Pete Paff | tl

Pete Paff is simultaneously band’s name and pseudonym of its founder and leader – Pit Paŭłaŭ. He’s one of the most popular Belorussian guitarists, actively participating in many musical projects. First of all he’s known as a musician of N.R.M., but in his career he played also folk music – in famous groups Kriwi and Троіца (Troitsa).

In Pete Paff he blended interests of Belorussian ethnic music and experiences of rock musician. As a result a new genre has arisen. One of Belorussian critics called it «lounge folk». Its basis are folk songs and instruments, that got rock arrangements, were sung in different way. Wedding drum and tuba (that is substitute for bass guitar) gave to the music characteristic «heavy» tone. In Pete Paff’s work you can find inspirations of Celtic, Irish, Scottish, Balkan and even Jewish music.

Pit describes his work himself: «For me traditional songs aren’t dogma. I convert them, modify lyrics and melodies, add stanzas and solos. That’s why in almost every my song there came big changes in relations with original. It’s my approach».

Group’s gigs aren’t just playing the songs - audience actively takes part in them. Musicians encourage people to sing and dance together.

Pete Paff’s debut album is «Pahłybleńnie» («Draught»). There are traditional Belorussian songs in group’s arrangement and their own compositions.

Pete Paff’s musicians are:
Pit Paŭłaŭ – vocal, acoustic guitar, domra
Alezis Dziemidovič – percussions, darbuka
Jaraš Mališeŭski – organistrum, pipes, bagpipes, ocarina, jew's harp
Siarhiej Šepieleŭ – tuba
Alesia Šahun – dulcimer
Jaŭhien Pałaviński – trombone
Ivan Kaŭrecki – trumpet

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