Wouter en De Draak (The Netherlands)

Wouter en De Draak is the Dutch folk duo of guitarist Joris Alblas and accordionist Wouter Kuyper, whose music draws on the rich traditions of Northern and Western Europe. Formed in 2014, they blend the rhythmic drive of balfolk dance music with melodic storytelling, performing mazurkas, schottisches, Breton dances, and Irish-influenced tunes. Joris’s DADGAD-tuned guitar provides both harmonic depth and rhythmic lift, while Wouter’s accordion brings a colorful, lyrical voice rooted in the folk traditions of the Low Countries and Brittany. Their debut album appeared in 2018, followed by Zonnewachter in 2022, both receiving critical acclaim. Known for their musical interplay and ability to shift seamlessly from intimate, floating passages to energetic dance grooves, they have performed at major folk stages in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Featured Song:

“Sarah’s Waltz,” from Zonnewachter (2022), is a graceful, lilting piece that captures the duo’s melodic sensitivity. The accordion leads with a warm, flowing waltz melody, supported by the guitar’s gentle harmonic pulse. Subtle ornamentation and dynamic interplay evoke both intimacy and movement, making the tune equally suited for a romantic dance floor or

quiet listening.

Artist Website

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