Darren Watson

Beloved Aotearoa folk-blues musician Darren Watson released his new album Getting Sober For The End Of The World on October 1, and he's making a trip to Auckland to share the love with you all on 14 November at Kumeu Live.

The album tells a diverse range of stories in song - from the upbeat title track about giving up the party life just as Earth seems about to end, to the poignant ballad of 'Ernie Abbott'. In 1984 Abbott, Wellington Trades’ Hall caretaker, was murdered in one of New Zealand’s most infamous acts of domestic terrorism. The case is still unsolved and Watson exquisitely asks “…who put Ernie Abbot’s soul in God’s hands?” Mavis Staples guitar Rick Holmstrom brings his trademark swampy guitar to 'Alison Jane'.

“If Ry Cooder had a long-lost New Zealand cousin, it would be Darren Watson. In 'Getting Sober For the End of the World', you can smell the crawfish étouffée bubbling on the stove while a New Orleans first line shuffles and slinks past the window, the lyrics carrying you along with the unifying connection of music and humanity.”

Tami Neilson

Anyone who thinks only Americans can authentically sing the blues should listen to this album by the New Zealander Darren Watson. It’s outstanding from beginning to end – the finest acoustic blues CD this reviewer has heard in quite some time.

Blues Matters Magazine (UK)