Dirk Van Esbroeck

musician, singer, guitar player (1946-2007)

Dirk Van Esbroeck was born in Gent, Belgium on 1 June 1946. He grew up in Argentinia and returned to Belgium at the age of 18.

In 1972 he joined the group 'Rum', one of the most influencing ensembles in the European folk revival in the years 70 and 80. In that period he met the Argentinian guitar player Juan Masondo. From that moment on, Argentinian music takes an important place in his musical carreer. Together with bandoneon player Alfredo Marcucci, he formed 'Sexteto Tango Al Sur'. Later this became a quartet: 'Quarteto Tango Al Sur'.

In Europe, he is most known for the songs he created, singing Flemish poetry on tango music: 'Lied van welk verdriet', 'Rookgordijnen', 'Tango', 'Bandoneon arraballero'.

One of his last projects was 'Patagon, Patagonië', together with Alfredo Marcucci, Juan Masondo, Carlos Diaz and others. With this program, he tributed Argentina, the land in which he grew up.

On the morning of 23 May 2007, Dirk Van Esbroeck dies after a long illness. We lost a great artist.

From: Huub Colla