Paul Jackson Jr. Breaks Down his Most Iconic Guitar Parts

Paul Jackson Jr. is an absolute legend in the world of music. Paul has worked with some of the world's biggest artists over the span of his career (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Kenny Loggins, Daft Punk, and the Weeknd -- to name a few).
Today, Paul is telling stories from legendary sessions, talking about the gear he has used throughout his career, and sharing hard-earned guitar knowledge that the next generation of guitar players NEED to know!
Table of Contents
00:00 Intro Jam
00:19 Introducing Paul Jackson Jr.
02:12 "Thriller" Sessions (Michael Jackson)
06:20 Paul plays "Lady in My Life"
08:47 Paul plays "Beat It"
09:57 "Bad" Sessions (Michael Jackson)
12:17 Paul plays "Dirty Diana"
13:16 "PYT" Sessions (Michael Jackson)
14:17 "Rhythm of The Night" Sessions with Dann Huff
15:35 Paul plays "Rhythm of the Night" (DeBarge)
16:03 Paul's Valley Arts Custom Guitars
18:42 "Footloose" Sessions (Deniece Williams)
19:55 Paul Breaks Down his Hit-Making Clean Tone
21:35 Kenny Loggins Sessions
25:15 Working with Daft Punk
28:32 Paul plays "Get Lucky" (Daft Punk)
30:10 Paul plays "Give Life Back to Music" (Daft Punk)
32:20 Banned Guitar Terms (A Lesson in Rhythm Guitar)
35:32 How Paul Ended up on The Weeknd's Biggest Hit
37:32 Paul plays "I Feel It Coming" (The Weeknd)
39:24 Thank you Paul!
40:39 Thanks for Watching!
Paul Jackson Jr. Sessions Playlist:
open.spotify.com/playlist/0HP...
RECOMMENDED GEAR
www.sweetwater.com/shop/the-r...
⬇ GET A ONE-ON-ONE TONE CONSULTATION WITH THE RIG DR. ⬇ bit.ly/2WhiliW
FOLLOW US
Instagram: / vertexeffects
Tik Tok: / vertexeffects
Facebook: / vertexeffectsinc
Website: vertexeffects.com
⬇BUY VERTEX PEDALS⬇
bit.ly/3kkZPOT
⬇PODCAST⬇
//apple// apple.co/36dSQzK
//spotify// spoti.fi/2WGLku8
⬇DIY BUFFER DIAGRAMS & TEMPLATES⬇
bit.ly/3gu02hU
⬇RECOMMENDED MATERIALS⬇
//buffers// bit.ly/3kpcFf0
//pedalboards// bit.ly/3B9DVFk
//power supply// bit.ly/3B9aD9D
//cables// bit.ly/3jktF7b
//cable & pedal management// bit.ly/3mCJxUe
//pedalboard tools// bit.ly/3B7AEGq
CREDITS:
Host/Co-Production: Mason Marangella
Video: David Zlutnick
Video Editing: Mason Mejia
Co-Production/Design: Mason Mejia
Audio Engineering: Hunter Harrison
#michaeljackson #pauljacksonjr #thriller

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Table of Contents: 00:00 Intro Jam 00:19 Introducing Paul Jackson Jr. 02:12 "Thriller" Sessions (Michael Jackson) 06:20 Paul plays "Lady in My Life" 08:47 Paul plays "Beat It" 09:57 "Bad" Sessions (Michael Jackson) 12:17 Paul plays "Dirty Diana" 13:16 "PYT" Sessions (Michael Jackson) 14:17 "Rhythm of The Night" Sessions with Dann Huff 15:35 Paul plays "Rhythm of the Night" (DeBarge) 16:03 Paul's Valley Arts Custom Guitars 18:42 "Footloose" Sessions (Deniece Williams) 19:55 Paul Breaks Down his Hit-Making Clean Tone 21:35 Kenny Loggins Sessions 25:15 Working with Daft Punk 28:32 Paul plays "Get Lucky" (Daft Punk) 30:10 Paul plays "Give Life Back to Music" (Daft Punk) 32:20 Banned Guitar Terms (A Lesson in Rhythm Guitar) 35:32 How Paul Ended up on The Weeknd's Biggest Hit 37:32 Paul plays "I Feel It Coming" (The Weeknd) 39:24 Thank you Paul! 40:39 Thanks for Watching!

