CHRIS WATSON BAND

Pleasure and Pain

2012-06-15

The second release from Chris Watson, Pleasure and Pain mixes both originals and covers by Sean Costello and Bobby Womack. Watson honed his skills while growing up in Texas, playing lead guitar in his dad’s UpAllNight Band. Although Watson’s skill as a blues rock guitarist is unmistakable, one shouldn’t underestimate the craft of songwriting which is painfully evident on the title track (many clichés are woven into the lyrics). The track “Mama Told Me” cooks; it is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s fretwork. “Going Home” is a traditional gospel song which showcases Chris’ vocal ease but his guitar outshines. On “Hard Luck Woman” the guitar licks are brighter and the bass more purposeful on this late Sean Costello tune. “Wanted Man” powers through with its authentic blues sound---it’s the best tune on the album. Yeah, this album’s aptly named. Recommended tracks: 11, 8, 5, 6. – Pam VandeKerkhoff

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 08/2017

    THE NIGHTHAWKS
    ALL YOU GOTTA DO

  • reviewed 10/2008

    ROOT DOCTOR
    - Live at the Cadillac Club

  • reviewed 03/2019

    BIG AL AND THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
    WORLD FULL OF TROUBLE

  • reviewed 06/2014

    Janiva Magness
    Original

  • reviewed 08/2007

    BIG AL JANO
    Some of My Best Friends Have the Blues

  • reviewed 04/2016

    John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
    Live in 1967 vol. 2

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.