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28 Jul 05 - 04:22 PM (#1530466) Subject: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc At the risk of showing my ignorance, I'm asking folks who are familiar with Doc Watson's music to share some of their knowledge & opinions. He will be giving a concert a week from this Sunday just 10 minutes from my home. Tickets are $35 each with open seating. Should I go? Thanks, Barbara |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:24 PM (#1530468) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: wysiwyg YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~Susan |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:24 PM (#1530470) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: pdq Doc Watson is a national treasure. Go, buy all means, go. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:25 PM (#1530471) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Le Scaramouche Definitely. One of the top pickers in the world, what more need be said? |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:25 PM (#1530472) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Le Scaramouche Yikes, three posts all at roughly the same time. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:28 PM (#1530474) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Peace YES, YES, YES. Doc Watson will blow you away. If you like music played by a man who's pro all the way, ya gotta treat yourself to this guy. I can't tell ya what he'll play, but I can tell you you'll enjoy it. A bit about him. I have heard Doc Watson in live performance a number of times. He is awesome. Now I'll shut up and let others have their say. Jus' go. I promise you won't be disappointed. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:29 PM (#1530475) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Peace While I was typing my post I notice that four others responded. That's gotta tell ya something, bbc. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:30 PM (#1530476) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: lesblank A bargain at twice the price !!! You will not believe your eyes or ears !!! Listen for "Doc's Guitar" - a piece that he never announces by name "I ain't gonna tell what this is - I'll jest pick it !!" |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:30 PM (#1530477) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Bill D and watch the fingers of his left hand! |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:31 PM (#1530479) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Peace To play the way he does, he's gotta have at LEAST twenty fingers on each hand. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:36 PM (#1530487) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Wesley S I saw him just a few months ago. One of the best nights of music I've ever enjoyed. He won't tour forever - and he's a national treasure on a par with Pete Seegar. You MUST go. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:42 PM (#1530493) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: MissouriMud Absolutely go. Doc maybe a bit grayer and slower than the first time I saw him in the 60s but he is definitely worth seeing. Besides being someone who really pushed the art of guitar flatpicking (by essentially playing fast fiddle melodies on a guitar)he is a great overall musician, covering a broad spectrum of traditional American Applachian music including ballads and story telling, so its not just bluegrass. Plus he can play a mean banjo too. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:42 PM (#1530494) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: wysiwyg Never mind all the guitar talk. He IS a genius. But the main deal is, he's a sweetie, a fine interpreter, and walking/talking history. No one like him, before or since. If you miss seeing him now and then later hear a song of his, or see a video, you're going to cry so hard you won't believe it, that you didn't see him while you could. And he's not going to be around (in the flesh) forever. Go on behalf of all of us who would love to be there. I was privileged to see/hear him several times, and with his son Merle. Merle's gone-- can't say what I'd have missed if I'd missed him. GO. Go with someone you love very much, because it will be a tremendous gift, that you gave that person THE Doc Watson. ~Susan |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:51 PM (#1530504) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Wesley S His grandson - Richard - is his second guitar player now. If David Holt is also on the bill then you're in for a real treat. |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:54 PM (#1530510) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Big Mick Beebs (Spaw and I can call you that) you are not complete as a music fan if you haven't seen Doc. I was privileged to sit at his feet (literally) and watch him play. This man is a treasure, an amazing talent. One of the great albums ever is our own Jean Ritchie (kytrad) and Doc live at Gerdes Folk City. I think Smithsonian Folkways distributes it. Take it from an old friend. This is one you must not miss. Loveya, Mick |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:56 PM (#1530513) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: PoppaGator Convinced yet? One of the many great things about Doc and his playing is that, after growing up totally immersed in traditional mountain music, he went on the road with a swing band, so his style incorporates almost as much jazz as bluegrass. In other words, he's a living repository of the entire spectrum of American music. And he's a virtuoso from a technical point of view. And he's a very engaging and endearing person as a performer. Go! |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:15 PM (#1530541) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Murray MacLeod You must go to see him. One of my main reasons for visiting the States was to see him play live which I did (though only once).I will never forget that night. He's eighty two now, and obviously won't perform for ever, so see hime while you can. I just hope I can still play like that when I am his age ... |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:16 PM (#1530543) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Wow! All this is just a half hour?! Ok, you've convinced me. I'll check on tickets right now, but I'd still like to hear from others who've heard him--particularly in person. Thanks! Barbara |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:29 PM (#1530561) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Midchuck He is to flatpick guitar as Earl Scruggs is to bluegrass banjo. He didn't actually invent it. He just put it together and gave it to the public. He has slowed down some, yes. But if you've never seen him, you have to. Who knows how many more chances you'll get. Meaning no insult to David Holt or Grandson Richard, you should see him in a gig with Jack Lawrence, who is a present-day master of the guitar in his own right. Peter. |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:33 PM (#1530565) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Q (Frank Staplin) Just got (late, I know) the 2-cd album by Doc Watson, Clarence Ashley and others (1960-1962 recordings issued by Smithsonian Folkways as a collection in 1994). Doc Watson's work on guitar and banjo is amazing, but he also sang a pretty mean bass in a couple of the tracks. All-around great! |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:35 PM (#1530569) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Alrighty, I'm gonna hear Doc Watson. Just bought a ticket. Wish I had someone to go w/. Ah, well. Barbara |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:50 PM (#1530587) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: JohnInKansas Doc has made fairly regular appearances at the Walnut Valley (Winfield, KS) festival, and was having them billed as "Farewell Performances" and "Last and Final Appearance" at least 7 or 8 years ago. (It may have been 10 or 12 years ago.) He's been back since, but it's obvious you've gotta hear him if you get the chance. NOW! He's one of the few performers for whom we'll buy the CD - even at list price, when we spot a new one. (Without even looking to see what songs are on it.) John |
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28 Jul 05 - 06:15 PM (#1530607) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: CarolC Definitely go. You will not regret it. And you might not even notice that you are there by yourself, he's that good. |
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28 Jul 05 - 06:21 PM (#1530613) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Sorcha All of the above. He's not getting any younger...I've seen him in person several times.....always worth it. |
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28 Jul 05 - 06:22 PM (#1530615) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Rapparee Don't go. Buy the tickets, send them to me, and I'll go and let you know how terrible it was. Do we have a deal? Huh? |
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28 Jul 05 - 07:04 PM (#1530640) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Sorry, Rapaire. Get out here & we can go together. ;) Barbara |
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28 Jul 05 - 08:18 PM (#1530717) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: frogprince Amen to all of the above; saw Doc live just once years ago, would go again in a heartbeat. |
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28 Jul 05 - 08:52 PM (#1530760) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: open mike hE IS A REGULAR ON Prairie Home Companion radio show AND YOU CAN FIND HIM IN THE ARCHIVED SHOWS THERE..GO TO OLD SHOWS AND SEARCH FOR DOC WATSON. |
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28 Jul 05 - 09:13 PM (#1530779) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Art Thieme Doc does it all. Art |
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28 Jul 05 - 09:44 PM (#1530799) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Fortunato Susette and I make the pilgrimage to see him every time he comes to town. He is the genuine article. I think you'll find it some of the best $$s you've invested. You'll come away with the true sound in your ears. amazing to hear Doc for the first time, I envy you. Let us know how you like it. cheers, chance |
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28 Jul 05 - 09:54 PM (#1530809) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Auggie Don't Just Go. Go Early. Sit close to the front and you can darn near feel the magic coming out of this guy. I saw him from the 7th row right after his 75th birthday and he had "slowed down" about as much as Stephane Grapelli had at age 75 (i.e. not at all). He was spellbinding. Now at 82, even if he's lost 50% of his chops, he's still going to be better than 99% of the rest of the world's fok/country/bluegrass pickers. |
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28 Jul 05 - 10:01 PM (#1530812) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Auggie fok/country/bluegrass pickers That would of course, be Folk, not fok. (He probably types better than I do too). |
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28 Jul 05 - 10:06 PM (#1530813) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: harpgirl I've seen him many times and never miss a chance to hear the man. He is such a good picker. Once I was in Hendersonville NC with my parents and I hopped on my bike to ride around. I rode right into a little festival on the edge of a mountain where he was the headliner along with his grandson. What a stroke of luck that was! |
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28 Jul 05 - 10:08 PM (#1530817) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: number 6 Don't miss Doc at all costs .... he is the best of the best!! sIx |
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28 Jul 05 - 10:41 PM (#1530841) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Dale A friend and I went to see Doc and Jack Lawrence at Washington University in St. Louis not too long after Merle was killed. There were rumors circulating that he was going to stop performing, which fortunately has not been the case. But back to the story. We were mightily disappointed as you could well imagine to get there and be informed that the performance was sold out! We figured we had lost our one chance to see him. Dave and I stood around a bit wondering what to do next, short of going home and one of the organizers seeing that the number of us unfortunates was no more than a dozen or so said, "Hang on, we'll see what we can do." They got some chairs and put them in front of the front row of the theater, so there we were, feeling finer than any royalty could to hear two such masters making such wonderful music. Truly a night to be remembered as long as a person is able to remember. So anyway ~~ I am glad you have your ticket. Get there early if there is open seating. You can't depend on being as lucky as we were! |
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28 Jul 05 - 10:57 PM (#1530863) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Justa Picker You shouldn't miss this! This is THE MAN who set the "standard" for blue grass flatpicking and his fingerpicking ain't too shabby either. (That's kind of like saying ... the hope diamond isn't a bad lookin' rock.) :-) Serioulsy. A no brainer. Go. You will not be sorry. :-) |
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28 Jul 05 - 11:08 PM (#1530873) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Ah, Michael, I was hoping to hear from you. I'll pull your cd's out & review. Thank you all for your comments. I'm really getting excited. Wonder how early I'll have to go? Barbara |
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29 Jul 05 - 12:09 AM (#1530905) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: biglappy I'd say that Doc is the best performer in the entire traditional music world. I don't know who else even compares. He is the best Appalachian singer there is and no one even makes a big deal out of it because his guitar playing is so awesome. Go hours early and camp out as I have done more than once. A front row seat for a Doc Watson concert is the sort of thing that you remember all your life. |
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29 Jul 05 - 12:14 AM (#1530912) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Peace "I just hope I can still play like that when I am his age ..." I hope I'm alive when I'm his age. If I can locate the guitar I will be happy. Lord knows waht I'll DO with it. |
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29 Jul 05 - 09:50 AM (#1531159) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Tunesmith The first - and unfortunatley only - time I saw Doc was in Manchester, UK in 1965 ( on the same bill as Phil Ochs ). I'd only heard of Doc by reputation, and I think I was expecting a high-pitched Bill Monroe type singer. However, Doc's rich baritone - and fabulous guitar playing - blew me away. It remains one of my most treasured musical memories. |
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29 Jul 05 - 10:16 AM (#1531174) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Art Thieme again I first saw Doc in '62 at the second University of Chicago Folk Festival. He was part of the N. Carolina group consisting of Clarence Tom Ashley, Doc Watson, Gaither Carlton (Doc's father-in-law), and William Clint Howard. It was the very beginning of Doc Watson't presence in the folk music revival in the USA--and ultimately the world. It was the tip of the iceburg that would surface as DOC WATSON. This gig led to his ultimately doing, along with these same people, the influential old-time Music LPs for Folkways Wecords. Bottom line: Doc showed me just how good the music can be made! Barb, you cannot go wrong!!!!!! Arthur |
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29 Jul 05 - 10:44 AM (#1531202) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Your opinion means a lot to me, Art (as do the others!). Thanks for sharing it. love, Barbara |
