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It's been said that art imitates life, nothing can be more true when it comes to the musical escapades of the solo artist known as Elementary Watson.
Watson's second Elementary Watson release, "Master Bits & Pieces," on the independent Serendipity Records label, is a testament to artistic diversity. Is there a facet of any popular music genre Watson cannot compliment beautifully with his multi talented vocal capabilities? Judging from his Masterful display on "Master Bits & Pieces" it seems doubtful.
"I've always immersed myself in listening to the most dynamic vocal talents. I've taken heed from the best. Everything from Elvis Costello, Neil Diamond and Engelbert Humperdink to Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Ian Gillan (Deep Purple/Black Sabbath) and Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple/Rainbow)."
The reflection of those influences can be distinguishably heard on tracks throughout "Master Bits & Pieces." The range of styles meshed together, unifying the trademark Elementary Watson sound, are at their most compelling moments when listening to tracks such as the final cut "My Inspiration, My Muse," and "Paternal Bliss." The former ventures into the realms of jazz with its sentimental flugelhorne section. The latter song brims with its own emotional turmoil, as Watson vocalizes to the moving issue of abandonment by his father, accompanied by the haunting whispers of violins and cellos.
"On my first CD release "Pervertual Reality" I didn't get quite as personal as I do on "Master Bits & Pieces." With this new album I cut myself open and bleed for the listeners. It can be a little scary to do that sometimes, but I feel it's necessary. A singer has to sing about what they know. I know about me and the human condition. Pain, anguish, and eventual redemption are themes that reverberate in my compositions." "Besides," adds Watson matter-of-factly, "You know what they say about the business of making music.it's the singer, not the song!"
More often than not Watson's pain mirrors other peoples pain too, and that magical connection is made. Whether the subject at hand be about trying to achieve success ("Destiny's Signpost Up Ahead") or the distress of youthful mistakes overlooking responsibilities in a sexual relationship ("The Scenic Route"), or even the benign approach society has taken to modern life ("We're Ambivalent"). Watson strikes chords emotionally as well as musically, and it is just that rare gift of complex euphonious emotions that unravel in a palpably unique way.
Once again, as with Elementary Watson's debut EP "Pervertual Reality," Watson brings together much of the same gifted team, making "Master Bits & Pieces" the distinctive 'masterpiece' that it is. Recorded again at PURPLE LIGHT STUDIOS by (Co-) Producer/guitarist Michael Barile (Producer for E Town Concrete, Pray for the Soul of Betty, Friends Of Bill Wilson, etc.), this sophomore release offers sonic pride in having Barile back on board, as well as guitarist James Robbins. The Schalk brothers (Steve on guitar / Kenneth on drums & keys) are only partially a new element themselves, as aforementioned percussionist Kenneth Schalk (whose own group Candiria was named one of Rolling Stones' "Top Ten Metal Bands Ever" in their 1999 list) was an elemental writing partner on Watson's previous solo release.
"Working with talents like I have, it's easy to shine. I'd be hard pressed to develop my ideas quite as brilliantly as I have without the professionalism of my featured musicians. They are to me what Bernie Taupin is to Elton John".
Lastly, it is the elaborate vocalizations of female backing singers which compliment Watson's own vocal finesse and truly make the Elementary Watson sound what it is.
Rounding out the sonic team, behind the scenes, is the ever proficient NiteBob (who has worked with acts ranging in diversity from Aerosmith and Kiss all the way to N'Sync) lending his ear to the fine tuning of the album's mix, as well as Mastering Engineer Roger Lian of Masterdisc, who completed the final audio touches. Roger is no stranger to the game either, as he has done the same many times with acts as diverse as Heather Nova to remixes for Mariah Carrey.
Weighing in Watson's take on contemporary rock, it seems obvious that true music aficionados are waiting to embrace an artist who is a touch more musically adventurous than that of the common rock tapestry.
"The tides are turning, the waves are building power and I'm the tsunami of rock and roll baby. I'm ready to wash over the world!"
Elementary Watson DISCOGRAPHY
"Pervertual Reality"
RELEASED: 1998
1. Dig 2. Thorn In My Mind (A.D.) 3. God Complex 4. Shout* 5.
6. Thorn In My Mind (B.C.)
"Master Bits & Pieces"
RELEASED: 1999
1. Lucas 2. Destiny's Signpost Up Ahead 3. Woe Is Me 4. Paternal Bliss
5. I'm Still Standing* 6. We're Ambivalent 7. Churn 8. The Scenic Route
9. My Inspiration, My Muse
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