Fresh Air Episode Summary: "Best Of: Folk Musician Jaron Paxton / Lyricist Ira Gershwin's Legacy"

Released on December 6, 2024, NPR’s Fresh Air presents a compelling episode that spotlights the talents of folk musician Jaron Paxton and delves into the enduring legacy of lyricist Ira Gershwin. Hosted by Sam Briger and Terry Gross, the episode offers intimate conversations, insightful reviews, and enriching musical demonstrations, providing listeners with a deep appreciation of contemporary folk artistry and classic American songwriting.

Interview with Folk Musician Jaron Paxton

Introduction and Background

The episode opens with Sam Briger introducing Jaron Paxton, a 35-year-old folk musician renowned for his renditions of music from the 1920s and earlier. Paxton, who plays guitar, banjo, and harmonica, has recently released his first album of original compositions titled Things Done Changed. Unlike his previous works, which focused on traditional folk songs, this album showcases Paxton’s unique songwriting abilities.

Transition to Original Compositions

Paxton discusses his shift from performing traditional music to creating original songs. He explains, "Most of these songs, if not all these songs, came from a little bit of inspiration and also at least a little bit of pushing the pencil along the page, I think, as Irving Berlin said" [02:38]. This transition marks a significant evolution in his musical journey, allowing him to infuse contemporary themes into the rich tapestry of early 20th-century folk music.

Songwriting Process and Inspiration

Delving deeper into his creative process, Paxton emphasizes the importance of inspiration and disciplined writing. "Songwriting is a funny part of the life of a folk musician. Most of us folk musicians tend to play our culturally inherited music..." he states [05:39]. He highlights how personal experiences and observations shape his songwriting, addressing themes like love, loss, gentrification, and self-discovery.

Approach to Instrumentation and Influences

Paxton elaborates on his approach to playing various instruments, particularly the guitar. "I think my approach to music in general... is to get the most out of them I can" [06:46]. He draws inspiration from country blues traditions, aiming to create a full, immersive sound with solo performances. Demonstrating his technique, Paxton showcases his guitar skills, emphasizing the rhythmic foundation that allows him to layer melodies and vocals seamlessly [08:31].

Personal Background and Family Heritage

Sharing insights into his upbringing, Paxton reveals, "I was surrounded by the one thing you couldn't get enough of, which was love. And had a big multi-generational family" [10:39]. Growing up near Watts in Los Angeles, his family’s rich musical heritage, particularly his great-grandfather Joe’s expertise with the banjo and guitar, profoundly influenced his musical path [15:25]. This deep-rooted connection to traditional instruments fuels his passion for acoustic music.

Challenges with Vision and Career Impact

Paxton candidly discusses his struggle with eye diseases affecting both peripheral and central vision. "When I say not being able to drive is just about the biggest disability I have, it's really true" [20:30]. These challenges have shaped his career choices, limiting his mobility but also deepening his commitment to music as a versatile and portable form of expression.

Musical Demonstrations and Techniques

Throughout the interview, Paxton provides live demonstrations of his musical prowess. He plays “Things Done Changed,” the title track from his new album [03:55], and illustrates his harmonica techniques, showcasing his ability to create complex, multi-layered sounds that mimic the presence of multiple instruments [23:41]. His expertise in the stroke style banjo playing, influenced by Pete Seeger, highlights his dedication to maintaining the authentic sound of country blues [15:55].

Notable Quotes:

• "Songwriting is a funny part of the life of a folk musician." – Jaron Paxton [05:39]
• "I truly in my heart of hearts believe acoustic instruments have more power than any other instruments around." – Jaron Paxton [12:49]
• "They just sit down with their fingers and their instruments and their voice and create this world where nothing was missing." – Jaron Paxton [06:46]

Review of Beatles Documentary "Beatles 64" by David Biancouli

Following the interview with Paxton, David Biancouli, a Professor of Television Studies at Rowan University, provides an insightful review of Disney’s new Beatles documentary, Beatles 64 [24:36]. Biancouli praises the documentary for its comprehensive exploration of the Beatles' first trip to America, capturing the essence of their arrival and the ensuing wave of Beatlemania.

