Fresh Air Podcast Summary: "Folk Musician Jaron Paxton Transports Us To the '20s"

Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Fresh Air, host Terry Gross introduces Jaron Paxton, a 35-year-old folk musician whose music seamlessly blends modern themes with the rich sounds of the 1920s. Paxton's latest album, Things Done Changed, marks his first collection of entirely original compositions. The episode, conducted by Sam Briger, delves into Paxton's musical journey, his creative process, and the influences that shape his unique sound.

Jaron Paxton and Things Done Changed

Sam Briger: "Prior to his new album, Jaron Paxton has been entertaining audiences with his take on music that's mostly 100 years old or older... Things Done Changed is his first album where all the tracks were written by him" (00:41).

Paxton's album reflects his contemporary observations on themes such as love, gentrification, and self-discovery, all through the nostalgic lens of early 20th-century music styles like folk, blues, hot jazz, ragtime, and more.

Songwriting Process

Paxton discusses his approach to songwriting, emphasizing inspiration over forced composition.

Jaron Paxton: "A few of these songs... came from a little bit of inspiration and at least a little bit of pushing the pencil along the page, I think, as Irving Berlin said" (04:34).

He prefers to let creativity flow naturally, focusing more on performing music that moves him rather than solely on the act of composing.

Musical Influences and Instrumentation

Paxton's versatility is showcased as he brings multiple instruments to the studio, including guitar, fiddle, piano, harmonica, banjo, and bones. He draws inspiration from early country blues and solo musicians who create a "full sound" without additional instruments.

Jaron Paxton: "I think that's probably the biggest contribution to why I've remained one of the few soloists out there... my audience has never seemed to be disappointed" (06:45).

Demonstration of the Blues

Sam requests Paxton to demonstrate his approach to the blues, highlighting his intricate style beyond simple three-chord structures. Using a vintage Kalamazoo guitar from 1928, Paxton illustrates how he combines rhythm, melody, and vocal harmonies to create a rich, multi-layered blues sound.

Jaron Paxton: "When you want that nice full sound out of the guitar, you've got to have a nice little rhythm behind you" (08:16).

Personal Journey and Upbringing

Growing up in Los Angeles near Watts, Paxton describes his childhood as filled with love and a large multigenerational family. He reminisces about the communal life, homegrown food, and the musically rich environment fostered by his family.

Jaron Paxton: "I was surrounded by the one thing you couldn't get enough of, which was love... full of music and family" (11:35).

Musical Legacy and Family Influences

Paxton identifies himself as a "throwback" in a family of throwbacks, highlighting the deep-rooted musical traditions passed down from his great-grandfather who played the banjo, guitar, and fiddle. This legacy profoundly influences his instrument choices and playing style.

Jaron Paxton: "I think my approach to music... is to get the most out of them I can... just having that access to that real, full sound is something I want to maintain" (05:24).

Challenges with Eyesight

Paxton shares personal challenges with his vision, detailing how peripheral and central vision issues have impacted his daily life and career choices. These difficulties influenced his decision to move to New York City, where driving is less essential.

Jaron Paxton: "Being unable to drive is just about the biggest disability I have... that's one of the reasons I moved to New York City" (32:47).

Move to New York and Musical Evolution

Relocating to New York City allowed Paxton to immerse himself in a vibrant traditional jazz scene, aligning with his passion for stride piano and fostering connections with like-minded musicians. This move was pivotal in expanding his musical repertoire and embracing new styles.

Jaron Paxton: "New York was a good town for the music I was getting into at that time, which was jazz... it's a part of New York's folk culture" (44:02).

Stride Piano and Influences

Paxton expresses his admiration for stride pianists like Fats Waller, Dick Hyman, Willie Lyon Smith, Lucky Roberts, and James P. Johnson. These influences shape his piano playing, aiming to emulate the mastery and expressive depth of these legends.

Jaron Paxton: "One of my heroes is Fats Waller... an even bigger hero than him is someone who's still alive, which is Mr. Dick Hyman" (39:52).

Collaborations and Performances

Highlighting his collaborative projects, Paxton discusses his duet album with clarinetist and mandolin player Dennis Lichtman, showcasing his ability to blend instruments seamlessly. He also performs excerpts from his repertoire, demonstrating his technical prowess and emotional expression.

Jaron Paxton: "Hey, there's a lot of different ways to skin a cat and entertain the audience" (37:19).

Notable Performances

Paxton performs "Things Done Changed," the title track from his new album, illustrating his lyrical storytelling and the emotive quality of his music.

Jaron Paxton: "Baby, it hurt me to my heart together so long now we got to get the parts and things and change between you and me" (01:51).

He also plays renditions of Johnny St. Cyr's rags and Irving Berlin's "Sunshine," highlighting his ability to reinterpret classic pieces with his unique style.

Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Paxton reflects on his musical journey, the importance of maintaining authentic sound, and his aspirations to continue evolving as an artist. He hints at future projects that will further explore the intersection of historical and contemporary music.

Jaron Paxton: "When that starts to happen, then you get an opportunity to be real inventive with what's in you" (24:03).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jaron Paxton on Songwriting: "Songwriting is a funny part of the life of a folk musician... a little bit of pushing the pencil along the page" (04:34).

• On Maintaining a Full Sound: "I just want to maintain... just having that access to that real, full sound is something I want to maintain" (05:24).

• Regarding Overcoming Challenges: "Not being able to drive is just about the biggest disability I have... that's one of the reasons I moved to New York City" (32:47).

• On Musical Inspiration: "The sonic beauty of those instruments just wrapped me up and took me away" (14:18).

Final Thoughts

Jaron Paxton's episode on Fresh Air offers an intimate look into the life of a modern folk musician deeply rooted in early 20th-century musical traditions. Through his original compositions, instrumental mastery, and personal anecdotes, Paxton bridges the past and present, creating a compelling narrative of cultural preservation and artistic innovation.