Darren Watson sings John Hiatt
Ōpōtiki Senior Citizens Hall
November 8

REVIEW:

It’s not every day we get the chance to see a bona fide legend in our district so when it happens, I go along for the ride.

Darren Watson has been a part of Aotearoa’s music scene since playing in bars and clubs throughout his years at Hutt Valley High School (1980-83).

He’s been a blues purist since the beginning and tonight we got to see him play his own songs as well songs by one of the great American songsters, John Hiatt.

Until Saturday night, Watson hadn’t played a live show since September 2021 but you wouldn’t know it by listening.

With a minimalist stage set up of microphone, monitors and his 1958 Gibson LG-2 acoustic and Beltona Southerner Resonator he used for slide, Watson kept the room of around 80 people entertained for two hours, with Hiatt’s often heartbreaking songs of pain and struggle, along with Watson’s own blues roots music.

With an impressive body of work of his own Watson explained that he felt the need to bring Hiatt’s music to a wider audience.

“I just love Hiatt’s songwriting so much. I’ve always played his songs live alongside my own stuff and old blues songs.

“It just seemed the right thing to pay respect to a real master.”

Here is probably not the place to go into Hiatt’s personal life and struggles, but feel free to Google it for more info on that, but in the meantime also check out Watson’s latest album, Darren Watson sings John Hiatt.

“As a songwriter there are few who can cut straight to the point with pathos and humour in equal measure, never mind the ability to make old chord sequences sound like they’re brand new, and the soaring, biting vocals just burn.

“This album is my tribute to one of my musical heroes, and as such I’m bound inevitably to fall short of his greatness. I have tried to do my own thing with these songs ‘cause I really don’t see any point in just doing ‘em the same way John did.

“I really hope, if he gets to hear this album that he can appreciate how everything is done with love and deep respect for his immense talent.”

While you may not have heard of Hiatt you will know some of his songs, such as Have a Little Faith In Me, Memphis in the Meantime and Bonnie Raitt had a hit with Thing Called Love.

Watson’s tour continues around Aotearoa until mid- December, and you can check out his new CD at www.darrenwatson.com

Dave Stewart