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, Dave Murphy, 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!
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. 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.
By Nick Bollinger (NZ Listener, Radio NZ)
Awards & Nominations:
1990 NZ Music Awards - Most Promising Male Vocalist
1991 NZ Music Awards - Top Male Vocalist
1993 Wellington Music Awards - Best Live Act
1996 Aiwa Wellington Music Awards - Best Blues Artist
2003 NZ Music Awards - Best Roots Album 'King Size'
2009 International Songwriting Competition First Place for BLUES
Bonjour Darren Thanks for the friendly add What a so good sound and music really appreciate it Best wishes from France (Follow me on twitter.com/pascal95 ) Pascal
ey Darren !....that was brilliant at the Lido on saturday night !...so heartfelt every note you sang & every note you played...loved it !...great band too. Many thanks, jD
thanks alot mate! yes indeed i agree with you. cheers for the advice :) and if you ever need a support slot you know where 2 look haha ;) all the best jesse
Heya, Thought id dust off the cobwebs on my page here and go visiting, of course checking in on NZ's answer to the blues. Hope your weekends going great DW, keep smiling and playing. Hugs Kris x
Hi Darren, just like to touch base? my song 'Big time loser' released feb this year on my album, finished at no.2 on ourstage.com USA in June. Midge marsden did the harp bits on it. I wrote it along with all the others on the album. Would love to hear your impression of the song and maybe i can catch up with you at a gig in Wellngton some time. great stuff Johnny
I was gonna leave you a really cool and clever graphic comment to express my vast admiration for the music, but you disabled HTML., and now I can't think of a single original thing to say.
Hi Darren. Thanks for the add. I heard your music on my friend Trace's page(she left you a comment a few down from this one). Love me some blues! Sounding great in here! Cheers.
