Memories
In an interview, Doc Watson once intimated that this 1975 album remains among his favorites, and it's easy to see why. The whole range of his musical world is here: the spangling old-time banjo that begins the album; the a cappella traditional "Wake Up, Little Maggie"; the flowing, stately vocals throughout; the happy harmonica; the speed and lightness of his acoustic flat-picking--so effortless, so impossible to duplicate. Every arrangement is tasteful and easygoing: sometimes just guitar and bass, but also a welcome, tight country combo incorporating drums and steel guitar, as well as son Merle's hot lead playing. The material shows that Watson is never bound by traditional purism. He's as at home with a Western swing number such as "Hang Your Head in Shame" or a commercial country number from the '50s such as "Moody River" as he is with a Carter Family or Bill Monroe tune. And the interpretations are never perfunctory. "Columbus Stockade Blues," for one, is completely reshaped into a driving ensemble piece. Diverse as they are, Watson's memories are the stuff of musical magic.--Roy Kasten