In the early 80s, a gospel music show called "Jesus At The Roxy" was brought to a church in Sacramento. The stellar band included members of Earth Wind and Fire and George Duke's band, featuring Al McKay and Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar, James Jamerson, Jr. on bass, as well as Marilyn McCoo and Deniece Williams on vocals. After the show, I approached Paul and told him how he'd been such a great influence on my guitar playing as a session musician and asked for an address so I could correspond with him. He gave it to me without hesitation. I wrote him a letter and heard nothing for probably a month or two and one night I'm bed and my phone rings. "Hello?" "Hi, Michael, this is Paul Jackson, Jr...." He called! We talked for an hour about music and life. That put so much wind in my sail, propelling me forward in pursuing my craft as a music professional. That is the kind of human being he is.
As always, fantastic interview. Paul is my mentor from afar. I have had the pleasure of doing a few sessions with him, and I am still in awe of his brilliance in the studio. I was invited to the release party of his first LP, and he couldn't be a nicer person. Thanks again!!
What an incredible musician and person! The likes of Paul Jackson Jr, Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, John Robinson, Paulinho Da Costa ect were always on my fave records growing up!
I echo the words of others here. Paul is a great musician, and a great individual. He is my favorite guitarist hands down. I absolutely love his spirit. I had the opportunity to meet him a couple of years ago and after the show, we actually got to hang out together. Can't say enough about him!! Great interview and thank you for sharing!
What a great player who seems like such a nice guy - like so many great players are. I'll never forget the first time I heard him on Rachelle Ferrell's debut album/CD. For me, that rhythm guitar was like nothing I had heard before - the taste, the sweetness, the way that even three or four notes between George Duke's chord changes would completely re-define the emotional impact of the song - thirty odd years later, I still can't put my finger on how someone can do that. The best I can do is to copy him slavishly, and sound terrible in the process. As George Duke says about him, "He Da Man! He Da Man!!!"
"City of Refuge" killer smooth jazz track, one of my faves! Someone obviously likes blue! I love that PJJ shouts out to his mentors and the giant shoulders he stands on; too many less humble would paint a picture that they're self-taught. Few if any, are. Great interview.
Absolutely Warren! Couldn't agree more and why The Sessions wants Artists to recognize/learn from their mentors and those who helped pave the way! Thanks for watching & sharing, be sure to Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any new releases!
This is my mentor.
Love Paul Jackson Jr
In the early 80s, a gospel music show called "Jesus At The Roxy" was brought to a church in Sacramento. The stellar band included members of Earth Wind and Fire and George Duke's band, featuring Al McKay and Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar, James Jamerson, Jr. on bass, as well as Marilyn McCoo and Deniece Williams on vocals. After the show, I approached Paul and told him how he'd been such a great influence on my guitar playing as a session musician and asked for an address so I could correspond with him. He gave it to me without hesitation. I wrote him a letter and heard nothing for probably a month or two and one night I'm bed and my phone rings. "Hello?" "Hi, Michael, this is Paul Jackson, Jr...." He called! We talked for an hour about music and life. That put so much wind in my sail, propelling me forward in pursuing my craft as a music professional. That is the kind of human being he is.
Great story...thanks for sharing & subscribing Michael!
@@TheSessionsPanel You are a treasure, Dom!
Fight on! Fellow USC studio guitar graduate here!! I studied with Duke Miller, Paul LaRose, Steve Watson, and Richard Smith.
Paul Jackson Jr indeed a very beautiful conversation I have to admit.✊🏿🙏🏿
As always, fantastic interview. Paul is my mentor from afar. I have had the pleasure of doing a few sessions with him, and I am still in awe of his brilliance in the studio. I was invited to the release party of his first LP, and he couldn't be a nicer person. Thanks again!!
I love his simplicity and sense of humour!
This is a great interview !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you
Love this!
What an incredible musician and person! The likes of Paul Jackson Jr, Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, John Robinson, Paulinho Da Costa ect were always on my fave records growing up!
I echo the words of others here. Paul is a great musician, and a great individual. He is my favorite guitarist hands down. I absolutely love his spirit. I had the opportunity to meet him a couple of years ago and after the show, we actually got to hang out together. Can't say enough about him!! Great interview and thank you for sharing!
Awesome! We appreciate you & your support of our channel!
A serious Gold Mine of music wealth of knowledge 🎸 Amazing and highly informative, insightful and inspirational.. thank you
Brilliant musician. Listen to his work on Abraham Laboriel & Friends' Live In Switzerland. Stunning.
Great interview, great player. Hilarious that he quoted Suga Free.
What a great player who seems like such a nice guy - like so many great players are. I'll never forget the first time I heard him on Rachelle Ferrell's debut album/CD. For me, that rhythm guitar was like nothing I had heard before - the taste, the sweetness, the way that even three or four notes between George Duke's chord changes would completely re-define the emotional impact of the song - thirty odd years later, I still can't put my finger on how someone can do that. The best I can do is to copy him slavishly, and sound terrible in the process.
As George Duke says about him, "He Da Man! He Da Man!!!"
Awesome! 👍🏾
"City of Refuge" killer smooth jazz track, one of my faves! Someone obviously likes blue! I love that PJJ shouts out to his mentors and the giant shoulders he stands on; too many less humble would paint a picture that they're self-taught. Few if any, are. Great interview.
Absolutely Warren! Couldn't agree more and why The Sessions wants Artists to recognize/learn from their mentors and those who helped pave the way! Thanks for watching & sharing, be sure to Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any new releases!
Is there any session episode . With Paulinho Dacosta. Just wondering.
Frank Wilson produced Marvin gaye! and he was a perfect match for ex tempts EDDIED KENDRICKS! Frank was no joke producing at MOTOWN!