Darren Watson

Beloved Aotearoa folk-blues musician Darren Watson is releasing his new album Getting Sober For The End Of The World on October 1. Then he's hitting the road to bring it to you across the country all October-long! 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'. Darren Watson | Getting Sober For The End Of The World Album Tour Thursday 1 October San Fran Wellington Friday 2 October Globe Theatre # Palmerston North Saturday 3 October 4th Wall Theatre * New Plymouth Thursday 8 October Paisley Stage Napier Friday 9 October Biddy Milligans Hamilton Saturday 10 October The Wine Cellar Auckland Thursday 15 October Dog With Two Tails Dunedin Friday 16 October 12 Bar Christchurch Saturday 24 October Wellington Folk Festival + Wellington Sunday 25 October Wellington Folk Festival + Wellington Friday 30 October St. Peters’ Hall Paekakariki All tickets through UTR except + wellingtonfolkfestival.org.nz # www.globetheatre.co.nz/content/whats-0 * www.4thwalltheatre.co.nz/whats-on More info soon at www.darrenwatson.com ________________________________________________ “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)