Review by Dan DiPaola
Tom Paxton is a master songwriter; this is known. Truly, Paxton’s work has transcended the listening experience to influence generations of musicians, thus becoming a part of our shared culture. His place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards – he is a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient – but by the respect and appreciation of three generations of fellow musicians.
Tom began his career in the 1960’s within the fertile surroundings of New York City’s Greenwich Village coffeehouses. Over time, his heartfelt songs began to be covered by other artists and added to the folk repertoire. It turned out, Paxton’s material was easily adapted to the Bluegrass format. His songs were covered by mainstays such as The Dillards and the Kentucky Colonels. Indeed, IBMA Entertainer of the Year Billy Strings regularly performs “Leaving London” at his concerts and Ashby Frank’s version of ‘Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound,’ was among the 30 most-played tracks on bluegrass radio in 2023. And as all you jammers know, “The Last Thing On My Mind” and “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” are frequently called at bluegrass jams.
For the album “Paxton Sings Bluegrass” producers Cathy Fink and Jon Weisberger gathered an impressive group of bluegrass musicians, singers and pickers alike. The performers include Hall of Fame members and current award winners, applying their considerable skills to Paxton classics and lesser heard chestnuts. The result is a collection of tunes with a real connection between the performance and the material. The collection features twelve songs, including a new one, “You Took Me In” written by Paxton, Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius.
The CD kicks off with “I Can’t Help But Wonder (Where I’m Bound)”, a duet featuring Tom Paxton and Della Mae. The performance captures that classic Paxton vibe and really sets the tone for all the material that follows. “I Give You the Morning” featuring Claire Lynch-a three-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year-is another jewel. Ms. Lynch’s instantly recognizable voice soars on this evocative melody. Other standouts include “Rambin’ Boy” sung by Danny Paisley, Tim O’Brien’s version of “You Took Me In” and the closing tune “The Last Thing on My Mind” performed by Sister Sadie.
The album features a variety of singers whom I will list in alphabetical order: Greg Blake, Aaron Burdett, Cathy Fink, Alice Gerrard, Chris Jones, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Della Mae, Marcy Marxer, Tim O’Brien, Danny Paisley, Sister Sadie, Sav Sankaran, and on the title track, Tom Paxton himself.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fine musicians in the backup band: Kristen Scott Benson (banjo), Chris Jones (guitar), Darren Nicholson (mandolin), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), and Nelson Williams (upright bass). The band gives this project it’s “grassy” feel.
Producer Jon Weisberger recalls “When Cathy asked me to take on this project, we agreed from the start that it was critical for us to embrace the whole range of today’s bluegrass in reaching out for participation. It’s exciting to see such a diverse group of great musicians joining one another to celebrate the work of a great songwriter and musician. I truly believe that anyone who listens to Bluegrass Sings Paxton will come away impressed, not only with the depth and breadth of Tom Paxton’s songwriting, but with the depth and breadth of the interpretative and creative talent to be found in bluegrass today. Most of all, I hope that every listener will find music here to uplift and inspire them!” Cathy Lynch adds “The Bluegrass family’s ‘first cousin’ is folk — no doubt about it.” Lynch goes on to say, “It’s a privilege to be involved in further strengthening the ties with this tribute to the music of Tom Paxton.”
Whether you are a fan of Paxton, a bluegrass devotee, or looking for some fine “Americana,” this is an album worth listening to. It has been said that the most important aspects of recorded music are Material, Performance and Production, in that order. Tom Paxton’s material provides the inspiration for these bluegrass musicians to deliver sincere performances in a production style that is well-recorded and arranged. To be sure, “Bluegrass Sings Paxton” is more than an homage, it is a snapshot of the modern bluegrass scene.