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29 Jul 05 - 11:00 AM (#1531214) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Tannywheeler GOOOOOOOOD music, pleasant and gracious in person, excellent taste in performance partners--the instantaneous release of all nasty tensions that comes whenever one hears him start up could conceivably put the whole psychiatric industry out of business. Sure as heck worth the time & money. Tw |
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29 Jul 05 - 03:49 PM (#1531418) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Wesley S We talk about what an amazing guitar player Doc is - but lets also not forget that he is a wonderful singer of songs. His voice is an instrument that he plays as well as he picks guitar. By the way - we expect a review - we want to get your impressions of the show. Let us know what you thought. Please ? |
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30 Jul 05 - 09:01 AM (#1531509) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Easy Rider Doc is one of my early guitar idols. I first saw him perform in the middle sixties, and it left a lasting impression on my young mind. I've seen him perform many times over the years and always been mightily impressed, ne, awed. I have been wanting to learn "Deep River Blues" all my musical life, and this week I finally resolved to sit down and learn it, from the TAB and video put out by Homespun. It was too hard to play years ago, but now I'm finding it pretty straightforward. Yeaaaayyyy! You MUST report back and tell us how you liked the show. |
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30 Jul 05 - 11:27 AM (#1531536) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST And he does it all without looking! Seriously, The man is a walkin treasure. A great old timey banjo player, also. Mark Ross |
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30 Jul 05 - 11:41 AM (#1531545) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Arkie I am glad to see folks get around to mention his singing. Doc is not just a great guitar player. He is an excellent singer, and just as important is his selection of music. Though anything he did would sound great his choice songs just adds icing to the cake. |
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30 Jul 05 - 12:15 PM (#1531557) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Zhenya I'm another long time fan. Don't know what I can add to all of the above, but I'm happy to list another concert for NYC folks and anyone else who can get here. Doc Watson will be at Lincoln Center Out of Doors on Sat 9/3/05 at 9:00. It's a free concert, open seating. (I tried to make a blue clicky, but this one wouldn't work - it's one of those 10 line or so addresses. Go to the site for Lincoln Center and check the calendar for Lincoln Center Out of Doors for the rest of the info.) And BBC, savor every note! Zhenya |
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30 Jul 05 - 12:27 PM (#1531563) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Bill D "And he does it all without looking!" ...and not looking may be one of the keys to his speed and precision. I watched, thru binoculars, Doc, Norman Blake, Dan Crary and Tony Rice play together at Winfield in 1972 or so, and noted the flying fingers on the left hands...except for Doc! His fingers raised just enough to clear the strings, then were on to the next note. I guess when you can't see, the less distance to navigate, the better! Anyway, he is a consumate *musician* and I'm glad I saw him several times. |
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30 Jul 05 - 02:39 PM (#1531633) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Joe Offer No, Barbara, you shouldn't go. If you go, you will make me extremely jealous. I once made a last-minute try to get into a Doc Watson / Davis Grisman concert in Sacramento. No luck - not one single ticket in the box office or for sale on the street. Not one - and there were all these young people going in the door to hear Old Doc, and not one of them had pity on Poor Joe Offer, who has never in his life had the chance to see Doc perform. Just once in my life, I'd like to attend a Doc Watson performance. And if I could see Jean Ritchie and Pete Seeger, too, I could die a happy man... -Joe Offer- |
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30 Jul 05 - 03:02 PM (#1531638) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Frug I'm so jealous.........saw the Doc at Cambridge Folk Festival years ago and could never forget him..........would love to see him again but I doubt that he'll tour UK again at his age. A definite must see for all folkies and I guess all lovers of real home spun music............and yes don't forget a full review !!!!!!!! Frank |
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31 Jul 05 - 10:39 PM (#1532368) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Oh, Joe, I'm sorry. Guess you can't die yet. After all your input, I'm planning to go about an hour early & see what the situation is. I live in a kind of unusual area--rural, but tourist, as well. I really don't know how many people will come. I will do my best to review--no fear. Zhenya, that's great that there's an NYC concert in Sept. Thanks for reporting that! barbara |
