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Straight Ahead with Jeff Duperon welcomes Dirk Quinn and Ron T.

Dirk Quinn is a Philadelphia-based jazz/funk guitarist who has utilized nearly a decade of constant performing to develop a unique and progressive style. His recently released sophomore album QuinnTet features thoughtful, original melodies flowing seamlessly over groove-heavy rhythms; intricate song structures giving way to strongly expressive, organic improvisations. Drawing inspiration from music of all types, his solo acoustic sound has been compared to the guitar "pyrotechnics" of Keller Williams and Michael Hedges, while his full-band compositions bear resemblances that range from the honest, urban funk of Soulive to the brave experimentation of Medeski, Martin and Wood.

Ron T. began studying voice, drama and dance at Freedom Theatre, now a L.O.R.T Theatre and School of the Arts in Philadelphia. He left for Europe in 1987 to play Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and returned the following season as Hud in the hippie cult musical Hair, which inspired Ron's creativity to new avenues. During the tour he began writing his own lyrics, and singing his own melodies, and soon started composing songs with the musicians on tour. After a solid year touring Europe, Mr. T. decided to stay. He was based in Cologne, Germany where he worked as a singer/dancer/songwriter and moderator. Ron is now back in America managing Chris' Jazz Cafe, promoting his new creation Sunset Sessions, and sharing with his homeland what he was able to do out in the world.