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| origin = ], Wales | origin = ], Wales
| instrument = {{hlist|Keyboards|vocals|guitar|]|percussion}} | instrument = {{hlist|Keyboards|vocals|guitar|]|percussion}}
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]}} | genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|songwriter}} | occupation = {{hlist|Musician|songwriter}}
| years_active = 1970s–present | years_active = 1970s–present
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}} }}


'''Geraint Meurig Vaughan Watkins''' (born 5 February 1951) is a Welsh singer, songwriter, ] pianist and ]ist. He has backed many notable artists, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and most recently ]. He has also pursued a solo career and issued a number of albums under his own name, the most recent of which, ''Rush of Blood'', was released in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/news/geraint-watkins-readies-rush-of-blood-for-worldwide-release |title=Press Release: Geraint Watkins - Rush of Blood |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919115724/https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/news/geraint-watkins-readies-rush-of-blood-for-worldwide-release |url-status=dead }}</ref> '''Geraint Meurig Vaughan Watkins''' (born 5 February 1951) is a Welsh singer, songwriter, ] pianist and ]ist. He has backed many notable artists, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and most recently ]. He has also pursued a solo career and issued a number of albums under his own name, the most recent of which, ''Rush of Blood'', was released in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/news/geraint-watkins-readies-rush-of-blood-for-worldwide-release |title=Press Release: Geraint Watkins – Rush of Blood |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919115724/https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/news/geraint-watkins-readies-rush-of-blood-for-worldwide-release |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Biography== ==Biography==
Watkins was born in ], near ], South Wales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabillyhall.com/geraint.html|title=Geraint Watkins|website=Rockabillyhall.com|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/geraint-watkins-mn0000165573/biography|title=Geraint Watkins - Biography & History |website=]|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref> Watkins was born in ], near ], South Wales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabillyhall.com/geraint.html|title=Geraint Watkins|website=Rockabillyhall.com|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/geraint-watkins-mn0000165573/biography|title=Geraint Watkins – Biography & History |publisher=]|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>


After time in the early 1970s at ] Art College, he returned to ] and played with Red Beans And Rice and Juice on the Loose. The band, Red Beans And Rice, attracted attention and moved to ] to further their career.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin, Colin (1998) ''The Virgin Encyclopedia of Country Music'', Virgin Books, {{ISBN|0-7535-0236-4}}, p. 26</ref> When they disbanded Watkins played solo performances in London's ] and with various bands, such as Southside United (with which he recorded an album),<ref name="Southside">"The Southside Story" {{cite web |url=http://www.southsideunited.co.uk/index.php |title=Southside United |access-date=2013-05-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728060846/http://southsideunited.co.uk/index.php |archive-date=28 July 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> the Cable Layers, Klondike Pete and the Huskies, the band of ]'s, ] on the 'Be Stiff Route 78' tour.<ref name="Larkin" /> He went on to ] an album, ''Geraint Watkins & The Dominators'' (1979), produced by ]. ] work followed: producer ] recruited him for what became hit records for ], also he was recording and/or performing with ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] amongst others. He was a member of the star-studded Willie & the Poor Boys alongside ] and other ], taking lead vocals on two numbers. In 1980, he also released a solo single on ] under the pseudonym ''Otis Watkins''.<ref> at 45cat.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024</ref> After time in the early 1970s at ] Art College, he returned to ] and played with Red Beans & Rice and Juice on the Loose. The band Red Beans and Rice, attracted attention and moved to ] to further their career.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin, Colin (1998) ''The Virgin Encyclopedia of Country Music'', Virgin Books, {{ISBN|0-7535-0236-4}}, p. 26</ref> When they disbanded, Watkins played solo performances in London's ] and with various bands, such as Southside United (with which he recorded an album),<ref name="Southside">"The Southside Story" {{cite web |url=http://www.southsideunited.co.uk/index.php |title=Southside United |access-date=2013-05-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728060846/http://southsideunited.co.uk/index.php |archive-date=28 July 2013 }}</ref> the Cable Layers, Klondike Pete and the Huskies, and the band of ]'s ] on the 'Be Stiff Route 78' tour.<ref name="Larkin" /> He went on to ] an album, ''Geraint Watkins & the Dominators'' (1979), produced by ]. ] work followed: producer ] recruited him for what became hit records for ]; also he was recording and/or performing with ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] amongst others. He was a member of the star-studded Willie & the Poor Boys alongside ] and other ] members, taking lead vocals on two numbers. In 1980, he released a solo single on ] under the pseudonym Otis Watkins.<ref> at 45cat.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024</ref>


In between sessions, the 1980s and beyond found Watkins playing accordion and piano with ], a band, of which he was a founding member, that has helped to keep the music of ] alive in London's pubs.<ref name="Larkin" /> Throughout the 1980s he also was a mainstay in ]'s band, both recording and touring with him. Between 1984 and 1989 Watkins played piano and accordion on five records of the Dutch band Normaal. He contributed vocals, piano and accordion to Klondike Pete and the Huskies' 1981 album "Some of the Fellers" and appears, as Lightning Wanson G, on their 2010 album "Who Axed You". In recent years Watkins has found time to work with ]'s Rhythm Kings; contributing to ] albums, '']'' (1994), '']'' (1998), '']'' (2001), '']'' (2004) and '']'' (2007); and to ] albums, '']'' (1999), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2006) and '']'' (2008). In between sessions, the 1980s and beyond found Watkins playing accordion and piano with ], a band, of which he was a founding member, that has helped to keep the music of ] alive in London's pubs.<ref name="Larkin" /> Throughout the 1980s, he also was a mainstay in ]'s band, both recording and touring with him. Between 1984 and 1989, Watkins played piano and accordion on five records of the Dutch band Normaal. He contributed vocals, piano and accordion to Klondike Pete and the Huskies' 1981 album ''Some of the Fellers'' and appears as Lightning Wanson G, on their 2010 album ''Who Axed You''. In recent years, Watkins has found time to work with ]'s Rhythm Kings; contributing to ]'s albums '']'' (1994), '']'' (1998), '']'' (2001), '']'' (2004) and '']'' (2007); and to ]'s albums '']'' (1999), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2006) and '']'' (2008).


As well as the early ] with The Dominators, Watkins has released five solo albums: ''Watkins - Bold As Love'' (1997), ''Dial W For Watkins'' (2004), ''In A Bad Mood'' (2008), ''Moustique'' (2014) and ''Rush of Blood'' (2019). ]'s ] said of ''Dial W For Watkins'', "It's slight on the surface &ndash; the love songs are sweet and short, there are lots of ragged edges and lots of jokes &ndash; but that's its appeal: it's warm, friendly, engaging music, perfect for a relaxing evening at home with old friends."<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web As well as the early ] with the Dominators, Watkins has released five solo albums: ''Watkins – Bold as Love'' (1997), ''Dial W for Watkins'' (2004), ''In a Bad Mood'' (2008), ''Moustique'' (2014) and ''Rush of Blood'' (2019). ]'s ] said of ''Dial W for Watkins'', "It's slight on the surface &ndash; the love songs are sweet and short, there are lots of ragged edges and lots of jokes &ndash; but that's its appeal: it's warm, friendly, engaging music, perfect for a relaxing evening at home with old friends."<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web
| last = Erlewine | last = Erlewine
| first = Stephen Thomas | first = Stephen Thomas
| url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/dial-w-for-watkins-r703967/review | url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/dial-w-for-watkins-r703967/review
| title = ''Dial W For Watkins'' - Geraint Watkins | title = ''Dial W For Watkins'' – Geraint Watkins
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref> | access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref>
Kerry Doole of '']'' called it "an unassuming but delightful effort."<ref name="Doole">{{cite web Kerry Doole of '']'' called it "an unassuming but delightful effort."<ref name="Doole">{{cite web
Line 45: Line 45:
| first = Kerry | first = Kerry
| url = http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/FolkAndCountry/geraint_watkins-dial_w_for_watkins | url = http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/FolkAndCountry/geraint_watkins-dial_w_for_watkins
| title = Geraint Watkins - ''Dial W For Watkins'' - Reviews - Folk & Country | title = Geraint Watkins – ''Dial W For Watkins'' – Reviews – Folk & Country
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| date = September 2004 | date = September 2004
| access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref> | access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref>
Jason MacNeil of ] suggested that Watkins' proficiency in a multitude of music genres "is what makes this album so bloody special."<ref name="MacNeil">{{cite web Jason MacNeil of '']'' suggested that Watkins' proficiency in a multitude of music genres "is what makes this album so bloody special."<ref name="MacNeil">{{cite web
| last = MacNeil | last = MacNeil
| first = Jason | first = Jason
| url = http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/watkinsgeraint-dialw | url = http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/watkinsgeraint-dialw
| title = Geraint Watkins - ''Dial W For Watkins'' | title = Geraint Watkins – ''Dial W For Watkins''
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| date = 6 December 2004 | date = 6 December 2004
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| date=29 November 1998 | date=29 November 1998
| title=Mood Music | title=Mood Music
| magazine=] | magazine=Billboard
| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
| volume=120 | volume=120
| issue=48 | issue=48
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| url = http://www.biilboard.com/yearend/2008/news/billboard-critic-choice-top-10.shtml | url = http://www.biilboard.com/yearend/2008/news/billboard-critic-choice-top-10.shtml
| title = 2008 Billboard Critics Top 10s | title = 2008 Billboard Critics Top 10s
| publisher = ] | magazine = Billboard
| access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref> | access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref>


