Phil Watson Music in Washington, NC
I had an opportunity to catch the sounds of Phil Watson's Music. Not only does he play a pretty guitar and sing, but he also plays a mean pedal board with his toes. The singer-songwriter stays busy playing the coastal Outer Banks and has a disc available for music enthusiasts. Miles From Where Be Started was released in 2022, and it takes us on a journey of heartbreak and healing. From the title track to the middle of Watson’s soul, this disc offers listeners some sweet guitar solos and soaring riffs as he slays his heart with offerings such as "Hurts Too Much To Stay" and "Pretending."
After taking in his show and listening to his disc, I contacted the seasoned professional to learn more about his musical journey. Here are some of the things I asked.
TS: Who got you started with music, how old were you, and when did it become life?
PW: My entire family was musicians. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents. My grandparents had a bar and stage in their basement at their house in West Virginia, where I grew up. On the weekends, the family would get together to play music, and I remember being just a kid on the floor with my Matchbox cars playing while everyone was making music. I started singing around the age of five or six. I started instrumentally as a saxophone player and played all through school and college as a jazz major. I picked up the guitar around 12 or so and started playing in bars at 16 at various open mic nights. Over the years, I have done music full-time a few times. But this time, I have been doing it full-time for about eight years.
TS: Who are your influences?
PW: My influences over the years have changed so much! Believe it or not, I used to be a big punk guy, like Dead Kennedys and The Sex Pistols, then somewhere, it started changing and got much more mellow. I think it started with Chris Issac, of all people... I was always into Pink Floyd when I was younger, too. I started getting into songwriters like Jason Isbell, who grabbed me into that genre. So probably, I would say my top 5 more current influences might be… Jason Isbell, Pink Floyd, Avett Brothers, Derek Trucks, and I must throw in Simon and Garfunkel.
Growing up, my mom was big into classic folk music, such as Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary, Cat Stevens, and Simon and Garfunkel. My dad was more rock, like Black Sabbath, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Eagles, so it was all kinds of music.
TS: I ordered your CD when I got home and wondered how many CDs you have recorded.
PW: Thanks so much for ordering the CD! I hope you enjoyed it! That is my first solo release. I had an album out around 2005 with a duo called Watson and Calhoun. I have another album in the works now; hopefully, it will be released before the end of the year.
TS: Do you work with a band, or are you in the band?
PW: I am a one-man band. I’m a multi-instrumentalist as well. I play some piano and bass and a few other instruments. Most of the studio work I have done is all by me. I recorded a couple of songs on this latest album with a bass player and drummer at a studio in Richmond. But for the most part, it’s just me.
TS: Nowadays, making music as a solo act is very economical. What sets you apart from others is your unique style.
PW: I always try to do things a little differently. I never try to copy original artists, when I cover their songs, and I try to incorporate my original music as much as possible. The live looping is something that I use a lot as well. I don’t rely on it for every song, but I feel like it breaks up the monotony of a solo artist.
TS: You have lots of fancy footwork in your show. What are some of your favorite petals on the board? Please explain what they do and why you favor them most… I mean, the ones you can’t get through a show without.
PW: My two favorite pedals are my looping pedal and my vocal effects processor, where I get some of the harmonies and vocal effects. Those two pedals allow me to have a recording studio at my feet. People always comment about the feet. It’s one of the reasons why I have to play barefoot with all of those pedals; it is a bit like braille for blind people, but just with my toes. I need to feel what’s going on down there because I am playing the instruments and recording, adding effects, being the lighting guy, and being the sound guy all with my feet.
TS: What does the road ahead look like for Phil Watson Music?
PW: I wish I knew what the road ahead looks like. I’ve pushed for the same goals for the better part of 30 years. I’m fortunate to consistently play between 250 and 275 shows a year, but I'd like to take things to another level. I’ve been trying to put together a supporting band to focus more on the original music. I’m hoping that will come together soon.
Thanks, Phil. I enjoyed your show and have your disc in my car. It seems like a lot of heartache joins you on the journey. Thankfully, music is healing.
I use music as a therapeutic response to things that have impacted me negatively. That seems to be where much of my influence comes from on that last album. The new album, I believe, is a little more diverse in its subject matter. I’m excited about releasing it, and I think I will be pretty proud of it.
I think Watson has a lot to be proud of and plenty to look forward to, I don't think he's "Runnin' Out of Time," . He makes a living doing what he loves and impacts others with his music. If you live in or visit the Outer Banks area and want to catch local music vibes, look for Phil Watson and take in a show. Keep up with his schedule, or buy his music; check out his website, Phil Watson Music. Watson is looking for more gigs here on the mainland, so if you are seeking talent, scout this singer. He would be an excellent fit for New Bern, Oriental, Swansboro, and many places throughout Craven and Carteret Counties, not to mention Pitt and Beaufort Counties. I hope readers take the time to visit his social media sites, and when you do, be sure to like and follow along.
Yarn 2024 ~ Unraveling a 17-Year History that Escaped Me
The Raleigh-based, country-infused roots rock quartet Yarn celebrates 17 years of making music with a new release and Summer Tour. Born Blessed Grateful & Alive is the band's latest recording, released on Friday, July 26, 2024. Their songs are running up the charts thanks to their fans and followers. I like how the new record starts with great advice for everyone. They tell us to "Turn Off The News." It was there that they gained a new fan in me.
The band came together in 2007 under the direction of singer-songwriter and Brooklyn ballad maker Blake Christiana, who we meet on vocals and left-handled guitar, Rick Bugel on bass, and Robert Bonhomme on drums and supporting vocals. Initially, the band was based in New York, and I know their stomping grounds better than I know most of NC. The trio enjoyed a two-year Monday night residency at New York City club Kenny's Castaways in Greenwich Village on the famed Bleeker St. The bass man grew up two miles from me, and everything about their story is familiar and comfortable to me.
The band became a Raleigh-based outfit when Christiana moved South and settled in Raleigh more than a dozen years ago. The other guys followed, moving to NC about a decade ago. One of the great features of this band is you won't see the same show twice. They consistently tour with a guest guitarist. Andrew Trongone was adding the six-string fire when I caught them at Gaffer's in Emerald Isle, NC, just days before the new release became available a few weeks ago. Another fun fact: Yarn always welcomes surprise guests or featured soloists at live shows.
Since then, they have been logging miles on the road supporting their new release. They are climbing the Americana, Roots Music, and Alternative Country charts daily, which makes their feed fun to watch. This week, they find "Traveling Man" rising on the Americana Charts. Three weeks after its release, Born Blessed, Grateful and Alive sits right behind Willie Nelson at Number 9 and Johnny Cash at Number 10 on the Alternative Country charts, up nine places since the previous week, holding down at Number 11. Next week, the band will be rocking Rhode Island, Connecticut, and my former stomping grounds of New Jersey.
There are a few other things about this band that I like. The first thing I find appealing is that they can't be defined by one genre. Sometimes, they offer songs you'd expect to hear on the rock radio station; other times, they are a strong country band, and sometimes, Christian Rock seems more suitable. I also love the advice they share throughout the new release. These boys are full of great advice in a day when so many are trapped inside their lives and depressed by life. They tell us to "Turn Off the News," reminding us that we have to "Wake Up" for the good stuff. The album's title is buried in the song "These Words Alone," a soul-searcher that might help someone heal in their struggles. If you are up for some boot-scootin', they meet you, "Down to the Dancehall."
There is something familiar and comfortable about their music, even if you are not familiar with them. I had not heard of the band until my friend Jim Barbee messaged me about them playing at the beach. It was a pleasure to meet and listen to them live. For my NC friends seeking a Yarn show, mark your calendars for December. My friends back home in New York and New Jersey, buckle up; they are heading your way this fall. They return in time to celebrate Christmas at home with a three-night NC stint on December 20-22. You can catch them in Raleigh, NC, at The Lincoln Theater on December 20, 2024, The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC, on December 21, 2024, and Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte, NC, on December 22, 2024. They should be at the top of the charts by Christmas, so do some early Christmas shopping and buy Yarn merch today.
I hope to catch up with the band before they come home for Christmas to learn more about the music makers and their fun journey from the road and on the charts.
Thankfully Departed Live at The Brown Pelican
I nearly missed the Thankfully Departed when I stepped away from Wally Palooza 2 in June, so when I saw them playing at The Brown Pelican earlier in the month, I had to go. Besides, it was the perfect time to celebrate Jerry Garcia's life and music, as early August marks the singer's birth on the first in 1942 and his death on the 9th in 1995.
Thankfully Departed, banded together earlier this year and debuted in May at a Memorial Day weekend bash in Maysville. In June, I caught the tail end of their second gig in Washington, NC, but I truly enjoyed their show most on August 3rd in New Bern, NC.
