Deep Dive
Why does Jerron Paxton's music sound like it could have been performed in the 1920s?
Paxton plays folk music, blues, hot jazz, ragtime, and fiddle and banjo tunes that date back to the Civil War era. His new album, 'Things Done Changed,' is his first where all tracks are original compositions, reflecting contemporary themes while rooted in 1920s and 30s music styles.
What instruments does Jerron Paxton play?
Paxton plays guitar, fiddle, piano, harmonica, banjo, and the bones. He brought some of these instruments to the studio, but if he had brought all, he would have needed to rent a van.
How does Jerron Paxton approach songwriting?
Paxton waits for inspiration rather than forcing songwriting. He prefers writing music based on inspiration and believes in the process described by Irving Berlin of pushing the pencil along the page.
What is Jerron Paxton's approach to playing the guitar?
Paxton aims to get the most out of his instruments, creating a full sound that doesn't require additional instruments. He draws inspiration from country blues musicians who could create a complete musical world with just their voice and instrument.
How did Jerron Paxton's eyesight issues affect his career choices?
Paxton's eyesight issues, particularly his peripheral vision problems, made driving and certain labor jobs difficult. This influenced his move to New York City, where not being able to drive wasn't a significant disability.
What role did New York City play in Jerron Paxton's musical development?
New York City provided a rich environment for traditional jazz, with many like-minded musicians and a culture that supported his musical interests. It was a place where he could thrive as a visually impaired musician without the need for driving.
What is the significance of the banjo Jerron Paxton brought to the studio?
The banjo Paxton brought is an 1848 model, known for its bitey sound. He prefers banjos with gut or nylon strings, which he believes produce a better sound and offer more expressive dynamics compared to modern banjos with steel strings.
How did Jerron Paxton learn about the music he loves?
Paxton learned about his favorite music through various means, including listening to old 78s, attending local swap meets to buy blues CDs, watching documentaries on public television, and using the internet to listen to 30-second samples of artists like Charlie Patton.
What is the stroke style in banjo playing, and how does it differ from other styles?
The stroke style, also known as claw hammer or frailing, involves stroking the strings with the tops of the fingers rather than picking each string individually. This style produces a punchier sound and is distinct from the picking style commonly used in bluegrass music.
Why does Jerron Paxton prefer acoustic instruments over electronic ones?
Paxton believes acoustic instruments have more power and emotional impact when played live, as the vibrations from the instrument directly affect the listener. He finds the experience of being in the same room with a musician playing an acoustic instrument to be unparalleled.
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