In 2009 and 2011, Watkins toured with ] as keyboard and accordion player and singer. He toured with ] & Friends as a keyboard player in 2010. Watkins also toured with, and opened for, ], as a keyboardist.<ref name="Schultz">{{cite web In 2009 and 2011, Watkins toured with ] as keyboard and accordion player and singer. He toured with ] & Friends as a keyboard player in 2010. Watkins also toured with, and opened for ], as a keyboardist.<ref name="Schultz">{{cite web
| last = Schultz | last = Schultz
| first = Blaine | first = Blaine
Line 91: Line 90:
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In 2014 he played accordion on ]'s '']'' album. This was also featured, on 22 October 2014, as a live concert from the ] on ] and on BBC television via the red button. Watkins played with the band on the subsequent UK tour. In September 2016 he performed, as part of the Aquostic line-up, at BBC Radio 2's ''Live in Hyde Park'' from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e3cp6q/acts/a8gd2m|title=Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park - Status Quo|publisher=bbc.co.uk|date=11 September 2016|access-date=11 September 2016}}</ref> In 2014, he played accordion on ]'s '']'' album. This was also featured, on 22 October 2014, as a live concert from the ] on ] and on BBC television via the red button. Watkins played with the band on the subsequent UK tour. In September 2016 he performed, as part of the Aquostic line-up, at BBC Radio 2's ''Live in Hyde Park'' from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e3cp6q/acts/a8gd2m|title=Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park – Status Quo|publisher=BBC|date=11 September 2016|access-date=11 September 2016}}</ref>


As a songwriter, Geraint had had his compositions covered by ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyukX0R2Edo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/eyukX0R2Edo| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Pokey LaFarge on Geraint Watkins: The Blues Kitchen Presents... |date=21 March 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3HnfK5Uy4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/Do3HnfK5Uy4| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Dave Edmunds-Deep In The Heart Of Texas|date=14 July 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5urjPxBu8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/mI5urjPxBu8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Cowboys & Indians - Pearl Harbour|date=19 September 2009|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and the ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lazhw8fMdpc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/lazhw8fMdpc| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=The Holmes Brothers: 'Soldier Of Love,' Live On Soundcheck|date=25 April 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> amongst others. As a songwriter, Geraint had his compositions covered by ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyukX0R2Edo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/eyukX0R2Edo| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Pokey LaFarge on Geraint Watkins: The Blues Kitchen Presents... |date=21 March 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3HnfK5Uy4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/Do3HnfK5Uy4| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Dave Edmunds-Deep in the Heart of Texas|date=14 July 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5urjPxBu8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/mI5urjPxBu8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Cowboys & Indians – Pearl Harbour|date=19 September 2009|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and the ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lazhw8fMdpc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/lazhw8fMdpc| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=The Holmes Brothers: 'Soldier of Love,' Live on Soundcheck|date=25 April 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> amongst others.