[@rafsantahir180]

Thats why weekend sound like MJ

[@nyamekyeisaac]

Ryryu43kejv bbchhfdhjfjrdfhnnrdbrb .13=xxxfR7urjrajfdr8r?lPjdffjgj1

[@joshmcdzz6925]

Do you mind posting the full recording of the outro tune Paul played.. Those changes and feels are Deep!!!

[@thomaspick4123]

Sometimes, “I Can Feel It Coming” too, but without enough advance warning. Quick to the public toilet, stall open, no time to clean off the toilet seat somebody pissed on, but I made it! Sometimes, feel it, get to the public toilet, all stalls are filled, let loose in my pants. What a mess!

[@joshmcdzz6925]

I meant the changes he played at 40:39 of the video.. if we can listen to the full thing before the video faded out.. like if it was a tune, what's it called and if it was just some changes improvised, can we get a short of it especially the end when he was like 5,5,5,6,4,4,4,5,3,3,3,4.....

[@user-eh1og1ci7h]

"The only part I played on it was..." proceeds to play one of the most iconic guitar parts ever.

[@petefaders]

Steve Lukather claims too have played that and has told a detailed story.

[@stubbzzz]

⁠@@petefaders I wouldn’t doubt that Quincy had them both track it. They only know that they tracked it. They don’t know who was in the final mix or if they used both and just doubled the part to thicken it up with two different guitars. I don’t think either of them are lying.

[@philgoodwin67]

Lukather played the beat it riff

[@petefaders]

@@philgoodwin67 Have to agree. It's pretty much common knowledge.

[@Recordingcrave]

Paul probably played the original part but as Luke tells it, when Eddie recorded his solo something happened with SMPTE timecode and become messed up where Luke, had to redo all the guitar parts including bass. Luke also says Jeff Porcoro played a cowbell to a headphone bleed from one of the original tracks to keep time as the drums were redone as well. Absolutely insane.

[@Cato5_0]

I love how he says "all I did" and then continues to play some of the most classic lines ever 🤣🙌🏽

[@catinmysoup]

That’s because it’s still Michael’s riff he’s playing

[@myBquest]

He's very modest but knows damn well everyone recognizes him

[@carryingfire286]

@@catinmysoup not really.. im pretty sure Steve Lukather wrote the "Beat it" riff and other studio musicians had a large hand in writing a large portion of the iconic parts.

[@jackdixon29jd]

​@@carryingfire286Paul Jackson never played on Beat It... there were 3/4 musicians on that particular song... Steve Lukather on Rhythm Guitar and Bass, Jeff Porcaro (RIP 1954-1992) on Drums, Eddie Van Halen (RIP 1955-2020) and a keyboard player (i dont actually who played keys on this song)... hope this helps

[@ongkhuongduy3498]

Paul just proves that you do not have to be a speed demon to be a top tier guitarist. Sensibility over speed every time.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He can go "Speed Demon" when he wants to, but his groove is sooooo good, why do anything else?

[@chidorisnake22]

​@@VertexEffectsInc I can attest to this. His shred work on Ron Kenoly's "Joyfully, Joyfully" (on a Contemporary Christian track of all things) is some of the best I've heard.

[@DevZant]

@@chidorisnake22 i watched that video & you are correct. Im not a christian but i can listen to that simply for the guitar playing. Thanks

[@chidorisnake22]

@@DevZant Anytime. Ironically, I'm Jewish, but several of the session musicians I study and follow (Mr. Jackson and Abraham Laboriel just to name a few) had me end up listening to a lot of the Christian music they've worked on. Most of it is really well-composed.

[@alexemhardt3762]

Agree

[@beeemm2578]

Notice how honest he is and doesn't try to ape parts he didn't come up with and drops the proper name and gives the guys their due. Thats a confident, professional musician and humble person.

