There is not really anyone else like
Dirk Powell on the American folk scene. An accomplished clawhammer banjo player, fiddler, and guitarist with a command of about a dozen different Appalachian traditions, he is also an heir (by marriage) to the rich Cajun musical heritage of the
Balfa family, and plays a very fine accordion alongside his wife
Christine Balfa in the band
Balfa Toujours.
Time Again focuses on Appalachian material, though, and is a warm and deeply affecting celebration of the music handed down to him by his grandfather and other family members; it includes one of the sweetest and loveliest renditions of "Prettiest Little Girl in the County" ever committed to tape (notice
Powell's exquisitely tasteful banjo behind Jim Miller's lead vocal) as well as a wonderful
Powell original titled "Waterbound" (no relation to the familiar traditional tune of the same name) and a whole slew of joyful instrumental dance numbers. The album ends with a hidden track that sounds like a home recording of
Powell and his grandfather playing "Cripple Creek" together. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson