Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City

Subject: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 01:35 PM

Just entered a store near me -- maybe has been released earlier in the US, but what the hey --, Sugar Hill Records has released a record of Doc Watson's first solo performances at Gerdes Folk City in New York 1962 -1963. This is (surprise, surprise) an incredible album (SUG CD-3934), immediately goes to the top of any list you want to make -- a worthy companion to the old favourite with Jean Ritchie from the same period. The sound is terrific, and the playing, well, what can one say.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 04:30 PM

Thanks for the info Peter. It will go to the top of my shopping list.

Murray

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 05:59 PM

And you can buy if from CAMSCO (surprise! surprise!) 800/548-FOLK (3655)

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 12:51 AM

Just got my radio copy. It's all that Peter says. Clean clear, and surely the first time on record for one of the great singers of our time, John (called Johhny on the CD) Herald, who backs Doc up on guitar on a couple of songs. A classic.

Rick

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:06 PM

Not the first, Rick- the first was, "Jean and Doc at Folk City." Doc was back there for a second gig after the one we did together. Ours was Doc's first solo performance after leaving Clarence Ashley's band. Ralph Rinzler arranged it for Doc, and asked me to share the bill with him "to keep him company," as he thought Doc might be a bit nervous (!!!) and since we had recently done our duo performance (the Ashley band and myself) at the Ashgrove in California, and were friends, that I'd be a good one to introduce him on his own. An honor indeed!

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Justa Picker
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:30 PM

Jean,
Without getting too personal could you share us with some of your favorite recollections about Doc and time the two of you spent together? I am sure there are a number of people here who would find the info fascinating and insightful.

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:48 PM

Oh, please do, Jean! He is one of my heroes--and such a nice man, too.

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Peter T.
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:55 PM

I think Rick was speaking about John Herald (those floating antecedents will kill you). yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 05:07 PM

Please, Jean. I can't think of anything I would love to read more than your reminisces on the folks you have played with.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: GUEST,Dave S.
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 06:05 PM

Have to agree with Mr. Fielding about John Herald (I caught the comma) being a great singer. I saw him many times, and at his best he often seemed just this side of 'out of control'. Very emotional singer.

Jean, your album with Doc has been both entertainment and a comfort for many years. I remember both Dave Sear and Roger Sprung being on it, but I can't remember if they were credited.

Dave

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 07:31 AM

First time I have seen Roger Sprung's name on Mudcat ! He is still going strong, was down here in S FL not so long ago with his buddy Hal Wylie, and they did a set at our local venue, as well as a banjo workshop. Roger is a "character" to say the least .............

Murray

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 08:48 AM

Murray, do you have Roger's original "Progressive Bluegrass" album from the early '60s that Doc played on before hardly anyone had ever heard of him?

Peter.

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 08:57 AM

I don't Peter, and Roger didn't have it for sale (well he wouldn't have had the vinyl anyway) but he didn't have the tape for sale. I talked to him at some length and I was left reeling from the list of names he has played and recorded with .

Murray

Subject: RE: Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 05:52 PM

Peter, I don't believe that Sear was on the album, and Roger was certainly given credit.

Thanks, folks, for soliciting my stories, but now's not a good time- I'm doing laundry (is this subject allowed on a music thread?) and packing to go to the doings in Frankfort, KY this weekend (see thread "Play Dulcimer With Me)!

I'll just tell a little bit- George did all the recording for the Folk City album with our Magnacorder and one microphone, which he moved selectively from mouth to instrument to another mouth, etc., throughout each number. When the reviews came out, most of them praised the "advanced modern technology" which enabled the production of such a crisp, clear yet mellow sound.