Blind Boy Paxton: No More the Moon Shines On Lorena @ The Ark

[@Greencheez-y]

"It doesn't make you feel better, it makes you understand" That's a great quote. I'm gonna use that when people ask me why I listen to so much depressing music.

[@hellomoney333]

"oo look at me, I'm so wise and mysterious" Better I bully you on the internet now about it before someone bullies you in real life. Nerd.

[@GuruishMike]

He sounds like he has an entire band playing with him. Unreal. I can't stop listening to this.

[@FasterFaster196]

Yes. And every little while that banjo roars with the voices of millions.

[@hoberrydan4023]

you know it@@FasterFaster196

[@ITigerbaum]

they were with him. Mesmerized!

[@BlackKnight-ll8qh]

Those first words made me cry. “It’s not to make you feel better, it’s to make you understand.”

[@nickmarchmusic]

The unbroken attention of the musicians around him says it all

[@richardcarew4708]

yup... he is a tremendous teacher 👏

[@supersquigsafy]

When he takes it away and the musician behind him shakes his head in awe I did the same thing Cried a lil too

[@TheBlueYodelingDad]

@@supersquigsafy I had the same reaction. Watching him capture the emotions of the other musicians was beautiful.

[@Buckmelanoma1]

Indeed!

[@dirttyclean]

TRUTH be known.

[@Charles-bz8kk]

This man. This man has got it all. So virtuosic, without sacrificing an ounce of his wonderful storytelling and soul. I feel like I'm watching a master from the past in the present. We are lucky, very lucky to have this guy making music for us.

[@jamescarroll9022]

In Ireland, we call this tune the leg of the duck jig ☘️ Love your music

[@banjoist123]

Such a deep connection between the Scots Irish and the music of the black south.

[@herecomeseveryone7562]

Another name for this jig might be "Domhnall Na Greine" or "Daniel of the Sun".

[@stephenheffernan6261]

Fantastic tune the irish and the African cultures had many ties people oppressed for hundreds of years by colonial powers music was a great outlet that's why it flourished

[@randykintzley5923]

The rhythm and punch of the playing is just great. The lyrics are devastating.

[@happycapy4]

Paxton plays and sings beautifully, and he has the real gift of the gab.

[@wileyben7436]

This performance brought tears to my eyes truly an inspiring man.

[@phoebehastings1764]

Thank you American Black musicians for the banjo!!!!!

[@Greencheez-y]

As well as the American Scott-Irish!!! Such a beautiful blend of cultures

[@phoebehastings1764]

@@Greencheez-y yes!!!

[@2krandolph]

You're welcome!

[@lilpoop24]

@@Greencheez-y Irish didn't have a part in the banjo

[@lilpoop24]

@@Greencheez-y The irish didn't make the banjo

[@miltonbuu]

This song holds so much pain and truth. I can't even imaging living in those times of slavery. God bless every soul who faced such horrible fates 🙏

[@garymelnyk7910]

Yes it’s tangible. Play it for all who suffer Blind Boy. Play it today for us Ukrainians.

[@feath3rs]

no fucking way you're a real human comparing 400 years of slavery to a 2 year conflict@@garymelnyk7910

[@kentstringer4160]

Hmmm! Talise keeps touching my moods with gentle, bluesy, country. Old time songs sung like no other. Sweet, sad longing. Deep storytelling. Changes her appearance in playful sort of way. You are an original!

[@makeeverydaycinematic]

Wow this is one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed.

[@oldtimeharmonica8560]

Agreed

[@emmytufo]

Absolutely, I second that.

[@meadandmilk]

For real, it has everything. It's so haunting to see such a unique period-correct instrument, being played so flawlessly. It's like something has lived on from 1848 until now, Lorena never died, and Jerron is right, the luthier is also still alive!

[@josephrunningcrane]

I saw this for the first time three years ago and it’s still so inspiring. The way he switches from west African phrasing to Irish in the song’s intro is like looking at one of those pictures where there’s an image in both negative and positive fields. Not sure if he wrote the intro or not but holy shit that’s genius. Jerron is truly a treasure.

[@InWitheNew]

Every time I watch Jerron I feel blessed that he played at my house a bunch of times.

[@coversandwhatnot7344]

Huhhh that’s so cool

[@gregerfulgerman7802]

weird flex but still very cool

[@vincentboyle3032]

Some of the best people and most talented musicians hardly get recognized, Blind Boy Paxton could unite a country with his amazing humorous personality.😂

[@soulofsouthernvietnam]

"Blind Boy Paxton’s rendition of 'No More the Moon Shines On Lorena' at The Ark is absolutely mesmerizing. His exceptional talent and deep understanding of traditional blues and folk music are evident in every note. The emotion and authenticity he brings to this performance are truly moving, creating a connection that transcends time. Thank you for such a soul-stirring and unforgettable performance! 🎸✨" 05:50

[@snoopjones8779]

How does this not have mill views?

