Doc Watson Songs From Home CD

 An American Treasure!
Everything he does is brilliant! The only problem is, his playing is so overwhelming that it overshadows his singing which is also outstanding!
Submitted by Shelley (East Tennessee) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Forceful Flatpicking, Passionate Singing
On March 3, 2003, Artheal Lane Watson turns eighty years old. As only a boy of thirteen, he was given his first guitar, and he has never looked back since he began busking at taxi stands, playing in country or rockabilly bands, or finding his niche as a song-carrier. For over sixty years, he's been simply known as "Doc" when a bandleader noted that his real name was too hard to say. Drawing upon his rich traditional musical heritage, Doc Watson developed a unique and influential style that was accepted by fans of old-time country, bluegrass and folk music. With his forceful flatpicking and passionate singing, Watson plays the music he loves without ever straying too far from his musical roots. Doc once said, "If a song has something to say, I'm liable to sing it if I like it." On "Songs From Home," there are seventeen tracks of his traditional favorites, many cuts which have already been released. Only two songs (T For Texas, and Matchbox Blues) are previously unreleased. The latter was from a live performance, as are Big Sandy/Leather Britches, Southbound Passenger Train, Wild Bill Jones and Daybreak Blues. Along with his son, Merle, some of these songs also feature the band, Frosty Morn, which the Watsons assembled in the late-70s. I wish this album's liner notes would have recognized the musicians who are accompanying. Although Merle died in 1985, seven of the song selections on this album feature just the father-son duo. These include My Creole Belle, Big Sandy/Leather Britches, Matchbox Blues, Little Beggar Man/Old Joe Clark, Wild Bill Jones, Daybreak Blues, St. James Hospital/Frosty Morn. This album presents a superb overview of Doc Watson's musical genius and talent. A real treat is to hear Doc pick his fretless banjo on Rambling Hobo and Wild Bill Jones, as well as his acapella rendition of Wake Up, Little Maggie, and his inspired harmonica playing on Freight Train Boogie. With his compelling baritone and distinctive playing, Doc Watson the song-carrier has endured the ups and downs of a long, significant musical career. The album "Songs From Home" offers a good overview of some of his best work, true to his roots. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now magazine)
Submitted by rossjoe (Roseburg, Oregon)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

Have you heard this album?