“Guitarist Paterson’s free-ranging music defies easy categorization. He addresses classic country, blues and Tin Pan Alley tunes as timeless works that reward repeated listening.”
– Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

“Of all the “vintage” artists injecting new life into bygone styles with originality and a sense of humor, Joel Paterson just might top the list.”
– Dan Forte, Vintage Guitar Magazine

Wheelhouse Rag is a 14-track collection of original rags and country blues on solo, finger picking acoustic guitar. 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, 1920’s-tinged Wheelhouse Rag 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— 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. He 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 fingerstyle guitar instrumentals of Joel Paterson.