Blues guitarist Andy Watts is known as Israel’s ambassador of the blues, having recorded and performed with some of the best blues artists in the world. Andy speaks to Jason Barnard about his music and new album SuperGroove.
Can you tell me about your latest release?
SuperGroove is a follow up to my previous 2018 release Blues On Fire with a big sound using a full horn section and B3 Hammond. The sound and attitude of the album reflects my live shows Andy Watts and Blues On Fire. We are a 9 piece band live on stage. The album is a mixture of 5 originals and 5 covers, I don’t do copy paste when I record covers. My aim was to put my own sound and attitude on the covers and make sure that they suit the overall concept of the album. The title track is an original instrumental inspired by the early 1960 giants Johnny Winter, Albert Collins and Freddie King, that started out with instrumental bands. The order of songs on the albums were chosen according to an imaginary car ride and how I figured the ride would be pleasant from the music point of view. That’s why I am ending it on the chill side with my tribute to the great Peter Green (RIP) track Supernatural. The album is co-produced by Grammy Artist Kenny Neal and Released on US label Vizztone/Booga. It features great vocals by Grammy Artist Joe Louis Walker, Eliza Neals among others.
How do you go about matching up guest vocalists for your tracks?
I have 5 Vocalists on the album, Danny Shoshan & Roy Young perform with my Blues On Fire show so I pretty much knew which song would be suitable. For Blues Of The Month club, a Joe Louis Walker track from 1995 I decided to use great Eliza Neals add a horn section and change the guitar attitude. On tune Raw, Gadi Altman is rocking out.
How long have you known Joe Louis Walker who features on Burning Deep? How much have you previously worked together?
I have brought Joe Louis Walker 3 times to Israel and we have performed together and recorded together. Joe also did the vocals on title track from my previous album Blues On Fire. I’m very pleased with Joe’s great vocals on my tune Burning Deep on SuperGroove.
What generally inspires you to write music?
I normaly get the music done first, getting the riff or melody on board. I write grey not black or white, meaning its up to the listener to interpret the story the way they see it. I always play my guitar and that’s what is inspiring me to continue writing.
Where and how do you record?
I record at an old school studio at a Kibbutz just outside Tel Aviv. The studio has an analog vibe and it suits the sound I am looking for and building the albums around. I normally record with bass drums and keyboards first. I am do the vocal guide on the tracks initially. I prepare the tracks for vocals and add the horn section, recording it together in the room.
How far back does your love of the blues go and which artists most influenced you?
I started tuning in to American Blues Stations at 12-13 years old, getting in to Albert King, Hendrix, John Lee Hooker among others. Of course Peter Green a true inspiration.
Can you tell me about your musical history?
I have been playing blues rock psychedelic all my life, touring Israel, Europe, USA. I have been busy bringing some of the best Blues artists in the world to Israel the past 10-12 Years to perform with me and my band, to widen the Blues audience in Israel. Lucky Peterson (RIP), Johnny Winter, Bernard Alison. Rick Estrin is blowing harp on SuperGroove among others.
What’s the music scene in Israel like?
It’s a lively Blues and Jazz scene, not nearly as big as USA or Europe though. We are in the Middle East after all. Israel is a melting pot music, culture, food wise. So mainstream music here is pretty much Middle Eastern Pop.
What tracks from your career would you recommend we seek out as a taster and why?
I would choose some later tracks Blues On Fire, Looking For Somebody, Burning Deep, Supernatural these track represents my search for huge and great guitarsound and also tracks with a deeper meaning.
What are your highlights from your time in music?
Being able to perform and record with some of the best Blues artists in the world.
How has the pandemic affected you?
We are in 3rd Lockdown and my last live perfromance was on 11th March 2020. I decided to try making lemonade out of the lemons thrown at me, and have basically penned a whole new album to be released once the pandemic has passed, whenever that will be.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
My plans are promoting SuperGroove all over the world so far. We have had a great reception: 21 Weeks on Roots Music Report Chart USA, currently in 11th place, reached 8th place on IBBA Charts UK, among 20 best albums in Croatia and Australia so I must have been doing something right. I continue working and planning my next album, and hopefully preparing the big band for live shows.
How can people find out more?
andywattsguitarslinger.com is my website. It has a link to whole album where you can listen plus has all apps for ordering and a lot of cool videos. I have made an edited video for each album track. See also Andy Watts Guitarslinger on Facebook and Youtube
