Victor Sirker

August1 , 2000, Atlanta, GA -- New Orleans Based guitarist, songwriter and producer Victor Sirker, releases his new CD "Out of the Darkness" for national distribution this week with USAMusic1.com. Currently available at MP3.com, Victor’s cool vibes are reminiscent of the smooth sounds of musical legends like George Benson, Carlos Santana, and John Coltrane. Gaining in popularity on the charts, "Black Coffee" has already been voted #4 Blues Song of the Year and "Desert Night" was voted #15 Jazz Song of the Year by MP3.Com for 1999. However, it is hard to place this talented artist into any one category. "Out of the Darkness’" original scores encompass all of the genres of Victor’s New Orleans roots, including Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, Classical and Latin. A true musicians’ musician, Atlantic recording artist Keb Mo pins it on the head saying, "Victor Sirker is the kind of guitarist that makes other guitarists wants to throw their guitars away. A true master." It’s so true. This CD will make you remember what it is like to groove, and evokes the steamy images of New Orleans rhythmic night scene. Be sure to listen to Victor’s big band rendition of "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans".

Victor has a colorful past heavily influenced by his experience playing with and listening to musicians who are today considered the grandfather’s of the New Orleans music scene. Born and raised in the heart of New Orleans, Victor was a self-taught musician who picked up the trombone and piano in grade school, and soon after, the guitar. At that time The Meters influenced his use of the guitar, and of course this influence is still evident in the funky riffs Victor is known for. Guitar Player magazine writes, "Victor Sirker has the fastest fingers in the south."

In 1977, Victor opened for Santana & KC & the Sunshine Band & Tower of Power with the renowned Roy Ayres Ubiquity. At the famous Rosie’s in N.O., Victor opened for Dizzy Gillespie, Stephan Grapelli, Papa John Creach, Kenny Burrell, Marc Almond & Noel Pointer and played with the likes of Earl "Fatha" Hines, Professor Longhair, Bobby McFerrin and Dr. John. At the world famous "Absinthe Bar" on Bourbon St., Victor Sirker & The Circuit Breakers were the house band from 1977-1982. Along with Harry Connick, Jr. and Wynton Marsalis, Victor was dubbed "one of New Orleans young lions", and in 1980, Victor joined the Neville Brothers as the lead guitarist for 3 years of touring and serious music making. Moving on to Los Angeles’ Tikki Lounge and more studio work, Victor continued working with greats like Big Joe Turner, Percy Mayfield, and Linda Hopkins, as well as Charles Wright and the Watts 103^rd St. Band, Hank Ballard and the Midnighters and Harold Batiste. More recently, Victor has enjoyed playing with his old cronies, Elvin Bishop, Jackson Browne, Duke Robillard, Plas Johnson, Rick Braun and many others.

Returning to the U.S. after writing and producing music in Europe and Japan for many years, Victor’s "Out of the Darkness" is a statement of an artist whose talent cannot be denied. Fortunately, the world of music has changed, and technology has enabled Victor to become a "computer driven musician for the year 2000." Even though he can independently represent an entire band, Victor is in the process of forming a "Victor Sirker" band project", writing music for 2 upcoming feature films, and his "Black Coffee" will be featured in the LoadTV.com upcoming film, "Electro Ember". He is also completing his 2^nd CD entitled, "On the Bayou", currently available at MP3.com, with a national release set for March 2000. And if you want to understand Victor’s complex musical style and understand every facet of his innate talents, then listen to "Mr. Breaker" from the CD "On the Bayou" at MP3.com (MP3 Editor’s pick, February, 2000).

As they say in New Orleans, Laissez Bon temp Roulez – Let the Good Times Roll!
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