Paul Jackson, Jr.

Paul Jackson, Jr. is a cornerstone of the Los Angeles session scene whose influence spans from Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' to Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories.'

His sound identity is defined by a highly technical but accessible approach to the electric guitar, characterized by 'the itch' - a specific style of rhythmic, muted-string playing that provides a percussive backbone to pop and jazz tracks. His career arc transitioned from a child actor to a first-call session musician, eventually establishing a solo career that helped define the 'Urban Jazz' and 'Smooth Jazz' formats of the 1990s and 2000s. Culturally, he represents the peak of the 'session pro' era, where technical versatility allowed him to move between George Benson-style jazz and Elton John-style rock. Critical consensus highlights his impeccable timing and tone, often noting that while his music fits the smooth jazz radio format, his technical proficiency and harmonic depth far exceed the genre's standard tropes. He remains a vital link between the golden age of analog studio recording and modern digital production.