Album Notes

Host of the number one acoustic podcast in iTunes, Acoustic Long Island, Dave Dircks has spent years featuring and collaborating with independent singer/songwriters from around the US and Canada. So, with over 20 years of his own material to dig into, he teamed up with Nashville producer Jason Gantt (Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, The Chieftains, Brooks & Dunn) to release his first full-length album, This Road.

From a tale of corporate takeover to a touching tribute to his college-bound daughter, This Road is rich with personal stories, raw emotions - even subtle spiritual insights. Formerly a commercial portrait artist, Dave taps into his natural ability to capture the essence of the world around him. For this body of work, that translates into a lyrical quality steeped in color, texture and a strong sensitivity to the human condition.

As is often the case with contemporary singer/songwriters, it would be hard to pin This Road into a specific genre. While songs like "Kentucky Blues" have a classic blues style reminiscent of Ray Charles, others like "Different Eyes" feel more new-age. Then there's "Feelin' Grey" featuring Jack Licitra on the Hammond Organ which goes in a different direction, blending gospel and rock. Dave even gets a "little-bit-country," with songs like "Little Billy" and the album's title track "This Road."

But for all of its range, This Road's consistent thread is it's acoustic quality. Yes, there are electric guitars and lap steel guitars, but the real focus here are the acoustic instruments used to create this album's dynamic, easy-listening blend. There are cellos and violins, mandolins, layered acoustic guitars, pianos and djembe drums - all performed by musical artists Dave collaborated with while hosting and producing Acoustic Long Island.

You'll hear influences like Cat Stevens and James Taylor in Dave's music. That said, he brings a unique voice and an expressive writing style to this debut album, released January 2008. And though this marketing-executive-by-day has said that he won't be touring the nation any time soon, you'll most likely find him popping up at local cafes on Long Island from time to time. And if you can't make it to Long Island, all you have to do is go to www.acousticlongisland.com where he tries out his new material (as well as his offbeat antics) on most Wednesday nights throughout the year.