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01 Aug 05 - 02:39 PM (#1532783) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Roger in Baltimore bbc, It's great to hear you are going. Doc Watson is nothing short of a national treasure. He clearly loves what he's doing and his humility comes through. I was him outdoors about four years ago. I went then for fear it would be my last opportunity as he had previously announced "no more touring". His voice melts in the air. I don't remember you playing the guitar bbc, but I marveled at the economy of his motion (as mentioned above by Bill D.). Both his fretting hand and his picking hand move so little that it is amazing how many notes come out. I've seen other great flatpickers and none make it look so easy. Something no one has mentioned is his way with a song. His approach is straight-forward, but very heart felt. And the older songs are part of his life and culture. Enjoy! Roger in Baltimore |
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01 Aug 05 - 04:29 PM (#1532846) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Barbara Shaw Doc will be at the Podunk Festival in East Hartford, CT this coming Saturday, August 6 along with Richard Watson (grandson) and Jack Lawrence, the guy who's been playing with him for years and plays Doc's style beautifully as well as being a great artist in his own right. I've seen Doc before and it's never enough. He's really a joy to hear and I look forward to another chance this coming weekend. In fact, he's one of the main reasons we're going to East Hartford, CT rather than our usual trip up to the Pemi Festival in New Hampshire the same weekend. Doc is everything they say about him, a legend, an institution and a great artist, and he's still amazing. For those who might be interested in the CT area: http://podunkbluegrass.net/ Have fun bbc. It's a pretty friendly, folksy crowd that turns out for Doc Watson, so you should enjoy yourself. |
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01 Aug 05 - 05:03 PM (#1532873) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Very nice write-up about Doc on that site, Barbara. The doors open at 7 pm for an 8 pm concert. Now, I'm not sure how early I should go. Roger, nice to hear from you! Barbara |
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01 Aug 05 - 06:41 PM (#1532934) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Don Firth Doc Watson was one of the featured performers at the 1964 Berkeley Folk Festival where I had the priviledge and pleasure of seeing him live in concert, and of attending a workshop he gave. I'm very much into classic guitar. But ignoring the arbitrary boundaries between various styles of guitar playing, I would say that Doc Watson is one of the half-dozen finest guitarists in the world, of any style. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that Doc Watson is American folk music. Go! Crawl over broken glass on your hands and knees if you have to, but GO!! Don Firth |
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01 Aug 05 - 06:47 PM (#1532938) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Terry Allan Hall If ya don't, you'll kick yourself later! |
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01 Aug 05 - 09:54 PM (#1533068) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Seamus Kennedy bbc, go see the master. I've seen him several times, and was fortunate enough to meet him once. If you don't think he's the greatest, I'll refund your money. Seamus |
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01 Aug 05 - 10:41 PM (#1533085) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Seamus, what a nice offer. From all of the above, I suspect it won't be necessary. :) Barbara |
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07 Aug 05 - 11:52 PM (#1537275) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Well, I'm just home from the concert & it was great, as you all said it would be. 8:30-11:30 pm was good value & I'm off to bed. Details tomorrow. Thanks for your input; I'm really glad I went! Barbara |
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08 Aug 05 - 09:34 AM (#1537531) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Good morning, all! As you all said it would be, the concert was wonderful. It was held at the brand-new performing arts center at the local regional high school--a beautiful (air-conditioned) room w/ great acoustics. Doc complimented the sound people 4 times during the evening, I think. I arrived 1/2 hour before the doors were scheduled to open, which was 1 1/2 hours before the concert started. That put me 7th in line for the "cheap" ($35) seats. I sat front row center section center seat in the 2nd section back from the stage. The 1st section center was $45 seats. That concert took in a lot of money! That 1st section had approx. 10 rows of 15 seats each. Most all were full. The concert was not sold out, but most seats were full & it was obviously an audience who knew Doc. On one side of me sat a couple from NYC who weekend in Massachusetts, somewhat older than me, who had heard Doc many times. I told them all about Mudcat. The man was familiar w/ it as a lyrics site, but didn't know about the forum; we may be seeing him in the future. On my other side was a woman my age & a young man about my son's age, both from Troy--approx. 