Artist description Lyrical and emotive, yet musically driven rock band, from Plymouth, South-West England. Watershed has a fairly unique sound though within the mix of styles there are certainly hints of Bob Dylan, The Beatles and many other great artists both past and present. The sound draws heavily on influences from the worlds of blues, reggae, soul and country music.

Music Style Rock

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Band, 1967, roots music.

Similar Artists Watershed; The Charlatans; Peter, Paul and Mary.

Artist History Watershed was formed back in 1989 and original members Jo Atkins and Al Shalliker still remain. Bass player Mark Flack joined a year or so later. After years of gigging, record and publishing deals, line up changes, highs and some real lows Watershed amalgamated into the present line up, and took on a new lease of life during 2001. Ben Grubb and Alex McGinnes, having previously played in Plymouth bands The Sun Dogs and Angels Versus Aliens, joined and this paved the way for the conception and recording of the album 'Strange Days And Dynamite', which is widely considered the band's best ever release. Other recordings of note include the 1994 album 'Moves', which featured the talents of former members Dave Quise, Mike Baldwin and Tony Gullis, on keyboards, saxophone and drums respectively. The album recorded with London based GMG Records during 1995 was sadly never released. The record company itself is now no more. The band however is very much around and still looking forward. Watershed have played venues including Glastonbury Festival, Cornwall Colliseum and Exeter Great Hall. Support slots have been played for artists such as The Levellers, Jah Shaka, Misty In Roots, Desmond Decker And The Aces, Bad Manners and Geno Washington. The band have recently been performing in Northern Spain. Check out the 'live events' page for gig listings.

Group Members Jo Atkins - vocals, drums, percussion Mark Flack - bass Ben Grubb - lead guitar Alex McGinnes - drums, harmonica Al Shalliker - vocals, guitar

Instruments Vocals/Guitars/Harmonica/Bass/ Drums/Percussion.

Albums 'Strange Days And Dynamite' - 2002; 'Moves' - 1994

Press Reviews Clare Robinson - Plymouth Evening Herald. 'Watershed are still Dynamite'. Watershed, one of Plymouth's longest-established and most popular bands, has just released a new album - and it's a winner. Strange days And Dynamite, is wistful and mellow, beautifully understated and easy on the ear. The overall sound has a retro feel, yet the songs are fresh and now. Although the songs have yet to reach a national audience, West Country music fans may have heard the album featured as Chris Robinson' s album of the week on Radio Devon. Established in 1989, Watershed won their first record deal in the mid 1990's with GMG, with whom they recorded an album. Singer/drummer Jo Atkins said: 'With the new album we knew we wanted to record live and that's exactly what we did - banged it down, all in the studio all together in one week although some of the vocals and guitar solos were added later. 'It was like getting back to basics, but we felt it was important to log exactly what we're doing now, before we move on.' Certainly they have moved on a pace from where they started as Plymouth's premier reggae ensemble 13 years ago, and the line-up has changed. While the core members, Jo (drums and vocals), Al Shalliker (songwriter, guitar and vocals) and Mark Flack (bass) remain; they have added Ben Grubb (lead guitar) and Alex McGinnes (drums, harp) from Angels vs Aliens. Ben's lead guitar work augments several tracks on the album. Meet Me In The Morning, arguably the stand out track, apparently started as a jam from which a great bluesy groove developed, and the interaction between Jo's mature and mellow vocals together with the soulful lead guitar work is a joy. The song is one of eight new tracks on the album, another new favourite, Baby You're a Liar, also juxtaposes bluesy guitar with Jo's distinctive vocals. Plymouth Song, meanwhile a wistful look at the band's home city, is a particularly moving offering featuring songwriter Al on acoustic guitar and vocals in complete contrast to the electronic rock riffage of Strange Days. Long-time Watershed fans will be delighted to find three familiar oldies present and correct in their best ever-recorded format. Bird comes replete with lush Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonies, Look Of A Hologram has a pervading Indian vibe, while the band's 'theme tune', Friendship and Life captures a feel-good reggae mood to perfection. The album has been exquisitely produced at Plymouth Musicians' Co-operative studios by the band and Doc - it is one of their best-production jobs yet.

Additional Info Watershed also have a back catalogue of eps including; 'Not What I've Found' - 1998, and 'If The Sun Don't Rise' -1992. Watershed's latest album 'Strange Days And Dynamite' is available at £8, to order a copy contact alshalliker@ukonline.co.uk to arrange details.

Location Plymouth, Devon - United Kingdom

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