Attempting to designate a musical category for Watkins is not without its challenges, but the perspicacious Nick Lowe once observed that he could be filed as “the missing link between Paulo Conte and Howling Wolf”. Another beacon of taste - Bob Dylan – proclaimed himself a fan by playing two solo cuts on his Theme Time Radio Hour saying (without a hint of irony) that “Geraint Watkins is my favourite English piano player.” There you have it…high praise indeed. Born in Wales, Watkins was a member of noted British bands Juice on the Loose and Red Beans & Rice and following a move to London with the latter, he soon found himself on the “Be Stiff Route 78” tour as part of Micky Jupp’s band. Shortly afterwards in 1979, Andy Fairweather Low produced Watkins’ first album for the Vertigo label. Session work for producer Stuart Coleman followed which led to a regular spot for Geraint in Shakin’ Stevens’ band before going on to record and play live with Dave Edmunds and many others including Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Dr. Feelgood, Rory Gallagher, The Blues Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Stray Cats, Carl Perkins, John Wesley Harding, Tom Jones and John Martyn.
Watkins is appearing with his band
OLIVER DARLING. Guitar/vocals (Imelda May/Tanita Tikarim/Mike Sanchez etc.)
MARTIN WINNING. Sax/clarinet/vocals (Van Morrison/Ray Charles/Nick Lowe/John Martyn etc.)
PAUL “BASSMAN” RILEY. Bass/vocals (you will have heard him)
MALCOLM MILLS. Drums. (the other guy)
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