Highlights of the Documentary

Biancouli outlines the documentary's coverage of pivotal moments, including the Beatles' landing at John F. Kennedy Airport on February 7, their residency at the Plaza Hotel, and their historic performances on the Ed Sullivan Show, which reached 73 million viewers [25:10]. The film benefits from rare behind-the-scenes footage and personal anecdotes, providing a fresh perspective on the band's dynamic and cultural impact.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Archival Footage

The documentary incorporates archival materials shot by the Maisel brothers, Al and David, known for their work with iconic figures like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones [28:30]. These exclusive clips offer a fan's-eye view of the Beatles' interactions, showcasing their camaraderie and natural charisma that endeared them to the American public [29:26].

Cultural Impact and Beatlemania

Biancouli emphasizes how Beatles 64 effectively portrays the cultural phenomenon of Beatlemania. He notes the Beatles' ability to win over skeptical journalists and the public alike through their humor and genuine personalities, which are vividly captured in the documentary [27:04]. The film also touches on the Beatles' interactions with other celebrities, such as Ronnie Spector, illustrating their universal appeal and influence [28:43].

Notable Quotes:

• "Beatles 64... works really well at exploring and explaining an intense two week period in musical and cultural history." – David Biancouli [25:10]
• "They instantly win them over when one reporter repeats the accusation that the Beatles are nothing but four Elvis Presleys." – David Biancouli [27:09]

Conversation with Author Michael Owen on Ira Gershwin's Legacy

Transitioning to the second main segment, Terry Gross engages in an enlightening conversation with Michael Owen, the author of Ira: A Life in Words, about the profound impact of Ira Gershwin on American music [34:27].

Ira Gershwin and His Musical Collaboration

Owen discusses the collaborative relationship between Ira Gershwin and his younger brother, George Gershwin. "George was more extroverted. Ira was more like shy or wanted to stay more in the background," Owen explains, highlighting their complementary personalities and how they influenced their creative partnership [39:11]. Their synergy resulted in timeless classics like "Fascinating Rhythm," "Embraceable You," and "They Can't Take That Away from Me."

Songwriting Process and Creative Dynamics

Delving into their creative dynamics, Owen reveals that George often initiated the songwriting process with melodic ideas, to which Ira would contribute sophisticated and witty lyrics. This collaborative effort is exemplified in iconic songs such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," where Ira added the poignant coda, "If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why can't I?" [42:04]. Owen emphasizes Ira's role as both a supportive collaborator and a master wordsmith who infused depth and nuance into their compositions [44:45].

Literary Influences and Lyricism

Owen highlights Ira Gershwin's extensive literary background and his ability to weave complex literary references into his lyrics. For instance, in the song "But Not for Me," Ira incorporates clever wordplay and references to Russian plays, showcasing his intellectual approach to songwriting [43:02]. This meticulous craftsmanship set Ira apart as a lyricist who not only complemented the musical genius of his brother but also stood as a formidable artist in his own right [44:16].

Ira Gershwin's Legacy and Final Years

The conversation also touches upon Ira Gershwin's later years, his declining health, and his lasting legacy. Despite facing physical ailments that limited his activity, Ira remained a revered figure in the music industry. Owen recounts Ira's collaboration with Michael Feinstein, who helped preserve Ira's archival work and continued his legacy through performances and scholarship [50:26].

Notable Quotes:

• "Ira always wanted to have some fun with the lyrics." – Michael Owen [44:45]
• "Ira was more like shy or wanted to stay more in the background." – Michael Owen [39:11]
• "Ira was immersed in words..." – Michael Owen [38:37]

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air masterfully intertwines the sounds of traditional and contemporary folk music with a scholarly exploration of one of America’s greatest lyricists. Through Jaron Paxton’s heartfelt interviews and musical demonstrations, listeners gain insight into the artistry and resilience required to craft meaningful music. Concurrently, the in-depth discussion on Ira Gershwin's legacy by Michael Owen enriches our understanding of the intricate relationship between lyrics and melody in shaping the American songbook. Additionally, the thoughtful review of Beatles 64 by David Biancouli adds a nostalgic yet fresh perspective on the Beatles' monumental impact on culture and music. Overall, the episode offers a harmonious blend of personal stories, expert analysis, and musical excellence, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of folk music and classic American songwriting alike.