Darren Watson has played his unique powerhouse style of blues for three decades. Over that time he led Chicago Smoke Shop, one of New Zealand's most successful rhythm & blues show bands, carved out a successful solo career as a performer and blues educator, and shared stages with a long list of music legends - including Jimmie Vaughan, Billy Boy Arnold, Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, Doctor John, George Thorogood, Emmylou Harris, Eric Burdon, Tony Joe White, Keb Mo, & Mavis Staple's guitarist Rick Holmstrom.