[@surgeneral108]

agreed!

[@cggg5089]

When he plays Lady in My Life and strums the octaves with his thumb, all I can think of how amazing it is that Wes Montgomery’s influence found it’s way onto Thriller.

[@mondingo67]

Absolutely

[@paulmamuth4701]

The same feeling I felt right away. What a beautiful melody line.

[@BeyondVoices1103Films]

Say it again. The Great Wes Montgomery.🙌🏿

[@City2x]

Yes! That sound will never die.

[@andrethompson2034]

Yes, Wes one of the best to pick up the acoustic guitar

[@thekidangel6705]

Come on now, how have I not heard of Paul Jackson Jr. until now??? MJ, DeBarge, Daft Punk, The Weeknd, what a legend

[@duellingscarguevara]

​@@SlowshredGrady Martin. ( the pretty woman riff for Roy Orbison, amongst other assorted genius). I only learned of him because of Tom Emmanuel .

[@Alex19II]

Real question is why he played with them? Because he can’t play, it’s a fucking noob!

[@tracymiller1713]

It's easy. You can't know the musicians if you don't read the liner notes. You can't read the notes, if you don't have that real copy. No biggie!

[@tracymiller1713]

@Slowshred Dude, you sound stupid as hell. Cd's and cassettes are still sold. Vinyl is back in style. So the liner notes are STILL out here! But if you don't read them NO BIG DEAL! Get off my line.

[@tracymiller1713]

@@Slowshred Don't listen to Taylor Swift. ?How the hell are you offended by something I said to someone else that wasn't offensive? Weirdo

[@MrAKbass]

Paul Jackson Jr and Nile Rodgers are my favorite rythm guitar players, both are masters of their craft.

[@joelj7279]

Have you ever heard of Cory Wong? Worth checking out

[@MrAKbass]

@@joelj7279 Sure, I saw him live. Cory's my favorite new-gen rhythm guitar player

[@thebigchief1503]

My favorite is Al McKay of EWF dude is legendary

[@JasperRuffin]

This guy must have been in his very early 20's when he contributed to the Thriller album. What an amazing start to a career. I'm sure he has a tremendous resume.

[@KirkJacksonalpha]

Please look up PJJ. His career did not start or end with Thriller.

[@cemeriemusic]

He actually started record as a teenager.. 11 yrs old, or so

[@135jh]

He has a solid groove on Chicago's "Along Comes A Woman".

[@radudumitriu9444]

just check this out for his resume... this guy is way too humble kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWTPmKCkqLmXmaM

[@JasperRuffin]

@@KirkJacksonalpha I'm not a Paul Jackson jr. expert. I have no idea when he began playing professionally, in fact, never heard of him before this video showed up in my news feed. But as I stated....I'm sure he has a TREMENDOUS resume.

[@Chumbawumba1000]

That part he wrote for “lady in my life” is one of my favourite licks…so simple but sets a very effective mood/vibe

[@coltonjones9850]

He is also clearly a monster jazz player that’s spent a lot of time listening to horn players, we don’t talk about that enough either.

[@johnneiberger7311]

As a liner note junky throughout the 80s and 90s, this dude has played on so many freaking great songs and albums.

[@bylyone23]

This guy should be on Masterclass ! I would gladly pay hundreds to have him as a guitar teacher

[@Joesfosterdogs]

LOVE this cat's personality...no BS...so real, confident, not arrogant...articulate and open to share.

[@mikepecchio-gk1bc]

He definitely could have been a successful VO artist. His diction is exceptional. I have a feeling he would have been successful no matter what path he took, lucky for us he chose music

[@Jeff_H_the_Guitarist]

Paul’s a class act. His students, I hope they know how blessed they are.

[@danrebeiz4598]

When you don’t just say “that part wasn’t me, I played this part”, but actually name the person that deserves the credit, that shows not only true humility but respect for the person that deserves the credit. I feel like all the best session players have that quality. Humble, respectful team players. That said., mad respect for the great Paul Jackson Jr. Love it ❤

[@ucukaoma4551]

He is a good guy!

[@soundpro707]

I had the pleasure of being Mr. Jackson’s front of house mixer for a one off show years back. He is a sound engineers dream and a class act. It was a wonderful experience and a honor.

[@michaelgregory2231]

Excellent presentation, Mason! I saw Paul play live in Sacramento with members of Earth Wind and Fire and George Duke's band in 1983 and I met Paul that night. He was so gracious and gave me his contact info. I wrote him a letter and instead of writing back, he called me. To a 22 year-old trying-to-be studio player, it was so encouraging! And as demonstrated in this video, still so consistent with the humanity that his faith has instilled in him.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's sooo good!

[@Rayquesto]

He should come back to Sacramento!!!

[@waynefoote3781]

Man ..that is real and very heartwarming...gives hope to the future of music! This industry is terrible ...yet there are still beautiful Souls within it !

[@clarkmakes]

EWF's West Coast tour music director back in the day was Robert Brookings, who was from Sacramento. Had a studio in South Sac. A *lot* of music and musicians came from Sac back then. Paul was joined by a Sacramento guitarist for a tour back in the '90s and as a fan, sitting behind the a few dudes from the original Tony! Toni! Toné! line up was wild. (Raphael Saadiq, an original member, too, opened up for Chaka Khan, who opened for EWF, and Paul was *phenomenal*. Don't think he did *any* live stuff.

[@michaelgregory2231]

@@clarkmakes I did many gigs and sessions with the late Robert Brookins, including one with the late Wayman Tisdale. There is now a park named after him here in Sacramento.

[@GraphiteandCigars]

Paul Jackson Jr. is so under rated. I absolutely love his sense of rhythm. His picking technique is so smooth and fluid, and like most of the greats so darn humble and likable. Great stuff Mason.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@mariorojas3724]

What? Under rated? He is a LEGEND, a living LEGEND!!!! Under rated??? Man!!!!!😖😖😖🤦‍♂️

[@independentthinker.273]

The reason why they're considered underrated is because most people are ignorant to the fact that what you hear them record came from their own ideas. Everyone has this ignorant assumption that they're just playing off of sheet music as told by a producer what to play note for note. They usually don't get the credit because they're there to back up the star vocalist or group. Unfortunately session players are basically behind the scenes and even if they're on stage they're practically invisible to the artist singing. In a rock band setting everyone gets equal attention both on the album as well as visually in concert. I would say that session players probably have to work harder to make their money. Since they don't get album royalties like the artist does.

[@chris33513]

He is under rated?? Never was in the professional circle of musicians and producers. At 16 i bought records when he was credited and i was Just a consumer.

[@amaj7313]

I always forget that someone will use the word underrated and it always makes me feel a little bit ill when I read it. Can we all agree that if they're not The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or Jaco Pastorius they're underrated 🤮

[@sdrebels13]

The guitar parts on “give life back to music” and “I feel it coming” are just so damn good. That style of rhythm guitar is so great.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

The musicianship on display on Thriller is astounding. From the demos you hear of just Michael throwing out all the ideas, to the finished product it's just a stunning display of musical talent.

[@WanderingStudent-wd7me]

Sorry pal. Jackson DID NOT "THROW OUT ALL THE IDEAS" for the "Thriller" album. There's absolutely nothing wrong (not everyone feels this way) with being a "Moonwalker", but do it TRUTHFULLY.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

lol, what? Sorry that I used the word "all". Of course he didn't do everything. I thought that would be obvious, but apparently not for you. @@WanderingStudent-wd7me

[@WanderingStudent-wd7me]

@@InfectiousGroovePodcast "All the ideas" has but one meaning. "Jackson, as well as the other artists involved with the project, worked magic from beginning to end. The display of musical talent is stunning and inspirational to millions of up and coming artists." See how easy that was?

[@stevenponte6655]

When he plays along with the track it is like heaven! His feel, groove, timing and warmth are ridiculous.

[@Gregory_TheWatchman]

It's just amazing to see Paul Jackson Jr. go from young actor ("Good Times" episode as a gangbanger, he was one of the 'warlords'), to being such a profound guitarist categorized in my book with the other greats such as Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, George Benson, and Al Di Meola. Glad he pursued music...he was made to play the guitar.

[@williamdavis8855]

I remember that. Saw it on YT a few years back.. glad somebody put it together as far as who these backup actors become.. he definitely rose up 🎸

[@maxsalasr]

Paul Jackson Jr is a master . But let's mention the tone he gets out of that PRS, pure fire 🔥

[@Waterinmenbenen]

It sounds ungodly good!

[@biggdogg19]

Did not know he played in so much Michael Jackson music. Wow! He’s one of my favorite Smooth Jazz guitarists!

[@chriso8193]

No one did....people were too busy focusing on Michael.

[@notificationisturnedoff_hehe]

​@@chriso8193michael wasn't playing but my dude was an instrument in himself ❤.

[@J_Drix]

Paul and Steve Lukather absolutely killed it on Thriller. It’s so great to see/hear the other guitar parts from that album

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Absolutely!

[@hummarstraful]

Luke said he played the same part that Paul says he played though. Luke said that in his Beato interview. Luke said he did it with too much distortion then Quincy told him to grab the Rivera and do it all over with a cleaner tone. Mason, maybe you can reach out to Paul for more clarification?

[@jpcody123]

@@hummarstraful Luke’s told the story in many interviews about how he & Jeff Porcaro had to re-record the song due to either EVH or Don Landee messing up the original version of the tape. Maybe PJJ played the riff on the original version that had to be scrapped?

[@fs7572]

Lukather said this over the years. And for me it ever sounds like him... But who knows, both guys can play this and I wouldn't be able to tell after all this years.

[@LittleMAC78]

​​@@hummarstraful in the Beato interview, Lukather said they had to remake the track because Van Halen's part wouldn't sync up. Lukather wasn't on the original pre-Van Halen recording at all. If I'm hearing that Beato interview right then the Lukather version (including Porcaro on drums) is the released version. Maybe Paul Jackson jr is on the original version?

[@kendinatl]

This is why people just don't understand and appreciate someone like Prince who went in the studio by himself and produced hit after hit. Most performers have dozens of people involved in a single song.

[@kamilahcummings1827]

Thank you for saying this. As a lover of Prince, I kept thinking of him. These artists with whom Paul worked were amazingly gifted, but when you think of Prince doing it all himself, it is mind blowing and underscores that he was in his own galaxy in terms of talent.

[@Rickkelley365]

And not only performed/recorded/produced hit after hit - he also intuitively recognized when something he had written wasn’t for him, but for someone else. He wrote hit after hit for others, too. Prince’s gifts were beyond the event horizon. It was too much for one human life to fully realize.

[@gaddyify]

His first album, he produced by himself, but his later albums, had members of the Revolution, and The power Generation. In the studio

[@papabear9608]

Prince was the best guitarist ever he played the blues. He played every instrument there was most people new him for purple rain . But he was the greatest musician in my heart

[@Gilbertnba]

Right, one of the few able to do everything, but the way you say it looks like he always done all the work by himself, which is wrong. He did on some songs, and there were other musicians playing drums, bass, keyboards... on some other songs.

[@rodleaverton]

Absolutely love hearing Paul talk about this history and breaking-down the parts, the gear, the guitars. Paul is the real deal! No one is as funky as Paul.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Such a fun interview! Paul really pulled out all the stops!

[@jorgoshki]

Lady in my life is such a beautiful song. Killer bass lines by Louis Johnson and amazing drums by Jeff Porcaro

[@mash808]

Love when he plays the beat it line and he casually says "all I did was..." like it wasn't the main hook of the entire song 🤣

[@KennyEvansUK]

This guys tone and execution are sublime.

[@TheKing12310]

The most beautiful RnB/Soul palm-muted and rhythm guitars IMO. Love him

[@Neyenn]

Right when he was talking about Beat It and he said "all I did was" I knew he was going to do that iconic guitar line what a talented and humble human being.

[@csp4454]

To me this video is the equivalent of finding money! When do us musicians get a chance to see legends talk about gear and go back and play around with their old stuff from 30 years ago......pure gold!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I love getting to hear the “behind the scenes” guys. This man laid the foundation for some of the most influential music of all time.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-bi5pv5lu1r]

His time feel is so prescise that it almost sounds like it's quantized

[@FStoppers]

That rhythm part to Dirty Diana has some crazy syncopation that makes it really difficult to play. Even in this video I’m not sure Paul gets it correct, but man is it cool. I’d love to know who played the metal chorus riff? -P

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Steve Stevens

[@thedonbishop55]

David Williams played the rhythm section. Paul the lead and Steve Stevens played the solo.

[@samueloladele8988]

PJJ killed it in "I Feel it Coming". Random Access Memories remains one album I hold so dare to my heart, thanks to the combination of Niles and PJJ. I love him so much.

[@paulmitchell5349]

''All I did was ....'' the most compelling riff.

[@ceoa]

What an introduction. I have such respect for musicians, song writers and vocalists. Just magic ✨ when everything comes together. 🤗

[@materialistadialectico4884]

Those funky and fancy single note lines are awesome. Master class musician right there.

[@terrybryant3744]

Great guitarist his verbal teaching is just as good as his playing thanks Paul

[@mixey01]

Who else went and listened to the songs after this video. Amazing talented guy. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us

[@alwyatt1339]

PJ is a great musician. He does not get enough credit. Awesome interview! We need a Dann Huff interview!

[@harbonip]

Yeah I love when he goes through the notes of the lady in my life . This guy is magical with a guitar .

[@luiscalletano3335]

Pool kg off‼️‼️😊‼️‼️‼️‼️😊😊‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️❗️😆😅😅😅😹☺️☺️☺️😉😉😉😍😍😍😌😍😝😝😝😝😝😝😝😌😝😝😝😝😝😝

[@harrysearia1784]

His rhythm consistency and timing are flawless.

[@thetifosimsc5231]

I don’t think I’ll watch a better video today. What a legend! The Lady In My Life melted me, it’s iconic and those two albums are two of the best ever made. Thank you for this easy going interview. Class acts, both of you.

[@nothimbutbetteractually]

So this dude is literally the living legend that carried much of my taste in music?! He's such a good dude!

[@bobpattersonmusic]

Wow, I didn't realize how much of George Benson's sound leaked into PJJ's playing. Sweet!

[@frankf.6639]

Paul is amazing he deserves so much respect ! I was 17 when i bought Thriller and discovered Paul’s unlimited talent…since then I bought most of the records on which he played….sort of garanty that it was a good song or record. You can hear him play on Jeff’s Lorber trio Jazz Funk Soul, he is one of a kind and people like Quincy Jones or Michael knew it from the start. Thank you so much for this interview 👍🏻👍🏻

[@pfonseca67]

I always admired Paul Jackson Jr. What a fantastic player and a great person.

[@milanpolak]

One of the greatest session guitarists of all time. He always comes up with great stuff, not only great grooves but also very musical lines.

[@michaelfaragher1911]

Paul’s playing on beat it , PYT and the lady in my life is awesome 😎. PYT and lady in my life wouldn’t be the same without his guitar 🎸 on it! David Williams guitar work is also fantastic on other thriller tracks !

[@stickman55100]

Wow! Paul Jackson’s introduction was just one of the things made watching this video. Paul’s playing is just spectacular!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, that was quite an intro! Very flattering! And yes, the playing, the stories, all top notch! All credit goes to Paul!

[@stickman55100]

@@VertexEffectsInc But we’ll-deserved!

[@lukao6114]

He is the one that gave life back to music!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@thehappysack2362]

Honestly, I wouldn't know if Paul missed anything. His playing is impeccable 👌

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!

[@aricdevone9818]

Paul is a living legend. Geez, his name is on repeat in in my record collection. He has played riffs on a ton of 80s hits.

[@paulhunt9375]

Yes - The great Paul Jackson Jr !! What a treat to see and hear first hand from a master of his craft. Just goes to show that all guitar demonstrations don’t have to be all rocked out and super loud 🙌

[@renmomtha-renaissancesoul8849]

Fun fact: Paul Jackson acted in an episode of Good Times✨

[@Rondo2ooo]

That clean strat like single coil sound, used in so many 80s pop songs lightens up songs so much. Even if it's just in the background almost unnoticed.

[@huggybear1996]

Lady In My Life is one of my very favourite MJ songs.

[@bradnobl]

Heard this song a thousand times but to see the musician break it down gives it a whole new depth.

[@risteardohaodha23]

Thank you Mason for bringing to light these amazing session players. Its very much appreciated and is like going back to school, learning about a hidden history 🙏🏼💜✨

[@jonathandollin8604]

Thanks! Only this week was I listening to Paul playing with Ron Kenoly. Wouldn’t be a musician without those recordings! Thanks again for posting

[@janmuenther]

A gentleman and a scholar. Fantastic interview with a formidable musician.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👏👏👏

[@Sumbibebe]

This was an awesome interview. I’ve been a super fan of Paul since his I Came To Play album. I saw in at a NAM show back in ‘97 and all I could say was, “you’re Paul Jackson Jr.” and he said yes and I basically froze. I’m also proud to say that I also love recoding at 25th Studios in Oakland and it’s one of the coolest places to record music, they are so cool👍🏾 Sumbi

[@KingAmaniImani]

I can listen to this all day. So soothing

[@bwall615]

Paul Jackson Jr! In the last few days I’ve seen interviews from Dann Huff, Rit, now PJJ. Three of my favs. Mason you are killing it with these interviews. With Paul his right hand, feel, pocket, groove whatever you wanna call it, he’s at the top.

[@DanFreeman723]

Another example of Quincy & MJ only dealing with super human musicians as a rule. This dude is otherworldy as a guitarist.

[@kingperalta]

Practically every other soul/funk/R&B album from the '80s has PJJ's name in the credits. Living legend is an understatement!

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

This legendary fella...could take a half dozen Valiums...FALL FULL ASLEEP...and he'll STILL BE PLAYING HIS GUITAR when he WAKES UP...not a doubt in my mind! I have been listening to his playing since the early 1980's; probably the late 70's and not even knowing it. Being in the radio broadcast field throughout my career, I have had the extra wonderful opportunity to air his rhythm tracks, for dozens of years; a whole era! Thank you Paul. (PS: Paul, you did a EXTRAORDINARY JOB on the acoustic guitar, on Daft Punk's instrumental "HORIZON" from R.A.M., which only appeared on the Japanese record album & compact disc release. Not that many people here in the US knew that track even existed, but when I saw that CBS put that in as a 'bonus track' for the Japan edition, I KNEW I had to order me that import...and I was SO GLAD I did...your acoustic interpretation on that number, was so reminiscence of a Pink Floyd, 'dreamy-sequence' number...) BolsaChicaRadio

[@Ten80pete]

I have to say, not having ever seen any interviews or non-playing footage of Mr. Paul Jackson Jr. interacting with anyone; what a genuine, charismatic, truly talented man. His guitar playing alone seems effortless. That instrument is an extension of him, and he plays like he was destined to do exactly what he does. More than that though, not only is he not putting on a facade (which is so common for public figures), but he seems like he genuinely enjoys talking to people and has a lust for life that maybe 2% of people I've ever met have. This video was an absolute pleasure to watch, and thank you Mason. Two legends in the industry who both also happen to be among my favorite human beings having a sincere unscripted dialogue... *chefs kiss*.

[@316minister]

What a great interview! As a part-time session guitar player, I and others were learning Paul's style and techniques because the artists and producers were asking for what they heard Paul, Nile, Huff, and others were doing. The gear he used was always way out of my budget, but of course, I and guys like me had to find lower-cost over-the-counter options. Thanks for posting this great interview!

[@Ottophil]

I can’t imagine how cool it must have felt to be in a room with this legend. Love his work

[@16davelle]

Paul Jackson jr. is as legendary as they come, talk about a top shelf guitarist Paul is truly it.

[@Qd322]

This man is an ICON. His body of work is stellar.

[@chocolatericeband]

PJJ - what an absolute legend and repository of technique and tone from some of the most iconic songs from the 80's onward. I had the great pleasure of seeing PJJ at Yoshi's last month with Jazz Funk Soul (Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber) and they were amazing. Bought their CD after the show and Paul was so kind to spend some time talking to my buddy and me and take a pic. Thanks for doing this video, Mason.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I was supposed to go to that show but was on baby duty with my 8 month old son - next time! I'm sure it was great!

[@chris33513]

Are you referring to a new CD by Jeff Lorber? I Love almost all of his releases. What is the one called you bought?

[@chocolatericeband]

@@VertexEffectsInc Hi Mason. The show was great, including a wicked solo interchange between Everette Harp and PJJ!

[@chocolatericeband]

@@chris33513 Hi, the CD is "Forecast" by the group Jazz Funk Soul. JFS is PJJ on guitar, Lorber on keys, and Everette Harp on sax. They are all amazing as individuals and are awesome as a supergroup.

[@rlennyr]

Paul is such a legend. Love all his work with Integrity music.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@georgecasseus6893]

This guy just don't miss. He keeps playing on straight hits! For decades!

[@alwlferventdreams2651]

I had no idea who this was until this video, even though he’s played on several of my favorite tunes and even crazier still, that I’ve learned many of these guitar parts… session players really don’t get the credit they deserve. Forever grateful for Paul’s contributions to music.

[@JRAdams-tp7eo]

Can you imagine if MJ was alive and did a Tiny Desk with Paul doing that Lady in My Life in that same acoustic style??? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@stephendawg1]

The context of the riff is fun to hear but mixing the track down while Paul is playing his line is showing his true, professional chops, so clean, tight and funky. Always love his playing and personality. Thanks for the great interview!

[@hardminder]

man, with that type of interview, you're worth 3-4 million subsribers. I have not subsrcibed to any channel in the past 12 years but I made an exception today. Exceptional stuff right here

[@craigswensen434]

This was a great video!! Thanks to both of you and all others involved. ❤️

[@Ferguitar]

Wow .. great interview, with a studio legend .. fantastic .. Paul comes over as such a great guy .. thanks for this post

[@cinnamonstreet80sband60]

Great interview and such a talented guitarist, with a real ear for the song. Man, I would have loved to hear him rip out that rediculous lead line that starts Michael Jackson's 'Why You Wanna Trip on Me', from the Dangerous album. Love all the solos he did with Five Star too, like 'Can't Wait Another Minute'. Could have listened for hours! Thank you

[@Rad86..]

Man the way he played lady in my life to open up 🔥🔥🙌🏽

[@michaelteter]

These interviews are fantastic!

[@raidazz1]

The genius of these musicians just amazes me. Thanks for the great video

[@billwittman0504]

Such a versatile and gifted master of the guitar. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work.

[@fenderbender28]

Amazing video. Thanks so much Paul and Mason!

[@backup-2022]

So cool !!! Thank for the share

[@dumaflotchy13]

Paul Jackson Jr is a musical treasure. What a great interview, thank you.

[@karelhoogendoorn]

What a fantastic rhythm player. I didn't know him and clicked on the thumbnail out of curiosity. I loved every minute of this. Thnx!

[@MrSK168]

Great interview, Thanks for sharing!!!

[@rosalindjohnson8386]

Awesome! Learned a lot. Thoroughly enjoyed this PJJ!!!❤

[@dgrantha]

Paul Jackson is a true master! Thanks for the video!

[@aricdevone9818]

I appreciate the appreciation that is being expressed here for Paul Jackson Jr. Absorb the knowledge that Paul spoke of leaving here for all of us to learn from. Knowledge is power and wisdom is eternal.

[@hargisP2]

We appreciate your appreciation for our appreciation, for without appreciation there would be no appreciation, so again we appreciate it.

[@MichaelCGatesMusic]

What an awesome interview!

[@Hello-pl2qe]

Awesome interview and playing by Paul!