Joel Paterson

Joel Paterson has been a mainstay of the Chicago roots music scene for over twenty years, playing with many bands and showcasing his unique blend jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing. Joel can be heard on the recordings of the Cactus Blossoms, JD McPherson, Kelly Hogan, Pokey LaFarge, and Deke Dickerson.

The all-acoustic, 1920s-tinged Wheelhouse Rag (2023) may at first seem like a departure in genre for the guitarist—He is predominantly known for his instrumental multitracked recordings reminiscent of Les Paul and Chet Atkins—but Joel learned to play guitar by ear from the records of acoustic legends such as Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, Reverend Gary Davis, and Big Bill Broonzy.

Joel later expanded his repertoire to include techniques of the thumb-picking giants Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. These influences can be heard throughout the album, mixed in with many more twists and turns from the mind of the artist, to bring you, Wheelhouse Rag, the original finger-style guitar instrumentals of Joel Paterson.

Past Shows


Dec
13
th
2023
Fine Line
Dec
13
th
2023
Fine Line

JD McPherson

SOCKS: A Rock N’ Roll Christmas Tour
with Joel Paterson
Dec
14
th
2021
The Cedar Cultural Center
Dec
14
th
2021
The Cedar Cultural Center

JD McPherson

SOCKS: A Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas Tour
with Joel Paterson
Jan
27
th
2020
Turf Club
Jan
27
th
2020
Turf Club

The Cactus Blossoms

with Joel Paterson
Dec
20
th
2019
Mainroom
Dec
20
th
2019
Mainroom

JD McPherson

Socks: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas Tour
with Joel Paterson

More Shows

Mar
2
nd
Amsterdam Bar & Hall

The Sloppy Boys

Dec
22
nd
First Avenue

Nick Swardson

Mar
26
th
Fine Line

The War and Treaty

Feb
20
th
7th St Entry

Skinny Lister