Denton musician Chris Watson opens up

by Savannah Carter of North Texas Daily

Chris Watson, 22, changes the silver strings on his electric Fender guitar. He talks about his passion for music.

Born in Denton, Watson has played guitar on and off for about 12 years. His interest spurred from his blues musician father, Wallace Watson.

"Chris learned incredibly fast," Wallace Watson said.

After attending college, Chris Watson acquired a passion for blues.

"I liked the blues because it's a very emotional genre of music," he said.

He established his own band in 2004 called The Chris Watson Band.

"He wanted to front his own band and control his own music," Wallace Watson said.

Chris Watson sings and writes all of his own material. After listening to his CD, the producers of Kenny Wayne Shepherd's concert offered Chris Watson a gig he could not refuse.

Opening for musician Shepherd in Steamboat Springs, Colo., in the summer of 2008 was Watson's largest show.

"I've been listening to his music for 15 years, and to open for him was huge for me," Chris Watson said.

He is more well-known outside of Denton, Wallace Watson said.

"There are so many bands here in Denton that it is hard to get face time," Wallace Watson said.

Roommate Bryan Bristow has known Chris Watson his whole life and said he likes to attend his live performances.

"He is very passionate about his music," Bristow said. "He is definitely a younger guy in an older crowd."

Striving for his music to be recognized by Denton music fans, Chris Watson said recognition is just a matter of time and will not happen overnight. He does not consider himself to be primarily a blues musician.

"Most of the stuff I play spans a lot of genres," Chris Watson said. "I let the people who hear it classify it."

He released his first CD in April titled Just for Show..., which featured seven songs he wrote.

Wallace Watson said Chris has the extreme talent and charisma necessary to make it in the music industry.

"You have to have the whole package, then it's just a matter of exposure," Wallace Watson said.

To learn more about The Chris Watson Band and listen to his music, log on to myspace.com/chriswatsonband.