Darren Watson - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Darren Watson is New Zealands' finest practitioner of the blues - a singer and guitarist who can give you goosebumps with the passion and intensity of his playing. He's also an original songwriter of rare skill and imagination.With his third solo offering, South Pacific Soul, Watson brings all of his talents under the one roof. Released in late 2005 and comprised entirely of original tunes, the album ranges from tough blues to deep soul, all tinged with a flavour of the South Pacific. Co-produced by Watson and well-known broadcaster and critic Nick Bollinger, the album finds Darren backed by a handpicked band of top Kiwi musicians, including drummer Darren Mathiassen (Hollie Smith, ex-Trinity Roots), keyboardists Chris Yeabsley (Twinset) and Alan Norman (The Warratahs) and bassist Elliotte Fuimaono (Southside Of Bombay).Darren has shared the bill with numerous international acts including legends like Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, George Thorogood, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Dr. John, Keb Mo, Emmylou Harris, Billy Boy Arnold, Eric Burdon, and Joe Cocker. Along the way he has notched up a string of radio hits including Mind On My Sleeve and Another Man, both Watson originals.South Pacific Soul has distribution worldwide through Smoke CDs .Awards & Nominations:
Nominated 1990 NZ Music Awards - Most Promising Male Vocalist
Nominated 1991 NZ Music Awards - Top Male Vocalist
Winner 1993 Wellington Music Awards - Best Live Act
Winner 1996 Aiwa Wellington Music Awards - Best Blues Artist
Nominated 2003 NZ Music Awards - Best Roots Album 'King Size'

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/27/2006
Band Website: darrenwatson.com
Influences: Robert Cray, James Carr, Dan Penn, BB King, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, John Hiatt, Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Jimmie Vaughan, The Beatles, Ry Cooder, The Band, Little Feat, Bonnie Rait, Kim Wilson, Albert Collins, Eddie Floyd, Nick Lowe, Prince, Los Lobos, (EARLY) Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, OV Wright, Delbert McClinton, Tom Waits, Nick Lowe, Hollywood Fats Band, Aimee Mann, Rick Bryant, Joe Tex, Otis Rush, Dave Dobbyn, Sam & Dave, Steve Crooper, Ryan Adams, James Harman, Donny Hathaway, Van Morrison, Ron Sexsmith, Duke Robbilard, Basie, Ellington, Lightnin' Hopkins, Skip James, Bill Lake, The Windy City Strugglers, holy crap........ this list could go on FOREVER!
Sounds Like: Soul music, baby!
Record Label: Red Rocks Records (NZ)
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

MUSICIANS & HIFI SYSTEMS . . .

I find a lot of my musician friends have pretty awful hifi setups, which I guess makes sense when you consider how little money we make? I have had some cheap and nasty shite over the years but no...
Posted by Darren Watson on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:28:00 PST

Midge Marsden Liberation Blue album sessions

I just got back into town after spending the week in Auckland recording with Midge Marsden. The sessions took place at the wonderful Lab Studios in Mount Eden with the talented Mr. Olly Harmer at the ...
Posted by Darren Watson on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 03:38:00 PST

Why I am OVER hearing about John bloody Mayer!!

OK, ok! Enough already! Yes, John Mayer is a good guitar player. Yes, he has written a few good pop tunes. But, for f**ks sake, he isn't the last word in BLUES. Everyone who harps on to me about have ...
Posted by Darren Watson on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 04:56:00 PST

Another great review !?!

Jazz Festival Review: Billy Boy Arnold Thursday, 9 November 2006, 1:11 pm Opinion: Scoop Review Jazz Festival Review: Billy Boy ArnoldReview by Tyler Hersey Billy Boy Arnold The Frontroom Novemb...
Posted by Darren Watson on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 04:58:00 PST

Great review for Billy Boy Arnold show

Feeling good about having the blues Billy Boy Arnold / 10th Annual Wellington Jazz Festival by Simon Sweetman Dominion Post Friday 10 November 2006 Billy Boy Arnold is one of the lesser-known exponen...
Posted by Darren Watson on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:35:00 PST