Watkins maintains his own ] page, where he frequently posts intimate musical performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/GeraintWWWatkins/|title=Geraint Watkins|website=Facebook.com|access-date=11 June 2019}}</ref> Watkins maintains his own ] page, where he frequently posts intimate musical performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/GeraintWWWatkins/|title=Geraint Watkins|via=Facebook|access-date=11 June 2019}}</ref>


A solo studio album, ''Rush of Blood'', recorded in collaboration with ]'s Simon Ratcliffe as producer, was released in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/|title=The Last Music Company, Ltd.|website=Lastmusic.co.uk}}</ref> A solo studio album, ''Rush of Blood'', recorded in collaboration with ]'s Simon Ratcliffe as producer, was released in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/|title=The Last Music Company, Ltd.|website=Lastmusic.co.uk}}</ref>


==Albums== ==Discography==
===Albums===
===''Dick Lovejoy's Original Southside United Volume 1''===
*''Geraint Watkins & the Dominators'' (1979), ], reissued in 2018 on ]
{{Infobox album
*''Bold as Love'' (1997), Bluefive, reissued in 2018 on Jungle
| italic_title = no
*''Dick Lovejoy's Original Southside United Volume 1'' (1998, recorded in 1984), Ab-Fab<ref name="Southside Album">"Southside United Vol. 1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728054225/http://southsideunited.co.uk/orderform.php |date=28 July 2013 }}</ref>
| name = Dick Lovejoy's Original Southside United Volume 1
*''The Official Bootleg'' (2001, recorded in 1988), MUSIPA
| type = studio
*''The Bootleg After the Bootleg'' (2001, recorded in 1988), MUSIPA
| artist = Dick Lovejoy's Original Southside United
*''Dial 'W' for Watkins'' (2004), ]/Proper Records
| cover =
*''In a Bad Mood'' (2008, recorded 2005–2008), Goldtop Recordings<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jungle-records.net/index.php/2-recentreleases/4-geraiantwatkins|title=Geraint Watkins|publisher=jungle-records.net|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>
| alt =
*''Moustique'' (2014), Goldtop Recordings
| released = 1998
*''Rush of Blood'' (2019), The Last Music Company
| recorded = 1984
*''Arse in Gear'' (as Warent Atkins Trio) (2024), Ball and Chain Records
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = Rhythm & Blues
| length = 1 hr 17 mins 42 secs
| label = ]
| producer = Barry Durdant-Hollamby
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}

'''Track listing'''<ref name="Southside Album">"Southside United Vol 1" http://www.southsideunited.co.uk/orderform.php {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728054225/http://southsideunited.co.uk/orderform.php |date=28 July 2013 }}</ref>
#"Flip Flop and Fly"
#"In the Dark"
#"Don't Lie to Me"
#"Oh What a Price #1"
#"Softly Softly #2"
#"Ain't No Love"
#"Put the Blame on Me"
#"Something on Your Mind"
#"Heart to Heart"
#"Ain't Nobody's Business"
#"Bring It On Home"
#"Love Letters"
#"Who Will Your Next Fool Be"
#"Blues Bug"
#"It Hurts Me Too"
#"Can't Get the Stuff"
#"Southside Skank - Outro"

