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Preacher Boy Seeks to Convert the Masses with His Latest Multi-Media Project "Ghost Notes"
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Forget all the scoffers and their predictions of doom concerning the end of physical product and an artist's ability to earn an income from the sale of such media. Because, here comes independent musician Preacher Boy with a message contained within his latest gospel - Ghost Notes - that reveals how CDs, LPs and even the printed page all have a place in his own personal canon that have resulted in - for him at least - a far reaching contingent of followers that span the globe.
Preacher Boy's musical message demands to be heard in multiple formats.
Since the mid 1990's Christopher Watkins aka Preacher Boy has been crafting his unique style of Alternative Blues. Known for his distinctive gruff voice paired with a virtuoso National slide guitar style he has been described by AllMusic as "an artist who bridges the gap between the past, present and future of the blues" and who can disagree? Preacher Boy is also well respected by fans and critics alike for his poetic prose and boot-pounding live performances.
Ghost Notes - his new album on Coast Road Records - is the culmination of all of the above along with life experiences told in vivid details. In addition to the noteworthy music is the accompanying book that further explores the songs and stories behind Ghost Notes. Through over 20 chapters and 200 pages the author reveals influences and unique songwriting insight. For example, when discussing the guitars he uses - some are referred to as being "bottom feeders". Yet, it is these creatures that give his muse so much more grit and sustenance.
In the book, Watkin reflects upon his childhood recalling that when he listened to music on long car rides he would transcribe lyrics thus developing a lifelong love of words. Bits and pieces of his life along with photos of instruments are woven into his narrative along with the fact that as he was working on Ghost Notes he was reading a lot of biographies of artists that he admired.
Christopher talks about the art of writing a song by gathering snippets of characters and circumstances but also the struggles in crafting the sounds to compliment them. Thus, his latest was years in the making. Yet, the end result - featuring 18 tracks on four sides of inviting vinyl - is a near-paranormal patchwork of prose punctuated by an array of tones thanks to his trusty arsenal of not your run of the mill axes at his disposal.
Preacher Boy pays tribute to the blues and others on this collection. "Up The River" echoes of The Band whereas the politically charged "Don't Know What To Think Anymore" is a nod to Bruce Springsteen. Other sources of inspiration such as Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones are present and in the mix. Additionally, the two characters who have haunted him for most of his prolific career - Tom Waits and Bob Dylan - are never far from view helping to make the glorious grit that emerges throughout Ghost Notes a welcome apparition indeed.
Thanks again to Preacher Boy for sending us Ghost Notes and the whole multi-media package of his latest release in CD, Vinyl LP and companion book format in addition to an accompanying marketing sticker that is currently on proudly display in our SoundPress.net office!
Related Links:
For more information on PREACHER BOY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Preacher Boy
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