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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These 1963 and 1964 performances from the Newport Folk Festival illustrate the wide range of influences absorbed by flatpicker Doc Watson. Traditional folk, old-time, Piedmont blues, bluegrass, and gospel are all part of his musical equation, as well as the music of Jimmie Rodgers and the Delmore Brothers. Vanguard's 26-song compilation displays Watson's fleet guitar work and his deep, mellow voice (reminiscent of Burl Ives, actually), plus his passion for the material at hand. His 1963 performance was the one that propelled him into prominence. He'd been playing many of these traditionals since childhood, giving the songs a feeling of well-earned authenticity. --Marc Greilsamer
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Eddie Finn
Format:Audio CD
The title says it all, really - If you own only one Doc Watson recording, this should be it. Doc's flatpicking (on "Black Mountain Rag, for instance), his fingerpicking (on"Little Omie Wise", for instance) and his folk/gospel style vocals (on most of the tracks) demonstrate just why he's considered one of this era's finest musicians. Doc's range is remarkable, and on this CD you'll find him singing gospel a capella, playing guitar full steam ahead, harmonizing with his mother (really!), playing duets with his son Merle, and yodeling like, well, a guy who knows what he's doing. 26 tracks here, over an hour of music, a must-have for anyone who enjoys traditional music, bluegrass, folk, acoustic.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
I love this CD. It's a great collection of old-time, traditional Southern music. It's like taking a trip back in time - imagine yourself out on the back porch on a summer evening about sixty or seventy years ago. This is what you and your friends would be singing. Doc Watson performs with the right touch of humor, longing, or sadness that each song needs. Years ago, I bought a tape containing the first half of the songs on this CD and it served as an introduction to a whole genre of music. I would recommend this to anyone who is already a fan of Doc Watson or to the person who has heard good things about him and is curious to hear for him/herself.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By R. J Metz
Format:Audio CD
OK, Never heard of Doc Watson? Well, thanks to my Dad, I have. This is easily his best album. You should hear his version of Froggie Went a Courtin. It is the best. Other songs on this album include Shady Grove, Tom Dooley, Alberta, Groundhog, there's even a duet with his late son Merle who flipped a tractor over on himself. If you love bluegrass, you're sure to fall in love with this album.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best mood music there is!
Doc Watson tells a story with each and every song! Folk songs are timeless! Some songs make me cry everytime I hear them. And some make me really happy! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ruby Williamson
2.0 out of 5 stars
This is an "Essential"?
As much as I love Doc Watson, I fail to understand nor to appreciate this album. How can a Doc Watson Essential album exist without "Tennessee Stud"? Go figure!
Published 20 months ago by Tx. Hoosier
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Essential Doc Watson
VERY disappointed. Each song sounds like the last. ~ will give away.
Published on July 7, 2008 by Brenda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fine overview of Doc's picking and singing styles...
This is offered at a good price for what you get: a variety of mostly traditional songs, secular and Southern Gospel, from one of the best guitar players and authentic singers of... Read more
Published on April 21, 2008 by William E. Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best blue grass albums
Getting this album was a trip back in time. My foot hasn't stopped tapping yet.
Published on October 15, 1999
1.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I think that this CD by far is one of if not the best. One other thing, if there is anybody out there that is a big Doc Watson fan, years ago he had a guitar course out, does... Read more
Published on June 27, 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
An essential album for acoutic guitar pickers to learn from
Any acoustic guitar picker who wants to learn from the master should have this in their collection. Doc makes the difficult seem effortless. Read more
Published on December 10, 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
The title says it all.
Every home should have this CD. And the man is more remarkable than the music. It is essential.
Published on October 24, 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doc Watson is an American treasure and this album shows it.
This is a terrific album. Guitar players will enjoy Doc's unique flat picking style. Hauntingly sad songs of the people of the mountain strike a chord with adults and there... Read more
Published on October 21, 1998
