Robert Watson assembles a sizeable, string-heavy instrumentation on an album that draws inspiration from creative endeavours and experimentation.
His new album The Resistance combines rich layers of electric guitars, keyboards, drums and percussion. Robert Watson knows that he could express his own feelings through his instruments of choice, particularly the guitars, but this album also becomes equal parts spiritual journey and irrepressible funk.
Robert Watson is the kind of artist who would jam until he hits on a groove and feels the song start to take shape. And he doesn’t mind smashing genres in order to create a unique and diverse sound. On “America’s Nightmare Pt. 2” he does it all, moving from jazz to reggae, and even rock music. He doesn’t stop until the smoldering melody lines play off smartly-morphing drums that build to a rhythmic climax.
Tracks such as “The Times (We Are Living In)” and “Jack of All Trades” are spearheaded by tight, upbeat guitar riffs that bring to mind legends such as B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix known for coasting with a breezy, blissful swing charm that stemmed from the freedom of groove, inherent in jam sessions.
Robert Watson isn’t afraid to showcase his creative elevation that comes from his songwriting process and his skillful playing. He attempts to transform the ideas in his head into melodic phrasings and come up with something cohesive and engaging for the audience to become aware and pay attention. And the results are worth it, which can sometimes translate to a heavy listening experience as you cycle through every song on the album.
