Audio CD review:
Doc & Merle Watson - Remembering Merle

Doc & Merle Watson - Remembering Merle

Band: Doc & Merle Watson Title: Remembering Merle Rating: Release Date: 1993-10-22 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Frosty Morn - Doc Watson, Traditional 2: Omie Wise - Doc Watson, Traditional 3: Frankie and Johnny - Doc Watson, Traditional 4: Honey Babe Blues - Doc Watson, Traditional 5: St. James Infirmary - Doc Watson, Primrose, Joe 6: Honey Please Don't Go - Doc Watson, Hodges, J. 7: Nancy Rowland/Salt Creek - Doc Watson, 8: Miss the Mississippi and You - Doc Watson, Halley, Bill 9: Nine Pound Hammer - Doc Watson, Travis, Merle 10: Summertime - Doc Watson, Gershwin, George 11: New River Train - Doc Watson, Traditional 12: Black Mountain Rag - Doc Watson, Traditional 13: Southern Lady - Doc Watson, Hill, R.L. 14: Mama Don't Allow It - Doc Watson, Cahn, Sammy 15: Blue Suede Shoes - Doc Watson, Perkins, Carl [Rock 16: Wayfaring Stranger - Doc Watson, 17: Thoughts of Never - Doc Watson, Watson, E.M.

Merle Watson - choice tracks illustrate a great talent It has been collated clearly with some fondness by Michael Coleman, Doc's bass player for many years. Having collected albums & videos of Doc Watson & friends for some years, I found "Remembering Merle" by falling over it in a sale bin in a local shop. The mood of the album gradually moves from trad songs (done with enthusiasm) through rock 'n roll to some very unexpected pieces, all done with refinement & sincerity. The generosity from Doc in subtlely pushing his son towards the forefront of the performances allows the listener to appreciate a remarkable talent on banjo, slide & acoustic guitars. Yet another version of 'Black Mountain Rag' confirms the technique of both son & father, but I recommend 'Southern lady' to listen to - a great arrangement superbly sung & played (& somewhat of a surprise to those used to Doc's 'typical' albums). The album notes avoid any maudling about Merle's premature death by not refering to it at all! Specific recording dates are missing unfortunately. Buy. You can see a complete list of all Doc & Merle Watson discography, or go back to the Doc & Merle Watson tabs