Vince Tricario, lead vocals, and guitar; Beamon, bass and vox; Mike Bailiff, lead guitar and vox; and Craig Anderson, drums and percussion, behind the kit, are the players creating the jams for this quartet. If you are interested in booking the band, they are available for club shows, festival gatherings, and private events. Send an email thankfullydeparted@gmail.com to check availability. To follow the band on their journey, follow and like them on Facebook.
John Benjamin Live at BrÜtopia
Generally speaking, I try to appear when I see a new name playing at a familiar place. It's hard to cover everyone, but it's easier when I find several shows in one town on the same night. On this particular evening, John Benjamin at BrÜtopia caught my attention. The first thing I noted about this singer-songwriter was his upbeat personality and fun jams.
During his set break, I had a short conversation with Weimer, during which I learned he was born in West Virginia and now calls the coast of Virginia home. After catching his show, I reached out on Messenger to learn more about the entertainer. When we spoke face to face, he mentioned that he had been writing music for nearly twenty years and was now 30. When I visited his website, I noticed that his schedule allows him lots of traveling time. That always makes a story more interesting.
Tracey Stones: When did you decide to take the reins of your music life and guide it down a touring career path? How’s it been going?
John Benjamin: I never traveled when I was younger and always desired to see the world. I’ve played in 24 states and plan on playing in all 50. It’s been going great. I am fully booked on the East Coast. I perform from NJ to FL, mostly in VA, MD, and NC.
TS: What’s your recording plan? I understand I have the title track for the upcoming release. When can people expect that?
JB: I am finally getting quality recordings for all of my songs, and people can buy them on my website and other platforms. My EP will be released on September 14th, and an album by Christmas. My Website is benjaminweimermusic.com.
TS: The business card said John Benjamin and the website is Benjamin Weimer.
JB: Yes, John Benjamin is my first and middle name. Many people mispronounce my last name, so I am sticking with John Benjamin.
TS: What put music in your heart at such a young age, and how old were you when you started playing the guitar?
JB: I was very young, around 11. I heard a particular song on the radio in the key of F#, "Holiday," by Green Day, I picked up a guitar, and never looked back. I’ve played in multiple bands and many different genres. My love for Country rock and Americana started with writing songs before I learned a cover. I never stopped writing, either.
TS: Hazzard County Recording Studios, is that your studio?
JB: Hazzard County Recording Studios is my studio of choice, and because of that, I'm very grateful to be working with so many great Nashville artists. It's at the Dukes Of Hazzard Museum located in Luray, Va. It's owned and operated by Robby Meadows. I’ve been going to it for a while, and it’s a beautiful place to record.
For those who missed John Benjamin this Summer when he came through town, he will return to BrÜtopia on January 31, 2025. In the meantime, check out his website and get to know him better before his return.
Adam Who? Adam Hill Music
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It's been a while since I last saw Adam Hill perform live, so when he invited me to Michael's Pub & Patio, I opted to stop by and enjoy the show. The singer and stringer hails from Pink Hill but now calls New Bern home. Hill offers many familiar songs from popular bands like the Allman Brothers, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and more. He plays solo and with a full band. The slinger leads two bands. His original hard rock outfit is Victim Of The Cause, and he offers solo and band shows with Adam Hill Music.
Though he nails the guitar parts of legends, his songs make him a legend around these parts. Adam Hill has a powerful voice and knows how to strong-hand a guitar. It's my biggest wish for someone to come alongside this player for some session work. He'd make a great session player for area studios looking for guitar tracks with an edge. Perhaps he could barter his talent on other projects in exchange for some session hours. This world needs to hear this talented player. To contact Hill about bookings or session work, text or call (252) 559-9802.
Michael's Pub and Patio opened their doors in the year of the pandemic and has created an excellent place for locals and tourists to visit for a bite to eat and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere whether you take a seat at the bar, upstairs in the dining area, or out on the patio. I wanted some nachos from the appetizer menu while I was there. They gave me enough time to go around, and the staff was always friendly and attentive. They are located on Pollock St. The historic house has served the community food from the kitchen for decades. When I arrived in town, it housed Pollock St. Deli. Since then, it has changed hands several times until Michael's arrived four years ago. They support live music and offer local acts on the patio on Saturday nights. The music starts at 6 pm. No music is scheduled for tonight but next week you can enjoy the music of Dan Jam Phillips. On Saturday, September 7, they welcome Justin Castellano.
Hellcats Rock The Garage
The Southern Hellcats have had a busy summer rocking and rolling around the Northeast region. They had a very productive month, starting off at The Garage in New Bern, NC. They will wrap up the month rocking Pirate Jam in Oriental.