45 minutes away. They both play guitar & were familiar w/ Doc's music, having seen him in the past. The first half hour of the concert was warm-up with the Hunger Mountain Boys playing old-time music. Then, Doc came onstage with his grandson, Richard, a fantastic blues guitar player! I believe there were 5 sets during the evening--2 w/ Richard accompanying Doc on blues guitar, 2 w/ Jack Lawrence playing guitar & singing while Doc mostly played, & a short set that Doc performed alone. All were great, but I particularly enjoyed Richard's playing. The concert lasted from 8:30-11:30 pm with one short intermission. I had almost nothing to compare it with, but found Doc's playing & singing to be very clean & impressive. I sat there, amazed, all evening, thinking that he, at 82, is just one year younger than my dad, who is confined to a wheelchair & can hardly do anything. What a great man! After the first song, I started keeping a list of what was performed, writing in the dark between listening & clapping. Doc performed 30 songs for us during the evening, certainly full value for our money! I only knew a few of them, but I enjoyed them all. I appreciated the variety of his selections. He performed well--no stumbling in his playing or the lyrics, unlike some younger folks I've heard. : ) The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, conversational; he really seemed to be enjoying what he was doing. That always lets me enjoy a performance all the more. In the last set, a few audience members shouted out requests. The first was "Deep River Blues" & it was the only one Doc played. From audience response, I believe it was the favorite of the evening. Unfortunately, during the last set, various people started getting up & leaving. I was surprised & somewhat distressed by that, but I suspect it was because it was a Sunday night (work the next morning) & people had come from a distance. Finally, Jack leaned over to Doc & suggested that it was time to end. After that song, the two of them just stood up & said goodnight. Naturally, they knew they couldn't leave without an encore. The audience immediately stood up, applauding wildly. Doc & Jack sat down & played "Black Mountain Rag" as the last song of the evening. Great! Here is the list of songs I heard last night, with apologies for any errors in spelling, etc.: 1st song was by Jimmy Rogers & involved some great yodeling Summertime Don't monkey 'round my widder In the pines Going to Chicago blues Stand by me I'll never see my home again Corey is gone Eight more miles to Louisville Stony Creek Frankie & Johnny Rising sun blues (House of the Rising Sun) CC Rider St. James Hospital Precious Lord Eastbound freight train You're no longer a sweetheart of mine Deep river blues If I should wander back through Little Sadie Sleep baby sleep (with yodeling) Shady grove Blue-eyed Jane Nuthin' to it Ready for the times to get better Greenville Trestle A Sweet hello For the good times Corrina, Corrina Black Mountain Rag Thank you all for your input to this thread. Now that I've heard Doc in person, it would be nice to own some of his music. What recordings would you recommend that I purchase? best, bbc |
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08 Aug 05 - 09:47 AM (#1537545) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Big Mick Superb review, m'dear. Felt like I was there. Mick |
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08 Aug 05 - 10:43 AM (#1537588) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Barbara Shaw I saw Doc Saturday night at the Podunk bluegrass festival in East Hartford, CT. We were there camping for the weekend, but day tickets were $40 and included several bands (Mountain Heart, one of the very best live shows I've ever seen, Dale Ann Bradley w/Coon Creek, many others) with Doc as the headliner, playing from about 9 to 11:00 pm. He did a set with Richard and then a set with Jack Lawrence. The concert was wonderful, as it has been every time I've seen him. His voice is still mellow and expressive, his fingers still make magic on the strings regardless of age. And we sat with friends in our comfortable lawn chairs under the stars eating ice cream and loving the whole experience. What could be better? |
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08 Aug 05 - 12:35 PM (#1537667) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: MissouriMud Doc has so many albums - over 45 or 50 - many of which are slightly overlapping in content or are compilations of prior recordings. Doc recorded too many good tunes and too many tunes of radically different styles to have one cd of greatest hits that everyone agrees on. I picked the ones I bought simply because they have some of the specific tunes I wanted on them - Tennesse Stud, Salt Creek, Blue Railroad Train, Shady Grove, and Fishers Hornpipe just to name a few. But everyone has their own favorites You may want to go to some of the dscography sites and look over the choices - docsguitar.com is a pretty good one. Some good choices might be Vanguard's 4 cd set Doc watson The Vanguard Years, or the Best of Doc Watson 1964-1968 or The Essential Doc Watson also by Vanguard. Tennessee Stud put out by Music Mill and Watson Country by Flying Fish also have some good represenative sample of his work, but you really cant go wrong by just randomly picking something |
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08 Aug 05 - 01:01 PM (#1537687) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Big Jim from Jackson Seamus, ya big phoney! You KNEW your money was as safe as if it were in a bank! :-) Everybody raves about Doc, and there is a reason for that---damn, he's good! And not just on the guitar. His personality comes across the stage lights as clearly as his playing. Not bad sidemen, either. I hope the summer is going well for you. Jim Hickam |
