24 Apr 2024
Darren Watson - Introducing Darren Watson Album Review
10 Nov 2014 // A review by blues.bass
These are the facts of the case:
Darren Watson should need no introduction. Yet, he and his music were introduced to a whole new audience with the ongoing kerfuffle over his song Planet Key. As Darren himself puts it, he “fought the law, and the judge reserved his decision". While we all wait for the judge to pass down his ruling (which has implications for everyone involved in the music industry in this country, by the way), Darren has released his latest album Introducing Darren Watson.
Let’s not mince words, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is Darren, and his band, is world class. It would be too trite to say that this album proves it, because that was quite conclusively proved a long time ago.
Introducing Darren Watson takes off where his previous record Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy left off. The 8 original songs are typical Watson. These tunes hint at Booker T and the MG’s, the tasteful addition of horns supply a Motown feel and there is more than a little touch of the soulfulness of Robert Cray in his prime.
Yet, the record remains uniquely Watsonesque with those trademark stumbling shuffles which are as powerful as being hit by a falling tree - and just as dangerous. The two Bill Lake songs are expertly covered and a fitting tribute to one of his heroes. This is a record full of fat groves, soulful vocals and brilliant musicianship.
Darren Watson should need no introduction, but if you haven’t met him yet... buy this record and get acquainted.
Not doing so should be a crime.
These are the facts of the case, and they are undisputed.
These are the facts of the case:Darren Watson should need no introduction. Yet, he and his music were introduced to a whole new audience with the ongoing kerfuffle over his song Planet Key. As Darren himself puts it, he “fought the law, and the judge reserved his decision". While we all wait for the judge to pass down his ruling (which has implications for everyone involved in the music industry in this country, by the way), Darren has released his latest album Introducing Darren Watson.
Let’s not mince words, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is Darren, and his band, is world class. It would be too trite to say that this album proves it, because that was quite conclusively proved a long time ago.
Introducing Darren Watson takes off where his previous record Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy left off. The 8 original songs are typical Watson. These tunes hint at Booker T and the MG’s, the tasteful addition of horns supply a Motown feel and there is more than a little touch of the soulfulness of Robert Cray in his prime.
Yet, the record remains uniquely Watsonesque with those trademark stumbling shuffles which are as powerful as being hit by a falling tree - and just as dangerous. The two Bill Lake songs are expertly covered and a fitting tribute to one of his heroes. This is a record full of fat groves, soulful vocals and brilliant musicianship.
Darren Watson should need no introduction, but if you haven’t met him yet... buy this record and get acquainted.
Not doing so should be a crime.
These are the facts of the case, and they are undisputed.
Introducing Darren Watson
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About Darren Watson
Since leaving rhythm & blues showband Chicago Smoke Shop in the early 1990's Watson has cemented his reputation as the nation's most original, contemporary, blues-based voice. He's released seven albums including 2002's King Size (which was nominated for Best Roots Album | 2002 NZ Music Awards), 2005's South Pacific Soul, 2010's internationally acclaimed Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy, and Introducing Darren Watson from 2014.
2018's Too Many Millionaires represented a major shift in direction for the veteran musician. The record features all acoustic performances and it got rave reviews in local and international media, as well as hitting the Official NZ Top 20 and IMNZ charts for many weeks.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Darren Watson
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