This music contains everything: short, lyrical moments, driving urban grooves; south-american influences that spread warmth on that grey April day, and a continously vibrating pulse that drives the music forward. The Rob Armus/Dirk Balthaus Quartet plays hot music for a cold day.

NOZ

'On Children's Ground', a really beautiful, lyrical album on Munich Records.

Telegraaf

...inspired storytelling..., he fascinates with his lyrical piano and enchants the senses. The classical pianotrio comes to life again. Jazz is not only music, but also a way of living…very sympathik.

Jazzpodium

That's why 'On Children's Ground' is such a fantastic CD, it should be rewarded with an Edison.

Gooi-en Eemlander

Benny Baily and Dirk Balthaus at the Jazzkarussell: the communication between Baily and Balthaus works. Balthaus has fun when he's playing, you can see that. With a smile he comps Baily, carefully, with a remarkable lightness.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

Benny Baily fuses with the Trio of Dirk Balthaus.

Neue Ruhr Zeitung

Balthaus shows with his sextet that creativity inside the borders of contemporary mainstream can be as fruitful as searching for new forms.

Leidsche dagblad

With fine compositions and an energetic drive the Dirk Balthaus sextet stimulates the audience.

Oldenburger Volkszeitung

While playing the 9 titels they travel from Neobop with fast tunes and ballades to the world of funk-inspired contemporary Jazz... The solos are beautiful… Balthaus is an experienced accompanist and a brilliant soloist.

Jazzpodium

Loose and relaxed: The Dirk Balthaus 6-tet presents itself in the Lagerhalle as a band who chooses it's material from the entire jazzhistory.

Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung

CrossoverPiano from Dirk Balthaus and Wolfgang Mechsner: sensitive for the musical dialogue.

Ov

From Bartók to Gillespie: CrossoverPiano-Concert in the Conservatory ...cloudless listening pleasure...wild applause...

Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung

‘tales of the frog’: beautiful sounds, great songs and a quartet of international standard.

drums & percussion

‘tales of the frog’: Convincing modern Jazz, performed by a fresh and active band.

Jazzpodium

The most mature music comes from the Balthaus/Lochs Quartet... flowing pieces and musicians who have mastered their material. Balthaus plays solo’s using consequent lines, with logical climaxes.

Volkskrant

‘tales of the frog’: here plays a fine rhythm section...music, where melancholy and optimism constantly fight to win.

Jazz Nu