Search - Doc Watson :: Trouble in Mind: Doc Watson Country Blues Collect

Doc Watson As Blues Musician

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These 17 tracks are drawn from ten albums Doc Watson recorded for Vanguard and Sugar Hill between 1964 and 1998. It is somewhat curious that while Watson recorded eleven albums for Sugar Hill, only four tracks from three of those albums are included here. Perhaps it is because the compilers are selecting the songs to showcase Watson's skills as a country blues artist.



On a handful of these songs, Watson performs solo, like on "Sitting on Top of the World," "My Little Woman, You're So Sweet," "Georgia Buck" and "Anniversary Blues." In addition to being an accomplished guitar picker, Watson is a fine banjo player. He performs solo on the opener "Country Blues." He also plays harmonica on the instrumental "Rain Crow Bill."



On most of the rest of the tracks, he is accompanied by his son Merle, who was a fine guitar player and banjo picker in his own right. [Tragically, Merle was killed in a farming accident in 1985.]



Most of these songs are traditional, but Watson also covers songs by the Delmore Brothers ("Gambler's Yodel"), Jimmie Rodgers ("Anniversary Blues") and Mississippi John Hurt (Spikedriver Blues"), the latter a showcase for Merle's guitar prowess.



All told, this is a very satisfying album and a terrific introduction to one aspect of Doc Watson's career. [Playing Time - 46:14] VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

Doc & his guitar...

Zardock | Brooklyn, NY USA | 09/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has that nice warm bluegrass feeling to it, with some cuts recorded to live audience (though they sound as clear as studio), that makes it sound like you've had this album for ages. Above all, I love Doc's guitar playing. It's bluesy, and yet goes beyond the standard 12 bar progression. If you've never heard Doc play, clapton on unplugged sounds somewhat similar. Not all of the songs on this albums are absolute gems, but those that are (sittin on top of the world, man that song is awesome, or deep river blues) make up for everything."

Doc Watson is an Amazing Talent!

Rita Reader | 10/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first fell in love with Doc Watson when I got the 'Songcatcher Two' CD. This I got as a gift for my husband because he loves blues, and I love it too. Doc Watson's voice is one of a kind and his command of so many instruments impressive. If you love blues, this is for you."