Debra Watson and the Smokin' Aces

Debra Watson & the Smokin Aces are a force of energy, a favorite among many Austin dancers. Their eclectic mix of Rockin’ Blues, Swingin’ Jazz, Rockabilly and Western Swing will drive you out of your chair and have you dancing all night long. Watson brings heart to every song along with a heaping spoonful of her native Texas Sass. This 5-7 piece band includes, piano/organ, saxophone, guitar, upright bass, drums, and sisterly harmonies depending on the venue.
Debra began her career in Austin writing Jingles and performing Musical Parodies with Esther Follies. Later she co-formed the Better Than TV Players Comedy Troupe, producing and performing in over 100 shows at many of Austin’s beloved venues starting at Liberty Lunch.
Watson put together the original Smokin’ Aces Band in Los Angeles before she moved back to Austin 12 years ago. She has released three Cds: Come Dance with Me, That’s Right, Boogie My Blues Away and two singles: Rockin’ At the Grocery Store, and Hypnotized.
While living in Los Angeles, Debra became a featured vocalist with many of the well- known Swing and Jump Blues bands in Southern California before starting her own band. She hopes to play a couple of re-union gigs in Los Angeles this summer with her LA Smokin’ Aces band,
The Austin Smokin’ Aces feature Phil Chidester on piano/organ, Paul Haake on guitar and vocals, Lannie Hilbolt/ Kent Winking on upright bass, Mike Kosacek on drums, Dayna Culwell on harmonies. Their 7 piece band often includes one of Austin's top, talented saxophone players: Paul Klemperer, Steven Vague, Kaz Kazanoff or Mike Hamilton. Collectively, these musicians have shared the stage with or opened for such luminaries as W.C. Clark, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jackie Venson, Storyville, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal, Bobby Blue Bland, Ponty Bone, Brian Seltzer, Robert Cray, Gatemouth Brown, Elliot Fikes, George Thorogood, Marcia Ball, Extreme Heat, Hot Texas Swing Band, Waller Creek Vipers, and Merle Haggard. Each of these musicians have multiple recordings out as well.
They recently were one of the headliners at Sand Fest in Port Aransas as well as Port A Live Music Festival. Currently, the band enjoys a third Saturday monthly residency at Central Market Westgate in South Austin, where the dance floor is always filled with happy dancers.

Quotes:
"Debra Watson and The Smokin' Aces are truly one of a kind. Their musicianship is top-notch, and Debra is one of the most talented and charismatic vocalists, you'll ever encounter. Debra has an incredible fan base, and with good reason. Having developed a unique style which incorporates swing, jazz, rockabilly and blues, Debra energizes the dance floor and puts on a show to remember. Her unparalleled state presence lights up the room, and we couldn't be happier to have her perform each and every time she's in town." Owner, Joe's Great American, Los Angeles, CA.

"That's Right Cd. This CD rocks! It's all good. Not a bad track on the whole CD. Debra is a breath of fresh air. A true Renaissance woman who can do it all, any style of music. Plus she's funny and artistic. So glad she is back in Austin. "Austin Radio Music Host, Barbara Jo-KGSR

Debra is the REAL DEAL. Josh Sklar, LA, Musical arranger and guitarist for Etta James for 20 years

"On a recent trip to Austin, I got the chance to hear Debra Watson perform with her band, and it was quite a wonderful surprise. She had such a beautiful tone, and her phrasing and intonation were completely enjoyable. It was nice to hear how she created a contemporary vibe while tipping the hat to some good old Western Swing. Simple a fun night!
Frank D. Fagnano, producer/engineer NYC

"The Austin/LA retro-blues singer Debra Watson deserves praise for her strong vocal style, which is both stylistically appropriate and natural and unforced & idiosyncratic." Western Homes Austin

"Debra is electrifying on stage." Johnny Normal, guitarist for Psycho Rockabilly, LA