Paulus Schäfer

Paulus Schäfer born 1978 is considered one of the most talented and important gypsy Jazz guitarists from The Netherlands. He was born into a Dutch Sinti (Gypsy) community he learned to play the guitar at a very early age. Besides listening to fellow Sinti and records of his idol Django Reinhardt, it was Wasso Grünholz – a legend within the Sinti community – from whom he learned the most. After a short period of time, in which Paulus briefly took over the lead guitar of Jimmy Rosenberg in the Gipsy Kids, he formed the Paulus Schäfer Gipsy Band and recorded his debut album Into the Light in 2002.

Followed by many concerts and numerous – headlining – invitations to jazz festivals: Sziget Festival Budapest (H), Khamoro Prague (CZ), IGGF Gossington (UK), Django Reinhardt Festival Samois-sur-Seine (FR), Gipsy Festival Anger (FR), International Gipsyfestival (NL), International Guitar Festival Kaluga (RU), Django in June (USA), Copenhagen Jazz Festival (DNK), Djangofollies (BEL), Django Liberchies (BEL), Tampere Guitar Festival 2015 (FIN), Seixal Jazz (PO), Jazz Dock Prag (CZ), Victoria Django Festival (CAN), Raduno Mediterraneo Jazz Manouche (ITA), Django a Gogo (US), Amersfoort Jazz (NL), Haarlem Jazz (NL), Breda Jazz (NL), Jazz in Duketown (NL), Yes Gouda Jazz (NL), Jazzclub Reduta Prag (CZ), Clamores Madrid (ES), Django Amsterdam (NL), Carnegie Hall NYC (US) 2017, The Woodland – Maplewood (US), Town Hall NYC (US), Rasprodano Lisinski Zagreb (HR) 2018, Deajeon International Guitar Festival (KR) 2018, Royal Opera House Mumbai (IN) 201) to name a few.

Being a musician on high demand, Paulus is often to be found on stage with other musicians like The Rosenberg Trio, Biréli Lagrène, Stochelo Rosenberg, Al Di Miola, Fapy Lafertin, Stephane Wrembel, Jimmy Rosenberg, Tim Kliphuis, Feigeli Prisor, Andreas Öberg, Olli Soikkeli, Gonzalo Bergara, Ritary Gaguenetti, Jan Kuiper, Jan Akkerman, Damir Kukuruzović etc. and can be found on many albums. He also recorded two more albums with his own group in 2006, Desert Fire and Live at the NWE Vorst with the Paulus Schäfer Gipsy Band and The Tilburg Big Band. In March 2012 he released Twelfth Year, in which he guaranteed the assistance of Tim Kliphuis, Nous’che and Stochelo Rosenberg. In the same year two new albums been released. The surprising Rock Django and the Scandinavian album with Hot Club d’Europe Kouvola Junction.

In November 2014 he had recorded with his trio and accordeonist Dominique Paats the cd album Rocky. With the CD Letter to van Gogh, October 2015 Paulus Schäfer brings a homage to this Dutch artist from Brabant. It is a unique album of his exclusive compositions.
Paulus has a particular sound, easy recognised, and although all Paulus’ albums are true to a distinctive Gipsy Jazz/Swing sound; Paulus is always looking for a new modern sound. Not only to broaden his own horizons, but also for a more representative Gipsy Jazz sound for the 21st century. The violinist Tim Kliphuis typifies Paulus playing: ‘His singing tone, fearsome technique and well-balanced solos instantly reminded me of my days with Fapy Lafertin, who turned out to have been mentoring Paulus‘. On May 30 2013 he has been awarded by Mr. Akimov of the International Guitar Festival ‘The World of Guitar’ (Kaluga – Russian Federation) for his ‘special contribution to contemporary development of Gypsy Jazz‘.

Paulus Schäfer is a Dutch guitarist born in 1978 and is considered to be one of the most talented gypsy jazz musicians in the world. His music is deeply influenced by the gypsy jazz tradition, which originated in France in the 1930s and is characterized by the use of the acoustic guitar, violin, and double bass. Schäfer’s guitar playing is marked by its technical virtuosity, impeccable timing, and unique style that has captivated audiences around the world.

Schäfer’s musical journey began at a young age when he was introduced to the music of Django Reinhardt, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist who is considered to be the father of the genre. Reinhardt’s music had a profound impact on Schäfer and inspired him to learn how to play the guitar. Schäfer’s natural talent quickly emerged, and he began to perform in various gypsy jazz ensembles across the Netherlands.
Schäfer’s rise to fame began in 2002 when he won the Dutch Jazz Competition. This award paved the way for his first solo album, “Stochelo,” which was released in 2003. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Schäfer’s exceptional talent as a guitarist. In the years that followed, Schäfer continued to perform and record, collaborating with some of the most respected musicians in the gypsy jazz world.
One of Schäfer’s most notable collaborations was with Stochelo Rosenberg, a fellow gypsy jazz guitarist and member of the legendary Rosenberg Trio. Together, Schäfer and Rosenberg formed the group, The Rosenbergs, which quickly became a sensation in the gypsy jazz community. Their unique blend of traditional gypsy jazz and modern influences set them apart from other groups, and they continue to perform and record to this day.

Schäfer has also collaborated with violinist Tim Kliphuis, a renowned musician in the gypsy jazz world. Together, they have released several albums, including “Acoustic Voyage” and “Kliphuis Schäfer Vandoorn.” These albums showcase the duo’s exceptional musicianship and highlight their ability to blend traditional gypsy jazz with other musical styles.
In addition to his collaborations, Schäfer has also released several solo albums, including “Into the Light” and “Twins,” which have received critical acclaim and have cemented his status as one of the most talented gypsy jazz guitarists in the world.
Schäfer’s style is characterized by his technical prowess and his ability to seamlessly blend traditional gypsy jazz with modern influences. He is known for his lightning-fast runs, complex chord progressions, and impeccable timing. His playing is often described as both virtuosic and soulful, and he has a unique ability to connect with audiences through his music.
In conclusion, Paulus Schäfer is a truly exceptional gypsy jazz guitarist who has made a significant contribution to the genre. His technical skill, unique style, and collaborations with other musicians have cemented his place in the gypsy jazz community and have earned him a global following. Schäfer’s music is a testament to the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers and connect people across the world.

Contact Paulus Schäfer:
paulusschafer@gmail.com
Contact bookings & management:
Sinti Music
Postbus 1444
5602 BK, EINDHOVEN
The Netherlands
+31681935569
info@sintimusic.nl