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David Paquette

David-Paquette-299180

Biography

David Paquette is an American jazz pianist born in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1950. Raised in a musically vibrant household, Paquette was exposed early to the sounds of New Orleans jazz through his parents, who were active in the New Orleans revival scene. His formative years were marked by jam sessions with legendary musicians such as Kid Sheik, Louis Nelson, Sammy Penn, and Billie and Dede Pierce, which inspired him to teach himself piano using the family’s player piano[2][6][8].

Paquette’s career began to flourish during his university years at Louisiana State University, where he honed his entertainment and vocal skills in local piano bars. He later moved west, landing a regular gig at San Francisco’s Boarding House, opening for artists like Bette Midler, the Pointer Sisters, Dr. John, and comedian Steve Martin[2][6]. A decade-long residency at Maui’s Pioneer Inn followed, where he collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Maria Muldaur, Kenny Loggins, and Fleetwood Mac’s John McVie, who produced his first album[2][6]. Paquette’s global career includes extensive touring across Europe, Australia, and the South Pacific, performances at major jazz festivals, and a significant role in New Zealand’s jazz scene, where he founded and directed the Waiheke Island Jazz Festival for over 16 years[2][3][5].

Known for his traditional New Orleans jazz style, Paquette has recorded more than 45 albums and served as musical director for prestigious venues such as Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel. He continues to support young musicians through the Paquette Jazz Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring programs. Paquette’s legacy is marked by his dedication to jazz education, international collaborations, and his role in nurturing the genre’s future in the South Pacific[3][5].

Fun Facts

  • Paquette’s first album was produced by John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, and he was present during the recording of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary 'Rumours' album[6].
  • He founded and directed the Waiheke Island Jazz Festival in New Zealand, which grew to a five-day event attracting over 20,000 fans annually[2][3].
  • Paquette has recorded more than 45 albums and performed at major jazz festivals worldwide, including in Europe, Australia, and the South Pacific[3][5].
  • He manages the Paquette Jazz Foundation, a charitable trust supporting young musicians with scholarships and mentoring opportunities[2][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Roosevelt Sykes - Paquette took piano lessons from Sykes during his university years in Louisiana, deeply influencing his New Orleans jazz style. (Live performances, piano bar repertoire) [Late 1960s–early 1970s]

Key Collaborators

  • John McVie (Fleetwood Mac) - Produced Paquette’s first album and collaborated during Paquette’s Maui residency. (First album (title not specified)) [Mid-1970s]
  • Bonnie Raitt - Performed together during Paquette’s tenure at the Pioneer Inn in Maui. (Live performances) [1970s]
  • Bette Midler, The Pointer Sisters, Dr. John, Steve Martin - Paquette opened for these artists at the Boarding House in San Francisco. (Live performances) [Early 1970s]

Artists Influenced

  • Young jazz musicians in New Zealand and the South Pacific - Through the Paquette Jazz Foundation, Paquette has mentored and provided scholarships to emerging artists. (Waiheke Island Jazz Festival, Paquette Jazz Foundation programs) [1990s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
New Orleans Rendezvous 2015-03-27 Album
New Orleans Reunion 1990 Album
Made in France (Live) 2025-03-10 Album
Nice Work (Live) 2025-02-01 Album
David Paquette and His International Trio 1990 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  2. Chloe (Song of the Swamp) (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  3. Histoire De Faussaire (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  4. Blues for Nina (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  5. Please (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  6. There'll Be Some Changes Made (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  7. Them There Eyes (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  8. Someday Sweetheart (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  9. Melancholy (New Orleans Rendezvous)
  10. Walking Stick (New Orleans Rendezvous)

References

  1. independent.com.mt
  2. wwoz.org
  3. wwoz.org
  4. elsewhere.co.nz
  5. showmelyrics.com

Heard on WWOZ

David Paquette has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 11, 202510:10Shake It And Break Itfrom DavidTraditional Jazzw/ Sally Young
Oct 9, 202510:43St. Louis Bluesfrom DavidTraditional Jazzw/ Sally Young
Sep 12, 202513:32Please Don't Torkanowsky When I'm Gonefrom The Duo SeriesNew Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk