Paul Claxton – Viola (2024)
From Americana and folk to soul, jazz, and rock, Paul Claxton barely fits into any genre let alone being defined by them. Innovative, original and eclectic, his experimental nature pushes the boundaries of conventionalism with his moving music. Yet, it is not only genre classification he pushes to the side; he weaves a silvery thread through generations touching on 60s power-pop to 90s soft rock, then the edginess of contemporary indie-folk. Bold, confident and assured in musicianship, Paul Claxton is unlike any other.
This is our introduction to the UK-based artist, but we are definitely late to the show. Sharing the stage with the likes of Robert Plant, Boney M, Sir Bob Geldof, Kiki Dee, Super Furry Animals and Wishbone Ash, Claxton has toured extensively, earned an international following, and reaches modern-day and older generations through his features and radio play. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Viola’.
Following his well-received single ‘Is There Something Else?’, ‘Viola’ is the second single from Claxton’s upcoming 7th studio album. Recorded and produced by JB Pilon, ‘Viola’ taps into the wells of soft rock flecked by shimmers of folk-rock peeking in the background. Joined by musicians Joe Montague (drums and percussion) and Joe Glossop (piano and Hammond organ), multi-instrumentalist Claxton weaves his bold bass, guitars and intriguing vocals into this tapestry of rock music.
While the melody presents a smooth symphony laid out like a glistening river; there is one obscurity adding a bolt of eccentricity to ‘Viola’: Claxton’s vocals. Showcasing his several octave vocal range, the off-kilter heights we expect from artists like Ted Neely and Steve Balsamo are elegantly indulged in Claxton’s ‘Viola’.
Sincere, sentimental and flooded with tenderness but with a slip of fragility lingering beneath, Paul Claxton continues to expand our horizons with ‘Viola’. I cannot wait for more from this sensational artist.
In addition to the single, Paul Claxton released a music video for ‘Viola’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel. Please note this video uses lighting effects that can trigger migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Paul Claxton on his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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