Wellington bluesman to visit Whanganui on millionaire tour

Wellington musican Darren Watson will play at Whanganui's Lucky Bar Kitchen next week. photo/supplied

Blues musician Darren Watson may have six albums under his belt but his latest Too Many Millionaires has got him really excited.

"It is being released on 12" vinyl," he says.

"This one is crowdfunded and I managed to raise $10,000."

The Wellington-based musician is on a North Island tour to promote the album and will play at Whanganui's Lucky Bar + Kitchen next Friday.

"I was born in Whanganui and my daughter and her family have recently moved there.

"I've heard wonderful things about Lucky Bar so I'm especially looking forward to playing there."

Watson has impressive pedigree in New Zealand music with a CV that includes Chicago Smoke Shop, Midge Marsden Band and the cheekily named Planet Key.

Too Many Millionaires, he says is the culmination of three decades of "hard graft" that has enabled him to finally find his own voice.

Watson says the album was recorded live in the studio by award-winning engineer Lee Prebble.

He says surrounding himself with a talented and sympathetic band has resulted in tracks that are "pure, intimate magic".

Nuances of blues legends Elmore James, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson can be heard along with contemporary influences like Lyle Lovatt, John Hiatt and Wellington songwriter Bill Lake, says Watson.

Watson's band are Steve Moodie on double bass, Dayle Jellyman on piano
Delia Shanly on percussion and Terry Casey on harmonica.

Opening act on the night is Whanganui's own singer and songwriter Terry Sarten.

Darren Watson and band with Terry Sarten: Lucky Bar + Kitchen, 53 Wilson St, 7.30pm, May 4. Tickets $20, book at Eventfinda.