists. Two guitars speak to each other in this Herbie Hancock masterpiece.

So What -€“ Another classic by Miles Davis. Many people have recorded this song but not like this. A flamenco rumba rhythm is placed over a walking bebop bass line for a song that truly embodies the spirit of Flamenco Jazz.

Stolen Dreams -€“ This ballad was written by Acoustic Journey guitarist Dirk K. A dark melody is characteristic of the title. This song is beautiful yet mysterious.

Never Gonna See You Again -€“ Another great piece by Dirk K. This one blends hip-hop, classical and jazz fusion in an eerie artistic masterpiece full of surprises.

Nica's Dream -€“ A classic Horace Silver song comes to life in this guitar duo setting. You've never heard it sound like this before. Horace called us personally to express his delight!