Photos/Writer: Rudy Lu

The vibe was pure joy and fun as Multi-instrumentalists Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman dazzled Saugerties with their camaraderie and virtuosity. They have known each other and sat in on each other’s sessions for 15 years. In 2017, Jerron appeared on Dennis’ album, “Just Cross the River.” Their first collaborative album was released in 2021.

The performance was billed as a program of African American folk. Ragtime, blues and jazz. The music primarily featured music that would have been heard in the earlier 3rd of the 20th century.

Opening with ragtime “Teasing the Frets” with Jerron on guitar and Dennis on mandolin, the delicate intricacies of this early style of American music were brought to life.

The ragtime “Alabama Bound” featuring Jerron on heartfelt vocals, on a trip to go home to see a lover who “shakes that thing”.

Dennis then switched to clarinet for “Sunshine” , a beautiful song on the curative power of sunshine on the human spirit. Dennis’ clarinet counterpoint of Jerron’s vocals better conveyed the mood of the tune.

Photo: Rudy Lu

A little of the Spanish/Portuguese tinge (Latin rhythms)   was part of “Matizada” with Dennis featured on mandolin. Jerron broke out his harmonica for “Muscle Shoals”.

There was a humorous introduction and then a  leap forward on the wayback machine to a western swing tune penned by Bob Wills “Time Changes”, apparently referring to his serial marriages. Twin fiddles were used for the only European music of the afternoon, a medley of fiddle tunes.

Guest bass player Shaun Cronin was brought in for a rousing version of the Dixieland classic and Clemson fight song “Tiger Rag”. Yes, our musical past can be brought to life and be relevant with good will and humor. All left the venue feeling better than they were when they entered.

To stay tuned to the eclectic offerings at this venue, stay tuned to social media or the website by clicking here.

Setlist:

Teasing the Frets, Alabama Bound, Sunshine, Lonesome and Sorry, Matizada, Stop and Listen, Rag Episode, Maple Leaf Rag, Caution, The Thought of You, Muscle Shoals, Time Changes (Bob Willis), Just Cross, Coming thru the Rye/Polish Mazuka/The Girl I Left Behind Me, Someday Sweetheart

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