Biography
Josh Paxton is a New Orleans-based pianist renowned for his mastery of the city's deep piano traditions combined with modern jazz sensibilities. He studied piano with Ellis Marsalis, one of New Orleans' most influential jazz pianists, and developed a distinctive musical style that blends classical technique, contemporary jazz innovations, and funky rhythmic drive characteristic of the New Orleans sound. Throughout his career, Paxton has established himself as a versatile performer and collaborator, touring with a diverse range of artists spanning multiple genres and maintaining an active presence in the New Orleans music scene. He has become particularly recognized as an expert on James Booker, the legendary New Orleans pianist, and serves as a staple performer at WWOZ Piano Night, a celebrated venue for piano music in the city.
Fun Facts
- Josh Paxton is an expert on James Booker, the legendary New Orleans pianist, and has dedicated significant study to understanding and preserving Booker's musical legacy
- He is a regular performer at WWOZ Piano Night, a celebrated venue dedicated to showcasing piano music in New Orleans
- ZouKeys, his duo with Beth Patterson, works particularly well despite their vastly different musical backgrounds—Paxton's classical and jazz training contrasts with Patterson's folk and world music influences
- Paxton has toured with artists across multiple genres, from contemporary jazz pianist Bruce Hornsby to the funk and soul group Wild Magnolias, demonstrating his versatility as a musician
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ellis Marsalis - Primary piano teacher who shaped Paxton's musical foundation and approach to New Orleans piano traditions (Piano instruction and mentorship) [Early career development]
Key Collaborators
- Beth Patterson - Co-founder and regular collaborator in the duo ZouKeys, where Patterson provides vocals and plays bouzouki (ZouKeys) [Ongoing]
- Debbie Davis - Performs as pianist with chanteuse Debbie Davis (Debbie Davis band) [Active collaboration]
- Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes - Keyboard player with this New Orleans-based band (Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes) [Active collaboration]
- Bruce Hornsby - Toured with the acclaimed American pianist and singer-songwriter (Tour performances) [Career touring]
- Wild Magnolias - Performed with this New Orleans funk and soul group (Tour performances) [Career touring]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Interesting Times | 2020-04-01 | Album |
| Vices and Virtues: A Live Record | 2017-04-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Papa Was a Rascal (Patchwork: A Tribute to James Booker)
- When I'm Sixty-Four (Live) (Vices and Virtues: A Live Record)
- On the Sunny Side of the Street (Patchwork: A Tribute to James Booker)
- Minuet in Funk (Patchwork: A Tribute to James Booker)
- Deep South Aggression (That's Nice) (The FuMP, Vol. 92: March - April 2022)
- Winin Boy Blues (feat. Josh Paxton) (Linger 'til Dawn)
- On the Sunny Side of the Street (Live) (Vices and Virtues: A Live Record)
- Lulu's Back in Town (Live) (Vices and Virtues: A Live Record)
- Caravan (Live) (Vices and Virtues: A Live Record)
- Intro for It's Not the Years, It's the Miles (Live) (Vices and Virtues: A Live Record)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found)
References
Heard on WWOZ
Josh Paxton has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26, 2025 | 08:35 | Gravy Waltzfrom Alone at Last | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges |