Darren Watson’s “Darren Watson sings John Hiatt” Tour Hits Kumeū: A Deep Dive into a Blues Master’s Latest Tribute
Kumeū, New Zealand – For blues aficionados and music lovers alike, the name Darren watson is synonymous with soulful storytelling and masterful musicianship. The acclaimed New Zealand artist is set to bring his latest project, the critically lauded Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt, to Kumeū Live at the Kumeū Arts Center next Saturday, November 15th.This tour isn’t just a series of performances; it’s a testament to the enduring power of a songwriter’s influence and Watson’s own deep connection to the blues legend.
Watson, a formidable talent in his own right, has consistently delivered compelling albums, including the highly regarded Stay Awake for the End of the World (2020) and Too Many Millionaires (2018). But it’s his 2024 release, the “unbelievably good” dog and horse show, that has truly captured the attention of critics and fans, showcasing his continued artistic evolution. This latest venture, however, delves into the rich catalog of john Hiatt, a songwriter whose work has clearly left an indelible mark on Watson’s musical journey.
The genesis of this tribute album, and Watson’s admiration for Hiatt, traces back to a pivotal moment in 1988. Watson,then a 21-year-old with a dream and his blues band Chicago Smoke Shop,found himself stranded outside Palmerston North due to a flat tire on their tour bus. It was during this unexpected pause that he first encountered the music of John Hiatt.
The first time I met John Hiatt was in the vast sea of people in 1988. I was 21 years old, good-looking, with a dream, and touring with my blues band, Chicago Smoke shop.
Watson recalls. Our tour bus stopped 20 minutes outside Palmerston north with a puncture. While the tour manager found the jack and figured out how to change a tire on a big, old Bedford bus, I watched my friend Dave Murphy put a tape into the player that was the sound system of Rob Morrison’s giant black PA crawler.
The tape in question was John Hiatt’s Memphis,Meanwhile. Watson vividly describes the immediate impact: Not only did my ears perk up! Bring the Family – before John Hiatt sang a note, it had me hooked. By the time the show was over and the bus was rolling again, I considered myself John Hiatt’s biggest fan.
This profound connection is evident throughout Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt. The album features a carefully curated selection of Hiatt’s most resonant tracks, including fan favorites like All the Way Down
, Damn Town
, Like a Freight Train
, Lincoln Town
, Mr. Stanley
, I Love Nothing
, Walking with You All the Way
, Something Called Love
, and Thirty Years of Tears
.
watson’s ability to inhabit these songs is a testament to his deep understanding of Hiatt’s songwriting prowess. As a songwriter, it’s rare to find someone who can hit the mark, be both pathos and humorous simultaneously occurring, let alone make old chords sound brand new, and have high-pitched vocals that make your blood boil.
watson explains, highlighting the unique blend of emotion and craft that defines Hiatt’s work.
the Kumeū performance promises to be an intimate and powerful experience, showcasing Watson’s exceptional talent alongside a stellar lineup of his long-time collaborators. The album features the distinctive harmonica work of Matt Hay on the song Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt
, a nod to the collaborative spirit that often defines the blues and roots music scene.
The core of Watson’s sound on this project is bolstered by his trusted musical partners: Steve Moodie on double bass,chris Armor on electric guitar,and Delia Shanly on drums and percussion. Watson himself contributes a rich tapestry of instrumentation, lending his voice, acoustic guitar, resonance guitar, bass, percussion, pump organ, melody guitar, and Hammond organ to the recordings.This multi-instrumental approach underscores his versatility and dedication to capturing the essence of Hiatt’s music.
For American sports fans, the dedication and passion Watson exhibits for John Hiatt’s music can be likened to a seasoned quarterback meticulously studying the playbook of a legendary coach, or a dedicated fan meticulously recreating a classic game-winning play. It’s about understanding the nuances,respecting the legacy,and bringing a fresh,personal interpretation to beloved material.
Potential Areas for Further Investigation:
* The Influence of John Hiatt on Contemporary Blues Artists: How has Hiatt’s songwriting shaped the landscape of modern blues
Worth a look
