Bob Dylan made headlines on Monday by introducing a new touring lineup during his concert at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas.

Chicago-based jazz and blues guitarist Joel Paterson has joined the band, replacing Bob Britt, who announced his unexpected departure earlier this week. “I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private,” Britt stated on Monday. “I will miss my band mates and crew.”

Britt’s exit followed the quiet departure of guitarist Doug Lancio earlier this month. Lancio’s recent replacement, Julian Lage, also did not perform with Dylan on Monday due to a prior commitment in Brooklyn.

It remains uncertain how long Dylan’s current touring lineup will last. However, with Britt’s departure appearing to be permanent, here’s what you need to know about Paterson as he takes on guitar duties for the Long Hot Summer tour.

READ MORE: Bob Dylan Albums Ranked Worst to Best

Joel Paterson’s Resume: Beatles Covers, Christmas Records and Chicago Residencies

According to Paterson’s website: “Originally from Madison, WI, guitar and steel guitar wizard Joel Paterson has been a mainstay of the Chicago roots music scene for over 20 years, playing with many bands and showcasing his unique blend of jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing.”

The guitarist holds a weekly Monday residency at Chicago’s Green Mill Cocktail Lounge with his Joel Paterson Quartet; he also performs with his own jazz trio and the Chicago honky tonk group the Western Elstons.

Paterson’s skilled playing, influenced by legends like Les Paul and Chet Atkins, has also made him a notable figure on social media within guitar circles. As of June 2026, he has garnered over 32,000 followers on Instagram, with several videos surpassing 100,000 views. You can watch his cover of Hank Garland and Vaughn Horton’s “Sugar-Foot Rag” below.

Watch Joel Paterson Play Hank Garland and Vaughn Horton’s ‘Sugar-Foot Rag’

Paterson’s exceptional guitar skills are prominently featured on his 2017 album Hi-Fi Christmas Guitar, which includes jazzy, meticulously multi-tracked guitar renditions of holiday classics. The album was highlighted in Rolling Stone‘s 2018 Christmas album roundup, receiving a “fantastic” review.

The following year, Paterson gained further recognition for his guitar-centric Beatles covers album, Let It Be Guitar! (Joel Paterson Plays the Beatles). His deep explorations into the Fab Four’s varied catalog have led to continuous new discoveries — this spirit of exploration likely enhances his qualifications to perform alongside a legend like Dylan.

Listen to Joel Paterson Cover the Beatles’ ‘Honey Pie’

“As far as the Beatles are concerned, I’ve been listening to their music my whole life,” Paterson told Guitar.com in 2020. “When I started playing guitar, I was so fixated on learning lead guitar and blues that it never occurred to me to play Beatles music. But I’ve noticed that every time you revisit the Beatles, you form a new relationship with their music. It’s like rediscovering them countless times throughout your life; there’s always something new.”