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - Piano & Vocals
*Len Davies - Bass Guitar
*Jon Eldred - Trumpet
* Malcolm Hine - Slide Guitar
*Brendan Hoban - Guitar
*Matt Irvine - Bass Guitar
*Dick Lovejoy - Drums & Voice-overs
*Andy Macdonald - Baritone Sax
* ] - Hammond Organ
*Frank Mead - Alto Sax
*John Newey - Timbales
*Nick Payne - Tenor & Alto Sax
*Nick Pentelow - Tenor Sax
*Jimmy Roche - Guitar
*Jamie Rowan - Piano & Vocals
*Stevie Smith - Harmonica & Vocals
*Roger Sutton - Bass Guitar
* ] - Tenor Sax
* ] - Guitar & Vocals
*Diz Watson - Piano & Vocals
*Diana Wood - Vocals

'''Production credits'''
*Produced by Barry Durdant-Hollamby
*Recorded at The Vineyard, South London

===''Geraint Watkins & the Dominators''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = Geraint Watkins & the Dominators
| type = studio
| artist = Geraint Watkins & the Dominators
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 1979
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length =
| label = ], reissued 2018 ]
| producer = Andy Fairweather-Low
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
'''Track listing'''
#"Man Smart Woman Smarter"
#"Casting My Spell"
#"In The Night"
#"Grow Too Old"
#"Blue Moon of Kentucky"
#"Gotta Find My Baby"
#"Paralysed"
#"Nobody"
#"Deep in the Heart of Texas"
#"Don't You Just Know It"
#"If Walls Could Talk"
#"My Baby Left Me"
#"Cakewalk into Town"

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - vocals, piano, organ, electric piano, accordion, percussion
* ] - drums, bass, vocals, moog bass, percussion, acoustic guitar
* ] - guitar, vocals, backing vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar
*John David - bass, vocals, percussion, backing vocals
* ] - drums, backing vocals
* ] - saxophones, backing vocals
*Buddy Beadle - saxophones, backing vocals
* ] - drums, backing vocals

'''Production credits'''
*A Booga Rooga production - Andy Fairweather-Low
*Engineered by ]
*Recorded at the Old Mill Rockfield also at ]
*Mixed at Rockfield Studios

===Bold as Love===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = Bold as Love
| type = studio
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 1997
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]<br />]<br />]
| length =
| label = Bluefive, reissued 2018 ]
| producer = ]<br />]
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
'''Track listing'''
#"My Happy Day"
#"I Love Being in Love"
#"It's A Wonderful Life"
#"Don't Stop"
#"Sweetheart"
#"Don't Knock It"
#"Honey Honey"
#"It's Over"
#"It's A Beautiful Day"
#"Oobee Doobee Eyes"
#"Big Bad Dog"
#"Mr Blue"
#"It's A Wonderful Life (again)"

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano
* ] - bass guitar, acoustic guitar - track 11
*Robert Trehern - drums
*Nick Pentelow - horns
*Bob Loveday - violin - track 3
*Steve Donnelly - acoustic guitar - tracks 3-4
*Peter Glenister - additional guitar - track 4

'''Production credits'''
*Produced by ], ]
*Recorded at The Bonaparte Rooms - Twickenham, RAK studios and Balham
*Mixed at The Bonaparte Rooms and Alaska Studios

===''The Official Bootleg''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = The Official Bootleg
| type = live
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2001
| recorded = 1988
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length =
| label = MUSIPA
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
'''Track listing'''
#"Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens"
#"Old Shep"
#"Georgia"
#"The Jealous Kind"
#"Chicken Shack"
#"Mess Around"
#"Flip Flop And Fly"
#"Ain't Nobody's Business"
#"Carless Love"
#"Stardust"

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - piano, vocals

===''The Bootleg after the Bootleg''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = The Bootleg after the Bootleg
| type = live
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2001
| recorded = 1988
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]<br />]<br />]
| length =
| label = MUSIPA
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
'''Track listing'''
#"]"
#"Ruby"
#"Secret Love"
#"Love Letters"
#"Happy Day"
#"Wonderful Live"
#"Nature Boy"
#"Yesterday"
#"Who's Kissing Her Now" (1st version)
#"Stardust" (new version)
#"Carless Love" (new version)
#"Who's Kissing Her Now" (2nd version)
#"Georgia" (new 1st version)"
#"Yo Yo"
#"You've Changed"
#"Balham High Road"
#"Mess Around"
#"Old Shep"
#"Pennies From Heaven"
#"Diddy Wah Diddy"
#"Nobody Here But Us Chickens" (new version)
#"Georgia" (new 2nd version)

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - piano, vocals

===''Dial 'W' for Watkins''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = Dial 'W' For Watkins
| type = studio
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2004
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]<br />]
| length =
| label = ]<br />Proper Records
| producer = Neil Brockbank & Warent Atkins
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = In A Bad Mood
| next_year =
}}
Track listing
#"Two Rocks"
#"Turn That Chicken Down"
#"Be My Love"
#"Blessed With Happiness"
#"The Whole Night Through"
#"Cold War"
#"Heroes And Villains"
#"Soldier of Love"
#"I Will"
#"I'm Just Crazy About You"
#"Bring Me The Head of My So Called Lover"
#"Heaven"
#"Only A Rose"
#"Go West"

'''Production Credits'''
*Produced by Neil Brockbank & Warent Atkins

'''Personnel'''
*Geraint Watkins - vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano
* ] - bass guitar, vocals
*Steve Donnelly - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar
*Robert Trehern - drums, drum loops, vocals
*Peter Glenister - organ, bass guitar
*Matt Radford - upright bass
* ] - percussion

===''In a Bad Mood''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = In a Bad Mood
| type = studio
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2008
| recorded = 2005–2008
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]<br />]
| length =
| label = Goldtop Recordings
| producer = Neil Brockbank and Geraint Watkins
| prev_title = "Dial W for Watkins
| prev_year =
| next_title = Rush of Blood
| next_year =
}}
==== Track listing ====
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jungle-records.net/index.php/2-recentreleases/4-geraiantwatkins|title=Geraint Watkins|publisher=jungle-records.net|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>
#"Easy To Say (])"
#"Champion"
#"Unto You"
#"Fools Like Me"
#"Chagrin"
#"My Love"
#"Bourgeoise"
#"History"
#"Jenni"
#"Heart of the City"
#"Catch On"
#"At Last"

==== Production credits ====
*Produced by Neil Brockbank and Geraint Watkins

==== Personnel ====
*Geraint Watkins - vocals, guitar, organ, piano
*Nick Lowe - rhythm guitar
*Steve Donnelly - lead guitar
*Robert Trehern - drums
*Matt Radford - vertical bass
*Johnny Scott - rhythm guitar
*Matt Holland - flugelhorn, trumpet
*Andy Wood - trombone
*Trevor Myers - euphonium, trombone
*Martin Winning - clarinet
*Katherine Johnstone - backing vocals

===''Rush of Blood''===
{{Infobox album
| italic_title = no
| name = Rush of Blood
| type = studio
| artist = Geraint Watkins
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2019
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]<br />]
| length =
| label = The Last Music Company
| producer = Simon Ratcliffe and Geraint Watkins
| prev_title = In a Bad Mood
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
Track listing
#"Rush of Blood"
#"Hold Back"
#"Heart of Stone"
#"Middle of the Night"
#"Heaven Only Knows"
#"On the Nside"
#"On My Mind"
#"I Got the Blues"
#"Reason to Live"
#"Another Day Over"
#"Another Day Over (Reprise)"
#"Wherever There's Love" (bonus track)


==Notes== ==Notes==
* ], ''Making Music: The Guide to Writing, Performing & Recording - Page 189'', W. Morrow, 1983, {{ISBN|0-688-01465-8}} * ], ''Making Music: The Guide to Writing, Performing & Recording – Page 189'', W. Morrow, 1983, {{ISBN|0-688-01465-8}}
* ''Pianist Geraint Watkins: 'Dial W'''] by David Greenberger at ] * ''Pianist Geraint Watkins: 'Dial W'''] by David Greenberger at ]


==References== ==References==
Line 498: Line 119:


==External links== ==External links==
*{{YouTube|sMCkYn2n4OM|"It's Easy To Say 'Bon Temps Rouler"}}, from ''In a Bad Mood'', 2008, Goldtop AU79CD002 *{{YouTube|sMCkYn2n4OM|"It's Easy to Say 'Bon Temps Rouler"}}, from ''In a Bad Mood'', 2008, Goldtop AU79CD002


{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


{{Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings}} {{Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings}}
{{Dave Edmunds}} {{Dave Edmunds}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Watkins, Geraint}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Watkins, Geraint}}
Line 510: Line 131:
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 01:26, 30 September 2024

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Geraint Watkins
Watkins in 2012Watkins in 2012
Background information
Birth nameGeraint Meurig Vaughan Watkins
Born (1951-02-05) 5 February 1951 (age 73)
Swansea, Wales
OriginAbertridwr, Wales
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
Years active1970s–present
Member ofThe Balham Alligators
Musical artist

Geraint Meurig Vaughan Watkins (born 5 February 1951) is a Welsh singer, songwriter, rock and roll pianist and accordionist. He has backed many notable artists, including Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, Roy St. John, Shakin' Stevens and most recently Status Quo. He has also pursued a solo career and issued a number of albums under his own name, the most recent of which, Rush of Blood, was released in September 2019.

Biography

Watkins was born in Abertridwr, near Caerphilly, South Wales.

After time in the early 1970s at Portsmouth Art College, he returned to Cardiff and played with Red Beans & Rice and Juice on the Loose. The band Red Beans and Rice, attracted attention and moved to London to further their career. When they disbanded, Watkins played solo performances in London's pubs and with various bands, such as Southside United (with which he recorded an album), the Cable Layers, Klondike Pete and the Huskies, and the band of Southend's Micky Jupp on the 'Be Stiff Route 78' tour. He went on to record an album, Geraint Watkins & the Dominators (1979), produced by Andy Fairweather Low. Session work followed: producer Stuart Colman recruited him for what became hit records for Shakin' Stevens; also he was recording and/or performing with Dr. Feelgood, Rory Gallagher, Andy Fairweather Low, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Blues Band, Box of Frogs, Stray Cats, Carl Perkins, Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers, and Eric Clapton amongst others. He was a member of the star-studded Willie & the Poor Boys alongside Bill Wyman and other Rolling Stones members, taking lead vocals on two numbers. In 1980, he released a solo single on Stiff Records under the pseudonym Otis Watkins.

In between sessions, the 1980s and beyond found Watkins playing accordion and piano with the Balham Alligators, a band, of which he was a founding member, that has helped to keep the music of Louisiana alive in London's pubs. Throughout the 1980s, he also was a mainstay in Dave Edmunds's band, both recording and touring with him. Between 1984 and 1989, Watkins played piano and accordion on five records of the Dutch band Normaal. He contributed vocals, piano and accordion to Klondike Pete and the Huskies' 1981 album Some of the Fellers and appears as Lightning Wanson G, on their 2010 album Who Axed You. In recent years, Watkins has found time to work with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings; contributing to Nick Lowe's albums The Impossible Bird (1994), Dig My Mood (1998), The Convincer (2001), Untouched Takeaway (2004) and At My Age (2007); and to Van Morrison's albums Back on Top (1999), Down the Road (2002), Pay the Devil (2006) and Keep It Simple (2008).

As well as the early vinyl LP with the Dominators, Watkins has released five solo albums: Watkins – Bold as Love (1997), Dial W for Watkins (2004), In a Bad Mood (2008), Moustique (2014) and Rush of Blood (2019). AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine said of Dial W for Watkins, "It's slight on the surface – the love songs are sweet and short, there are lots of ragged edges and lots of jokes – but that's its appeal: it's warm, friendly, engaging music, perfect for a relaxing evening at home with old friends." Kerry Doole of Exclaim! called it "an unassuming but delightful effort." Jason MacNeil of PopMatters suggested that Watkins' proficiency in a multitude of music genres "is what makes this album so bloody special."

