Billy Watson and His International Silver String Submarine Band – Numero Cinco review and CD Release Party highlights
Let me start off by saying several things about Billy Watson: he's a bad ass blues harp blowin', songwritin', funny boy showman with a knack for surrounding himself with incredibly talented musicians who all possess his sense of playfulness and respect for good old fashioned blues with a twist.
Whew! I feel so much better knowing that's off my chest and out in the open. I don't want to hide anything from you. No secrets. Is it a deal? Good. Thanks.
Numero Cinco is much more than a pleasant trip into the blues. It's a work of genius. How else would you describe a CD that contains classics like "Whiskey Headed Blues", "Murmur Low", and "You Killin' Me" with the stunning originals "Daddy Come Home" (breathtaking vocals from Anna Troy), "Night Fishin'" (a party-all-night blues instrumental), and the absolutely hysterical "Allergy Blues"? Like I said, it's a work of genius. Or maybe it's brave. You see, Billy not only dares to have fun with his music, he races across the border to Mexico to spice things up a bit on the cuts "Zapatos Baratos Otra Vez" and "Aye Poppy!", the latter written by the formidable guitarist, Junior Watson.
No matter which track you listen to, you end up with some of the tastiest ear candy you can imagine. Okay, maybe that wasn't as pleasant an image as I'd originally thought. How about this? I dare you to listen to Numero Cinco and keep your feet still the entire time. That means there'll be no head bobbing, shimmying, knee jiggling, or blinking in time to the music either.
If you can imagine having such a good time listening to a CD, just think how much fun you'd have seeing him perform. With Billy, you don't get a bunch of folks on stage playing instruments and singing. You get a show. I'm talkin' about people playing and singing from the heart. I'm talkin' about a dance and laugh your buns off raucous good time.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Fine review - makes one want the album
2 - Joanie
You'd love it, Aaman! It's a party on plastic...or whatever CDs are made from.
3 - Temple Stark
Music Editor Temple Stark picked this for an Editor's Pick of the Week. Go find out why HERE.
Thank you.
4 - Orion Wheeler
I saw Billy Watson in Ramona this summer. He and his band were a lot of fun! They had two guys called the Baja Blues Boys open the show for them - they were also very good - lots of music and energy for just two guys. Do you know if they have any CDs for sale?
Thanks,
OW