[@johnboxall2773]

Awesome

[@timtom9450]

@@LordBaca more than not likely. More like not enough people of all colors not sharing this video nor talking about it idiot.

[@jekyll2hyde822]

I'm glad it doesn't. Let this be a hidden gem for those trying to find themselves.

[@Boonie22]

that was one of the most incredible recordings I have ever seen of a single musician. beautiful, and astounding how he sounded like a whole band with just that banjo and his voice.

[@stuartpotterton6701]

Musical genius from another era ... simply some of the finest music you’ll ever hear.

[@martifingers]

This transforms how I view Irish music.

[@go_away_plz]

This is so spectacular and moving. This really brought the past to life for me. What a brilliant performer

[@Banzo_]

Blind boy paxton is a channel from the past to the present. His mannerisms, voice, sound, look, and his mind reveal the truth of that. He's what we need right now in music history. He has to be known. This is probably my favorite song I've seen him perform.

[@tastyandfriends7074]

Not only is this beautiful, but you can tell when you meet this man, you meet his spirit. Basically all I can say is, Beautiful.

[@rab46290]

If i heard more songs like this id be a bigger fan of banjos. That was phenomenal.

[@raumfahreturschutze]

Man I love this guy's pronunciation, cadence, and general manner-of-speaking. I could listen to him talk about dang near anything.

[@MaestroFroggins-13]

The best way to convey the spirit of that time through song!!!

[@raymondrhodes]

Feel it in the depth of my Irish soul...amazing player

[@MrDoyle07]

Fantastic attention to his chore. And so fine his chore comes through as art. Deep and complex. Thank you.

[@robertrighetti6478]

Outstanding musicianship! Nothing like it on the tube!!!

[@clarawright7915]

Mesmerized by this performance! The jig is known in Ireland as Bacach Shile Andai, written around the 1790s

[@johnbailey8012]

Brilliant. How come I've never heard of him before? Just found this by accident.

[@jamesbyrne295]

Just thinking the same thing ,how did he escape my attention until now.

[@marshallbrooksmusic]

Dude's amazing. So glad I was able to make it to this show

[@raymondrhodes]

This is amazing, song heartbreaking, but his playing is jaw dropping

[@martintrevino8444]

It’s beautiful seeing his body twitch to the beat... true passion is being shown ladies and gentlemen

[@TheTsar1918]

I could listen to him both play and talk for hours.

[@nathanewald3091]

This is absolutely sacred. I love what I heard. What pain, what music making…

[@jamesault7832]

Thank you so much Mr. Paxton. In a world that is looking for meaning, you are giving understanding. I also appreciate your Choctaw / Irish story!

[@billzadra5221]

An absolute American treasure!

[@ravincraven]

His musicianship is astonishing. I was privileged to see him in Sellersville last year. He is a treasure.

[@benjaminwhite8145]

He was in PA?

[@ravincraven]

@@benjaminwhite8145 Yes -at the Sellersville Theater, with Jontavious Willis. What a great experience! My date and I sat right in front. It was the last concert I attended before the pandemic.

[@benjaminwhite8145]

@@ravincraven interesting I didnt know about it. I live right down the road. Small world.

[@ravincraven]

@@benjaminwhite8145 Keep you eye on that theater. They will have some good blues players coming through in the future.

[@PaulGarnerBlueskiwi]

chills! incredible playing, moving song... wow!

[@PJMcCullagh]

I have never heard of Mr Paton until now, I am very fond of all types of music and had tears in my eyes in admiration of how he played this piece. Thank you "Blind Boy" I do hope to see you in person some day.

[@samuelbarham8483]

I weep every time I listen to this. So joyfully, devastatingly beautiful.

[@Captainbarbapapa]

We can hear the African roots of blues in the intro of this song. Cheers

[@tastas3880]

So blessed to hear this.. and understand playing the blues is meditation.

[@stkpolat1908]

Had the honor of listening to this great musician live in Brussels. What a talent.

[@colinkeating502]

Beautiful, and, tragic. The emotion is tangible.

[@emmytufo]

This is beautiful music, and a very fine performance.

[@RalphKRalph]

nothing against the intro, its an integral part of the performance and i love it, but if you've seen it a million times like i have or just wanna show somebody the song, music starts at 3:30

[@Banzo_]

I've watched this maybe 8 or more times the last day and a half the first time i heard this

[@elsdvm]

If you have been lucky enough to see him play live, you won't soon forget. I got to see him play and hang with him and watch him jam offstage with other musicians at a small festival in WVa a few years ago that my band was playing at. Might have been the year this video was made. He is a national treasure and I feel lucky to have met and photographed him.