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08 Aug 05 - 01:08 PM (#1537695) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Thanks, Mick; always nice to hear from you. Barbara, I'm glad you had a good time, too! Thanks, MOMud. My folks are in Nixa; where are you? I was considering the Third Generation Blues cd, since I liked Richard so well. I sure liked the songs I saw listed on the Black Mt. Rag cd (#66 on Amazon's results for Doc), but I guess it is unavailable. I also wondered about "On praying ground"--#30, since I like gospel. bbc |
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08 Aug 05 - 01:21 PM (#1537702) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Wesley S Another vote for the Vanguard Years - the 4 CD set. It has most of his best known material. |
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08 Aug 05 - 01:57 PM (#1537745) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: dick greenhaus There are 67 Doc Watson CDs currently in print (that I know of offhand). They're all available from CAMSCO, along with recommendations. 800/548-FOLK (3655) |
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08 Aug 05 - 02:57 PM (#1537799) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Oh, my, Dick! Barbara |
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08 Aug 05 - 03:04 PM (#1537808) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Big Mick HHHHHHEEEYYYYYYYYYYY 'SPAW!You gonna say it or am I??????????Mick, ducking and running for cover ...... again. |
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08 Aug 05 - 03:29 PM (#1537832) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Peace "Oh, my, Dick! Barbara" Uh, aHEM! |
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08 Aug 05 - 04:45 PM (#1537909) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Shame on you both! Guess Pat's not online at the moment. You made me blush! Barbara |
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08 Aug 05 - 04:53 PM (#1537914) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Perfectly nice music thread...two grown men w/ nothing better to do than pick on a children's librarian. At least one of you knows better. Grumble, grumble. Get back on topic--ok? |
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08 Aug 05 - 05:01 PM (#1537919) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Big Mick Mick pokes his head up from behind a stack of Dr. Seuss books and yells: Oh Yeah!!Just you wait until 'Spaw gets here. He'll show your dumb girl self a thing or two.........Mick ducks behind the stack of books as an assortment of fruit, paperclips, lampshades, and turtle wax goes flyin' by, barely missing him......... |
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08 Aug 05 - 05:33 PM (#1537952) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Oh, my, Mick (Does that sound familiar?!)! Being away from your family doesn't agree w/ you. Better watch it; you're in the tri-state area; that's where *I* live!!! By the way, you're safe behind the books; I don't throw things at books. Won't you feel silly if Pat has reformed (What am I saying?!). So much for the music thread. Sorry, Joe & Art. Barbara |
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08 Aug 05 - 10:56 PM (#1538120) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: Seamus Kennedy Big Jim - of course I knew my money was safe. Do ya think I'm crazy? Anybody who's ever heard Doc would know that. When I met him and shook his hand a year or so ago, he had a grip like iron; and in the show with Jack Lawrence his singing was steady and bang on the money, and his picking was as crisp and brilliant as ever. jack was no slouch either. I'll be glad to be on this side of the grass when I'm his age. Bbc, great review and I'm happy you enjoyed his performance. Another convert. Seamus |
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09 Aug 05 - 08:47 AM (#1538373) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: bbc Just another quick comment about the concert-- I was reading over the other Doc Watson threads & remembered other things I particularly liked. Right at the beginning, Doc announced that this would be an informal concert--that he'd prefer if we could have all joined him in his livingroom, if it were big enough. He seemed very relaxed. I think he, Jack, & Richard just decided what songs to play as they went along; it was great. Many times, between songs, they spent a couple of minutes tuning. That may sound silly for me to say, but Doc seemed particularly sensitive to that. He said he has close to perfect pitch--that he worked as a piano tuner in the past--& that when things are out of tune, they make him nervous! I just get a kick out of getting to know musicians. The feeling onstage was very friendly; Richard & Jack obviously really enjoy playing w/ Doc. For me, as an audience member, it really adds to my pleasure if I can like the people I'm hearing. No problem, that night! From the responsiveness of the audience, my feelings were shared. bbc |
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09 Aug 05 - 11:33 PM (#1539064) Subject: RE: Doc Watson--What do you know? From: GUEST,Sleepless Dad I've always had the feeling that Doc would be a heck of a dinner guest. It seems like he has stories oozing out of his pores. Of course then I'd ask him to sing for his supper. |