The Pamlico County Arts Council brings this annual event to us and is sponsored by area businesses. This fun event is celebrating its fourth year with three area bands that rock. Earlier this month, the village of Oriental officially proclaimed August Pirate Month. You can visit sponsor businesses and be sure to save those receipts from your purchases and get your Pirate Jam 2024 Burgee. Spend $150 at a Burgee sponsor location; the flag is yours.
As part the the fun festivities leading up to Priate Jam a Priate Crawl is happening tonight where folks are encoraged to dress like pirates and visit all the area watering holes. That kicks off tonight at 6 pm at The Silos Restaurant. The venue is owned by Hellcats guitarist Chris and his wife, Kim Daniels. The duo was set to celebrate their 10th Annual SiloPalooza in 2020 when the world shut down. Given the gathering restrictions, Daniels approached the Arts Council about Pirate Jam.
Many fun family activities are planned for the week ahead, including a Paint Your Pirate Day this Thursday and a Movie night and Costume Contest at The Red Rooster Music Pavilion on Friday night, August 30, 2024, at 7 pm. The movie will be the classic The Goonies.
Since its inception, Pirate Jam has been well-received by boaters around the region. To attend this event, you must set sail for the day and head to the sound for the sounds of great classic rock and good fun. This year, the music starts with Heart Stop at 2 pm. Bridge Atlantic makes waves at 3:30 pm, and the Southern Hellcats bring the tide in with your favorite classic rock songs with a rockabilly twist from 5-6:30 pm.
Open Mic Nights in Oriental
While we are on the subject of The Silos Restaurant, I wonder if you have made it out for open mic night? They have opened a weekly open mic since they opened their doors in 2010. The music is a great way to break up the week with a dose of local talent. I visited the establishment for open mic night twice this month and caught several new acts on the stage.
The night starts with a great dinner, followed by live music at 7 p.m. Chris Daniels gets the night rolling with a half-hour of fun grooves, which you can often find him performing with his band, the Southern Hellcats. After he turns it over, the local players come to the stage to share their grooves. The first time I went this month, I enjoyed the Daniels duo featuring Chris, offering vocals and guitar, and Connor Daniels, no relation, on sax. Next up was Bob, a local strummer, breaking onto the scene and trying things out at his first open mic night. Next up was Mike Bramble, who appears at this open mic several times each month. Next up, we met a new piano man. Christopher Siren has spent years splitting his time between O'Town and coastal Florida as a server but hopes to spend more time around our area in the years ahead. The player has not focused much on music since his return to the area but is making it more of a priority, which is good news for our area.
Following his three songs, Terra Tones made their way to the stage. This duo features Ron Long on the six-string and New Bern native TerryLynn Melody on percussion, piano, and vocals. They both now call the village home and enjoy offering songs to friends and neighbors. Those interested in booking them can message the duo. They have a Facebook Page, Terra Tones. If you're not on Facebook and wish to bring them to your place, email terrylynnmelody@gmail.com. Closing out the first August open mic night was Ronald Goodwin, who hails from Aurora, NC, and enjoys regularly participating in the weekly open mic night.
When I was out last week, I caught a trio of Hellcats starting things off, followed by selections from Mike Bramble, Ronald Goodwin, and Christopher Siren. Adding to the mix last week was Cliff Hopkins, who bills himself as "One Old Man." Reach out to him to fill your next open date. Adam Hill shared a few songs for the enthusiastic crowd to close the night. I enjoy a good open mic night, and this one always features some fantastic dinner specials that fill the stomach and talented players that will fill the soul. Wednesday is one of the busiest nights in the dining room, so reservations are encouraged—you can call (252) 249-1050 to reserve your table. The Silos Restaurant is located at 1111 Broad St., Oriental, NC.
Blues Jam & Big Jim in New Bern
Big Jim Kohler has been on the mend since being admitted to the hospital just before Memorial Day weekend. He returned to the stage in July and has gained strength ever since. He hosts a popular Monday night Blues Jam at Blackbeard's Triple Play in New Bern, NC. Music is shared from 7 to 9 p.m.; the talent is always worth showing up for. Each Thursday, Big Jim and his wife Kathy Kohler perform at Stubb's Pubb, located on the second floor of Captain Ratty's, sharing songs from 7-9 pm each week.
Looking ahead, the blues man has a busy birthday weekend booked for next week, and he hopes you can join him and the band. They will share jams on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Maysville, NC, at Club Swedish. Camping is encouraged as it features a full day of great jam bands and a food truck to serve you.
