From the opening notes of the first song “Time’s All Gone, the fever was on. The tribal drums and Waterhouse’s bouncing a 1-4-1-5 rhythm pattern. His treble guitar tone and the deep guttural sax and organ solo were savage. Straightforward rock & roll that shakes hips and repels parents. The music that helped define rebellious youth back in the day.
Waterhouse married word play and imagination. “He’d say, ‘Who are they? And who gave them the right?’ Right now.” The song “Black Glass” had an old gumshoe detective vibe while lyrically searching. He sang to what seemed to be a personal mystery with a McGuffin. Very clever.
“I Had Some Money (But I Spent It)” was an upbeat tempo keeping the energy high. Sarcastic confessionally of one’s own inability to hold onto cash personalizing a universal theme.
“It takes a lot of medicine just to go this fast.” is the repeating call-and-response chorus. Dark. An empathic observation of a person who has gone down too far. A slower, somber tempo with a haunting jazz club sound.
“The Spanish Look” was a fun, doo-wop-tinged novelty, playing on a double entendre: both a señorita’s striking fashion and the elusive, seductive look—the glance—that got away. He played “Hide and Seek” and “Play to Win” from his most recent 2023 release, The Fooler, and a few career-spanning singles: “Raina” and “Song For Winners.” Then he ended the set with “This Is A Game,” “Say I Wanna Know,” and “La Turnaround.” Fans loved it.
A veteran with boundless energy, Waterhouse commanded his guitar like a crazed dance partner before last call. Swinging it, then crouching down as bandmates took solos, he swiped his left hand over the top of the fretboard, thrusting it at the audience to punctuate the moment. Working an untamed beast.
His band was right there with him: keyboardists JD Black and Brian Lange held down the rhythm section alongside sit-in UK touring drummer Oscar Robertson. Vocalist Carol Hachett, tenor saxophonist Heiner Gulich, and longtime collaborator Paula Henderson on baritone saxophone filled out the arrangements, creating a big ensemble sound. Each took solos that showed off their chops—seasoned pros playing with cool modesty.
Waterhouse is highly original, a stylized blend of old time rock and roll, doo wap, harmonies, film noir, rhythm and blues. As a songwriter he weaves stories and visualizes emotions that fit brilliantly to the music.
Wrapping up his spring European tour, Nick Waterhouse and this band proved to be a must see musician and entertainer. More than a performance, but an event that lingers as a memorable concert. Waterhouse will resume his touring in the states later this summer.