[@jamesrowe3606]

I have the youtuber's typical short attention span, but I was riveted to this. Magnificent!

[@matthewnelson5699]

Absolutely brings that song to life. Impressive skill.

[@mattw4065]

WOW!!! Absolutely unreal, what an incredible performance! Gave me goosebumps the whole way through

[@masontalarico7090]

Charisma radiates off this man in waves!!!💙💙💙

[@folkmusicofwhiskeycreek3307]

This song was recorded by Carter Stanley and the Stanley Brothers years ago, I have always enjoyed it. This man takes it to another level and it is the best!!

[@TiiiBiiiMeows]

Its incredibly rare to come across an original artist like him

[@rjwh67220]

I really like this guy. And what a player!

[@craigmitchell8892]

wow the percussiveness of his strumming almost sounds like theres a bodhran jamming along side

[@markholloway9638]

Man! That was beautiful!

[@jimjamsam3482]

fantastic recording

[@johnjuliano2478]

A masterpiece

[@hornofgabriel3981]

That banjo has an unbeliavable sound. And his clawhammer is first time I see it done like this. This also proves that banjo can make very different sounds.

[@annicamcdougall1158]

THIS^^^^^ is one of the greatest things I've ever had the privilege of seeing... Thank you for sharing your music so much

[@Outland9000]

Dont remeber the last time I listened to lyrics so intently... And the banjo playing? whew! Fire! 🔥

[@bradfoster297]

Respect to that intro 100% and to some history in a song

[@w.l.graves7228]

VERY EXCELLENT ! THANK YOU !

[@cjrodriguez3430]

song about brought me to tears

[@bransonstoddard3310]

Song starts at around 3:30 into video.

[@markkearnes4312]

This is definitely a top 5 live performance for me

[@blainechappell5383]

I’m speechless!

[@stevehowell231]

Never heard anything like this. Weird and Wonderful.

[@SheepDogActual]

Just found this one. Holy cow. Fan now!

[@DC-gh1ds]

Man I play old time, clawhammer, overhand, up pickin and have a decent amount of banjo experience in different styles and I'm still staring at this dumbfounded. It looks like he's using a sort of flamenco type rasqueado to get that incredible percussion during the bridge?

[@luchadorito]

I think it's less about technique and more about the dynamic capabilities of a fretless acoustic instrument. I have heard koboz(transylvanian fretless lute played with a plectrum) make some very similar sounds when multiple strings are hit with a bit of oompf.

[@jasonw4053]

It's a combo of straight clawhammer, drob thumb, up picking, and what you describe as a flamenco style seems to be a big brush stroke with all the fingers, either up or down strokes depending on how he feels like doing it. He's incredible.

[@Tasmanaut]

the old minstrel techniques had a of this sort of thing

[@JacobvsRex]

Such a national treasure....

[@radiocage]

Wow, what a performance!

[@jameslynch9620]

Hey some one read this to this incredible person!! Your talent was a gift from god and it fits you well!!!!

[@shockingguy]

Wow, that was a master class if ever 🔥

[@thereverend510]

That was beautiful. Right on good brother

[@geraldgreen6278]

Mr Paxton is a gift from heaven ! We delighted seeing and hearing him in person .

[@rattyfingers8621]

I'm floored. Came here cuz of Clifton Hicks and a guest Blaine.

[@clarencegoddard6527]

Magical. Blues are about hard times but they make us feel better. . . what?. . . . . .black magic !

[@donaldfransson2827]

Thank You Paxton, great art. Donald Fransson, Sweden.

[@kapesongs6733]

Love this guy. It's amazing

[@RachelAmmons]

This is maybe the saddest thing with the happiest melody I’ve ever heard 😢 he delivers it so well.

[@ElvizaPelvis]

One of my favorite tunes and I just LOVE him!!!

[@annalisette5897]

That song is a grand opera in three stanzas.

[@bobmartin770]

Truly amazing. 👏

[@ShaunPanzer]

Woah so good !

[@anyagourley]

Might be the best music I’ve ever heard.

[@archiehebron8944]

Excellent vibe.

[@banjoman44]

An absolute virtuoso...

[@PaxilRose]

Where have you been all my life?

[@LarryScudder]

Outstanding!

[@harvdog5669]

Music Has Always been about a stories of peoples lives, ever since the first drum or musical instrument of any kind in any part and all parts of the whole wide world 🌎🌍🌎🌍🌎🌍🌎 😊😊😊

[@SilkieRoo]

I just learned about James Hartel banjos yesterday, and I'm suddenly seeing them everywhere. Thanks, algorithms.

[@masonrygh8165]

Thank you Mr. Paxton.

[@librandy77]

Gosh wish I could meet this guy… mad cool..🪕🪕🪕

[@charliec8849]

Brava!!!! Amazing