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Doc Watson - The Best Of Doc Watson 1964-1968 Audio CD

A fair review of the Doc Watson "The Best Of Doc Watson 1964-1968" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Doc Watson reviews here, or go back to the Doc Watson tabs.

Doc Watson Band: Doc Watson
Title: The Best Of Doc Watson 1964-1968
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-04-20
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Muskrat - Doc Watson, Merle Watson 2: Country Blues 3: Rising Sun Blues - Doc Watson, Merle Watson 4: Tennessee Stud 5: Down in the Valley to Pray 6: Dill Pickle Rag 7: Otto Wood the Bandit - Doc Watson, Merle Watson 8: Windy and Warm 9: Little Sadie 10: Blue Railroad Train 11: Omie Wise 12: Intoxicated Rat 13: Tom Dooley 14: Alberta 15: Beaumont Rag 16: Shady Grove 17: My Rough and Rowdy Ways 18: Train That Carried My Girl from Town 19: Black Mountain Rag 20: Grandfather's Clock [#] 21: Cyclone of Ryecov [#] 22: Doc's Guitar [#] 23: Crawdad Hole [#]

10 stars out of 5! This guy is great!
If anyone can make you a believer, he can. If you've never heard bluegrass, by all means listen to Doc Watson.

If you love bluegrass but somehow have never heard Doc, grab this CD.

For those who are familiar with "Tom Dooley" only from the Kingston Trio's well harmonized but rather bland version, a revelation awaits -- and be prepared to be blown out of your chair.

There are instrumentals here, an a cappella track, and a lovely ballad, "Alberta. "

Watson sings and plays guitar, mouth harp and banjo. There are songs of love, murder, and humor.

You've probably heard the Animals' version of "House of the Rising Sun," and you may know Bob Dylan's from
his first LP (he used Dave van Ronk's arrangement almost note for note). They're both good, but don't miss Doc's take on it.

This is true American music, played and sung by someone who was born and grew up in the area it came from -- the Appalachian Mountains.

I wish I could give this CD more than five stars. Oh, wait --- I did.


Awesome Collection of early Doc Songs
This a great collection of songs including my favorite arrangement of 'Shady Grove' that's out there.


Classic Songs Performed By One Of The Greats Of American Music
But it wasn't until 1960, at age 37, that Doc was "discovered" by folk music archivist, Ralph Rinzler and brought to play in New York City. After being born blind in a small mountain town in North Carolina, Doc grew up playing guitar with local musicians. Doc became a popular figure in the folk music scene of the early 60's and his legend has grown ever since. I used to go see him play at a small club in Black Mountain, North Carolina when I was attending a nearby school, Warren Wilson College, in the late 1980's.

This album is a treasure trove of American folk classics with Doc's distinctive voice and hot picking making for a beautiful and inimitable sound. A close listening to the words of these songs will show just how rich, profound and meaningful they truly are. There is none of the "corniness" often associated with some of the more commercialized folk music. But instead Doc belts out powerful tales of murder and mayhem, wild women and rebellious "rounders" off to get drunk and raise hell. Some of these songs almost remind me of Old Testament stories in their ability to use dark and sometimes lurid subject matter to convey the true meaning of the human condition. Of course, you also have straightforward gospel songs like "Down In The Valley To Pray" which offer redemption to all of us wayward sinners. All in all this is a beautiful record of extraordinary songs by one of the masters of American music - the great Doc Watson.


The Best of Doc Watson
I`ve been a fan of his for more than forty years. Doc Watson is one amazing guitar picker, human being, and musician.


Doc Watson Is a National Treasure
All tracks are taken from the six studio albums he recorded for Vanguard from 1964 through 1968. Arthel "Doc" Watson is perhaps the finest flatpick guitar player to ever pick up a guitar and this generous 23-track anthology goes a long way to support that claim.

I first heard Doc Watson on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN where he performed his signature song "Tennessee Stud," included here from his classic SOUTHBOUND album. While not as good a singer as he is a guitar player, there is an earthy quality to his vocals, which is especially effective on the a capella gospel number "Down in the Valley To Pray. "

On many of these tracks, Watson is accompanied by his son Merle on second guitar. Listen to their delicate interplay on the instrumental "Dill Pickle Rag. "

As an added bonus, the final four tracks are previously unreleased. First, is a solo performance of "Grandfather's Clock" with Watson accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica. Next is the Carter Family's tragic tale of "The Cyclone of Ryecov. " Then there is the brief (1:23) guitar workout "Doc's Guitar. " The final is the traditional "Crawdad Hole" performed live.

Doc Watson is one of our national treasures, and if you're looking for a solid introduction to his music, this is an excellent place to start. [Running Time - 65:55] VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED .


You can see a complete list of all Doc Watson discography, or go back to the Doc Watson tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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