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
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.
Darren, thank you so much for your kind words of empathy and encouragement. Just what I needed to hear and believe. You are a true friend that don't know his value. After reading your comment I felt that you really grasp the meaning of what I am feeling right now. I'm hoping for you Darren, that your career continue to afford you bigger opportunities. Big is defined as what you deem in your heart as important. Love Ya! Patty
Hey DW Checking on in you over here on the space *smiles.. hope your start to the weeks going your way.. cold in welly? Brrr im feeling it here in the sunny south! Take care oh musical one :) Hugs Kris xxx
Hey DW congrats on your winning song.Well deserved!!!!! will give it a good plug on Bell St blues show next week. Maybe cross over for an interview! Cheers Mark.
Hey DW How did the gig go last night.. good crowd? Away tomorrow for the easter weekend, going to the caravan at kaiteriteri so lets hope it dosnt rain the whole time.. lol.. Have a great weekend, hope its a relaxing one for ya. Hugs Kris x