Dominique Paats

Dominique Paats is a highly skilled accordionist who has been making waves in the jazz world for many years. Born in Belgium in 1974, Paats began playing the accordion at a young age, and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument.

Paats’ music is a fusion of traditional jazz and contemporary styles, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences around the world. His technical abilities on the accordion are second to none, and his improvisational skills are truly remarkable.

Paats has released several albums throughout his career, including “Belgium Meets Brazil”, “Tango Nuevo”, and “Transatlantic”, each showcasing his diverse range of musical influences. He has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and bands, including the Belgian Radio and Television Orchestra and the Flemish Opera.

Paats has performed in a variety of venues across Europe, Asia, and South America, including the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. He has also been a featured performer at several jazz festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival.

In addition to his work as a performer, Paats is also a respected music educator. He has taught accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and has led workshops and masterclasses in jazz accordion throughout Europe and Asia.

Paats’ contributions to the world of jazz have not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for several awards, including the prestigious Belgian Golden Django Award, and was named “Best Belgian Jazz Artist” by the National Radio and Television of Belgium in 2009.

Dominique Paats has collaborated with a number of other artists throughout his career, including:

Bart Defoort: A Belgian saxophonist who has worked with Paats on several projects, including the album “Transatlantic”.

Leo Janssen: A Dutch bassist who has performed and recorded with Paats on numerous occasions.

Dré Pallemaerts: A Belgian drummer who has worked with Paats on several albums, including “Tango Nuevo” and “Belgium Meets Brazil”.

Hendrik Braeckman: A Belgian guitarist who has collaborated with Paats on several projects, including the album “Out of Nowhere”.

Tuur Florizoone: A Belgian accordionist who has performed alongside Paats in various settings, including the Flemish Opera.

He also formed a duo with Dutch guitarist Paulus Schäfer. The duo combines the sounds of Paats’ accordion with Schäfer’s gypsy jazz guitar to create a unique and dynamic musical experience.

Paats and Schäfer have performed together extensively throughout Europe, and have released two albums together: “L’Esprit Manouche” and “Two Guitars, One Soul”. Their music is a blend of traditional gypsy jazz with contemporary elements, and their performances are known for their virtuosity and improvisation.

Their collaboration has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with Jazzmozaiek Magazine describing them as “an excellent match, both technically and musically”. The duo has also been featured at several jazz festivals, including the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France.

Paats and Schäfer’s partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in music, and their unique blend of accordion and gypsy jazz guitar is a testament to their individual talents and musical vision.

His technical prowess on the accordion, combined with his improvisational skills, make him a truly unique musician. Whether performing on stage or teaching the next generation of accordionists, Paats continues to push the boundaries of jazz and inspire audiences around the world.