On Sunday, the blues slayer will celebrate his birthday, turning 58, on the stage of Swanfest. Music starts at 6:30 pm, and this show closes out the 2024 concert series. The Seaside Arts Council offers this community concert series each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They feature local talent each week under the pavilion on Chruch and Main Sts. The non-profit has been under the direction of volunteer board members Rich and Maureen Wells for the past five Summers. Next Sunday, the couple will pass the torch so they can enjoy their weekends off the grid and anywhere they want. I take my hat off to them for their hard work and dedication. I hope the next chapter of their life is filled with great memories and great music. Thank you for all you did!
If you find yourself in the area this week, another New Bern-based band will rock the stage. I-42 is the famous beach band featuring Bryan Mayer. They will offer the grooves this week at 6:30 p.m.
Monday Night with Michael Schott, Live from Preston's Corner Bar
Since we are there, let's close out this week's blog in Swansboro, NC, where we will meet the next generation in country music. At 13, Michael Schott is on a mission to learn about the world through music, and the beautiful thing is that he is taking his family with him on the mission. I must tell you, this young man flew into my radar field just as soon as he hit the scene earlier this year when he was 12. The now eighth-grade guitarist won a talent competition at his middle school in May, performing a song he wrote earlier in the year. "Lucky" would be the lucky song that started it all. He has been writing songs since he was 10, which was another sign of things to come.
At the start of August, I caught up with the young singer and his band at Preston's Corner in Swansboro, NC. Born and raised in Carteret County, he calls Stella, NC, his home. He is getting ready to head to the 8th grade next week. Last weekend, he spent in San Antonio, TX, adding some vocal tracks to his debut release on Tri Hymn Records.
Earlier in the year, Schott caught the attention of Nashville Recording Artist and singer-songwriter Tom Yankton, who put him on a stage at a festival in Bentonville, AK. It was there he met Mike Hosier, a singer on a mission. I will discuss his mission, known as SOAR (Society Outcasts And Rejects), in the weeks ahead as we get to know Schott and Hosier better. What I can tell you is that Hosier started the 501 C-3 to rescue children from human trafficking practices. Hosier knows firsthand about the evils of this trade, which victimizes millions of children. Since meeting Schott, the two songwriters have collaborated on this project to save our children.
Schott spent part of the Summer of '24 writing new songs, revamping old ones, receiving opportunities, and logging some session hours in the studio in Arkansas and Texas. He also made a splash at every area open mic night has he appeared and spent the summer playing on stages that some 40-year-olds are still waiting to play. He played on the stage at SwanFest a few weeks ago with folk artist Henry Bitzer. Next week, the slinger brings his band to New Bern, where they will perform at The Brown Pelican for National Beach Day. Music plays from 7 to 10 p.m. He will bring the band to the Jones County Heritage Festival at the end of next month. He will open for the legendary Band Of Oz night on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Speaking of the band, let's meet them. Joining this young buck on stage to solidify the sound is Patrick Smith on guitar and sharing vocal duty, Mike Dewett plays the bass, and dad Max Schott keeps the beats behind the kit. Grandpa Mike Schott manages the band and runs their sound. When I met the older Schott, he jokingly introduced himself as a junior. The whole family was out in support. Schott is the older brother of two sisters. The two girls cheered him on throughout the night. When I reached out to his mom, Jenna’s Schott, she said she was very proud of her son and grateful for the opportunities that had come his way. She said it's neat to be around town shopping and see people approach her to talk about Mikey and his music. The whole family has supported the endeavors, so I believe this young man is embarking on a journey that might last the rest of his life.
I met the whole family and the band at Preston's Corner Bar & Grill, located on the corner of N. Front St. in Swansboro, NC. Preston Patterson owns the restaurant; you can find him behind the bar serving guests or in the kitchen cooking for them. He has been a supporter of local live music since opening his doors. If you have not been there for dinner or music, you can check it out soon.
Be sure to like and follow this young lad on his music journey. Michael Schott Music is gaining popularity now, so join the crowd and experience it soon.
Thank You for the Support
For those who follow me on Facebook, you know I am always sharing events and pages to help promote our artists. I want to take a minute to thank my readers and followers for being here with me. I appreciate your support in following new band pages and accepting my invitations to pages and events. You are the reason I do what I do. We have great talent around our state, and I love discovering it all and sharing it with you.
Thanks for reading! Have a rocking week!
I need to spend more time reading and learning from you!
Good Job!