Billboard contributor Paul Sexton wrote that In a Bad Mood "displays Watkins' love for vintage R&B but also has more surprising sorties into chanson and cajun." Sexton ranked it as the number one album of 2008 on his year-end list; Billboard deputy global editor Tom Ferguson listed the album at number two.

In 2009 and 2011, Watkins toured with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings as keyboard and accordion player and singer. He toured with Peter Green & Friends as a keyboard player in 2010. Watkins also toured with, and opened for Nick Lowe, as a keyboardist.

In 2014, he played accordion on Status Quo's Aquostic (Stripped Bare) album. This was also featured, on 22 October 2014, as a live concert from the Roundhouse on BBC Radio 2 and on BBC television via the red button. Watkins played with the band on the subsequent UK tour. In September 2016 he performed, as part of the Aquostic line-up, at BBC Radio 2's Live in Hyde Park from Hyde Park, London.

As a songwriter, Geraint had his compositions covered by Don McLean, Pokey LaFarge, Dave Edmunds, NRBQ, Pearl Harbor, and the Holmes Brothers amongst others.

Watkins maintains his own Facebook page, where he frequently posts intimate musical performances.

A solo studio album, Rush of Blood, recorded in collaboration with Basement Jaxx's Simon Ratcliffe as producer, was released in 2019.

Discography

Albums

  • Geraint Watkins & the Dominators (1979), Vertigo, reissued in 2018 on Jungle
  • Bold as Love (1997), Bluefive, reissued in 2018 on Jungle
  • Dick Lovejoy's Original Southside United Volume 1 (1998, recorded in 1984), Ab-Fab
  • The Official Bootleg (2001, recorded in 1988), MUSIPA
  • The Bootleg After the Bootleg (2001, recorded in 1988), MUSIPA
  • Dial 'W' for Watkins (2004), Yep Roc/Proper Records
  • In a Bad Mood (2008, recorded 2005–2008), Goldtop Recordings
  • Moustique (2014), Goldtop Recordings
  • Rush of Blood (2019), The Last Music Company
  • Arse in Gear (as Warent Atkins Trio) (2024), Ball and Chain Records

Notes

References

  1. "Press Release: Geraint Watkins – Rush of Blood". Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  2. "Geraint Watkins". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  3. "Geraint Watkins – Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  4. ^ Larkin, Colin (1998) The Virgin Encyclopedia of Country Music, Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0236-4, p. 26
  5. "The Southside Story" "Southside United". Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  6. Otis Watkins at 45cat.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024
  7. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Dial W For Watkins – Geraint Watkins". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  8. Doole, Kerry (September 2004). "Geraint Watkins – Dial W For Watkins – Reviews – Folk & Country". Exclaim!. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  9. MacNeil, Jason (6 December 2004). "Geraint Watkins – Dial W For Watkins". PopMatters. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  10. Sexton, Paul (29 November 1998). "Mood Music". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 48. p. 39. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  11. "2008 Billboard Critics Top 10s". Billboard. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  12. Schultz, Blaine (7 October 2010). "Nick Lowe w/ Geraint Watkins @ The Pabst Theater". Shepherd Express. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  13. "Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park – Status Quo". BBC. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  14. "Pokey LaFarge on Geraint Watkins: The Blues Kitchen Presents... [Interview & Live Session]". 21 March 2018. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  15. "Dave Edmunds-Deep in the Heart of Texas". 14 July 2012. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  16. "Cowboys & Indians – Pearl Harbour". 19 September 2009. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  17. "The Holmes Brothers: 'Soldier of Love,' Live on Soundcheck". 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  18. "Geraint Watkins". Retrieved 11 June 2019 – via Facebook.
  19. "The Last Music Company, Ltd". Lastmusic.co.uk.
  20. "Southside United Vol. 1 Archived 28 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  21. "Geraint Watkins". jungle-records.net. Retrieved 22 January 2017.

External links

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Studio albums
Dave Edmunds
Studio albums
Live albums
Singles
Related articles
Categories: