There are musicians who adapt to the ever changing times, and there are musicians who stay stuck in the past all but outright refusing to conform to the industry’s progressive pace. Nick Waterhouse is the second one. Based on that initial impression, the idea that Waterhouse is producing music that sounds as though it could’ve been recorded decades ago might seem like a bad thing. This just isn’t so. It’s long been thought that the artists of the twenty-first century would have to stay ahead of the curve to retain any relevance. Nick Waterhouse doesn’t, he doesn’t care, and frankly, he doesn’t have to.
Promenade Blue is collection of songs that, if one were to close their eyes and listen, would sound like he was on tour with greats like Buddy Holly or Ritchie Valens, or perhaps maybe even Elvis.
His new album Promenade Blue shows either a man who belongs in a completely different time period, or, an artist who’s essential in keeping certain types of music alive and well. It strikes a more positive chord in assuming the latter, as Waterhouse’s music would’ve been incredibly popular if played during the time of which it’s influenced. This is especially true for his latest. Promenade Blue is collection of songs that, if one were to close their eyes and listen, would sound like he was on tour with greats like Buddy Holly or Ritchie Valens, or perhaps maybe even Elvis. He offers a mix of old school pop, blues, and soul in his fifth album that has the inclination to resonate with young fans with older souls.
The whole album is a meticulously organized collection of tracks that prove to be an undisputed win for musicianship. They are not songs that most millennial or Gen Z are likely to spread like wildfire, but true fans of ‘music’ will undoubtedly see the genius that is there be heard. Promenade Blue wields strong song writing, professional arrangement of real instruments, sleek guitar solos, well produced sound quality, seasoned back-up singers, and all the retro style from the 50s and 60s pop scene on the part of Waterhouse. His charisma as a vocalist and guitar player carries the album across less travelled waters for other artists of the present. Each song has its own appeal, but there are a few that give more life to the album than the rest. Whether it’s the rock like tone of Vincentine, the production of Very Blue showcasing distinguishable guitar riffs and heavenly string orchestrations, Silver Bracelet’s exciting story accompanied by creative melodies and back-round vocals, or the drum led rhythm of Minor Time with its haunting saxophone, Nick Waterhouse gives listeners a consistently healthy amount of variety.
Promenade Blue is yet another addition to his growing body of work that further illustrates his desire to stay in his own realm. His ability to create music of a much older style in conjunction with his knack to make a career out of it is nothing to scoff at. With more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify at present, his latest release is sure to see that number climb considerably assuming that fans will enjoy Promenade Blue as much as his previous work.
