Artist description BMA-nominated songwriter Duncan Watt has written for, performed with or produced countless national and regional recording artists, including Barbara Kessler, Jennifer Kimball, Greg Greenway, Chewy, Skarotum and Deb Pasternak. Acerbic, witty and eclectic, his wide range of musical interests has earned him a reputation for versatility and artistic unpredictability.

Music Style Eclecto-pop

Musical Influences Randy Newman, Joe Jackson, Joni Mitchell, XTC, Lyle Lovett

Similar Artists Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Joe Jackson

Artist History Duncan Watt grew up in Durham, New Hampshire. Born into a musical family, he began his musical career at age five, playing the piano, trumpet, and later drums and guitar. "My Dad used to take me down to this little bowling-alley bar in Dover where they'd let me stand outside the door and watch the live bands play. I still remember most of the words to "Rocky Mountain Way"..." Early influences included an eclectic mix: "We listened to The Cars, Joni Mitchell, Van Halen, Parliament, Clash, Dr. John, Pretenders, Ray Charles, CSNY, Police, XTC... and of course Aerosmith". Duncan credits his cousin Vinny Zummo, who played guitar for Jay And The Americans, with turning him onto jazz: "I still have the cassette he made me, with Tony Williams Lifetime, Chick Corea, Pat Martino, Art Tatum... it changed my whole outlook on music, and led me to Miles, Coltrane, all the greats."Eager to make a name for himself, Duncan first hit the road at 17, playing keyboards in a cover band six nights a week. Before long, he made his way to Boston, playing keyboards for local and national recording acts such as Barbara Kessler and Greg Greenway.After a few years of the contemporary folk scene, Duncan decided to take some time off from live playing and concentrate on producing, session work and songwriting. A wide range of successful projects followed, including collaborations with superpop-sugarthrash wonders Chewy, contemporarydance-hop starlet Chelsea Swett, and the acousto-industrial-psychedelia-styled Patty Barkas. Duncan also returned to live playing with such luminaries as Jennifer Kimball(The Story), Deb Pasternak and Kerri Powers. Soon, Duncan decided it was time to record some of his own material ("...it was just piling up in the corner, staring at me..."). His current release, "Six Songs Of Good And Evil", is the eclectic, surprising result.Duncan remains in demand as a producer, arranger and session player even as he continues his career as a solo performer. He has sung and played on recordings with Cosy Sheridan, Susan Piper, Cheryl Hoenemayer and Maria Sangiolo. His solo piano work has been featured on the Lifetime TV series "Any Day Now". Duncan is currently playing live supporting his new CD and plans to begin work on the follow-up soon.

Albums "Six Songs Of Good And Evil"

Press Reviews "Recipe for contemporary adult pop: start with some Randy Newman, add a generous helping of Elvis Costello, flavour with a pinch of Tom Waits, dust lightly with XTC. Et voilą!"-Chalkhills"Well-written piano pop bits that recall the days when Costello owned a Casio."-Listen.com

Location Exeter, New Hampshire - USA

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