Album Info

The Essential Doc Watson

Contemporary Country - 1973

A pioneer of the flatpicking guitar style that would later influence such six-string notables as Clarence White and Jerry Garcia,... more

Tracklist

1

Tom Dooley

3:16 min
2

Alberta

2:43 min
3

Froggie Went a-Courtin'

4:05 min
4

Beaumont Rag

1:40 min
5

St. James Hospital

3:28 min
6

Muskrat

2:52 min
7

Down In the Valley to Pray

1:59 min
8

Blue Railroad Train

2:44 min
9

Rising Sun Blues

4:20 min
10

Shady Grove

2:59 min
11

My Rough and Rowdy Ways

2:31 min
12

The Train That Carried My Girl from Town

3:45 min
13

Black Mountain Rag

1:46 min
14

I Was a Stranger

2:30 min
15

Blueridge Mountain Blues

2:30 min
16

Country Blues

3:30 min
17

Groundhog

1:47 min
18

Little Orphan Girl

3:15 min
19

Blackberry Blossom

1:16 min
20

Going Down This Road Feeling Bad

2:14 min
21

Rambling Hobo

0:56 min
22

Little Omie Wise

4:16 min
23

Handsome Molly

2:17 min
24

Whitehouse Blues

1:39 min
25

I Want to Love Him More

2:32 min
26

Way Downtown

2:43 min

About The Essential Doc Watson

A pioneer of the flatpicking guitar style that would later influence such six-string notables as Clarence White and Jerry Garcia, Arthel “Doc” Watson was also considered to be a living encyclopedia of traditional American folk songs. This 1973 collection shows the full range of his incredible skills, both as vocalist and instrumentalist. During the folk revival of the early to mid-'60s, Watson's spare takes on Appalachian mountain songs were a welcomed slice of real Americana, represented here with tracks like "Tom Dooley" and "Alberta." Moving from pure folk interpretations to small-combo bluegrass, Watson (almost always with son Merle in tow) created warm and flawless versions of "Shady Grove" and "Handsome Molly." Equal parts relaxed and then fiercely propulsive and technical, Watson's music is a firm reminder of the great power and soul of folk music.