Godfather of UK Americana strikes with a beautifully crafted new solo album.
Geraint Watkins, a stalwart of roots-influenced music in Britain over the past forty years has played in many bands including Nick Lowe, Van Morrison and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings.
For 2019’s “Rush Of Blood” he has teamed up with Brit and Billboard Awards winner Simon Ratcliffe of Basement Jaxx (Janet Jackson, Yoko Ono, Justin Timberlake) as co-producer.
The album kicks off with the standout title track, which, according to Watkins, “began as a sort of slow euro blues—now it’s more spaghetti Western.” As is Middle Of The Night with a more than a nod to Johnny Cash. The album’s relaxed and unhurried style goes from country with Heart Of Stone, to blues and gospel with Hold Back, Cajun shuffle with Reason To Live and back again with masterful effect.
Once lauded as Bob Dylan’s favourite UK piano player, Watkins’ musical CV reads like a Who’s Who of roots-influenced rockers, working with artists including Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Nick Lowe, Dr. Feelgood, Tom Jones and John Martyn. This is a great album which draws you in to the mastery of Watkins. Catch him live with Billy Bremner as part of the January Blues Festival at London’s 100 Club on 20th January. He’ll be great.
Tracklisting;
1. Rush of Blood (3:56)
2. Hold Back (3:23)
3. Heart of Stone (2:45)
4. Middle of the Night (4:13)
5. Heaven Only Knows (4:23)
6. On the Nside (4:37)
7. On My Mind (4:20)
8. I Got the Blues (3:21)
9. Reason to Live (3:49)
10. Another Day Over (3:14)
11. Wherever There’s Love
Review by Chaz Brooks
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