Originally a double LP recorded on the United Artists/Capitol record label in 1975 and now appearing as a single CD In an interview, Doc Watson once intimated that this 1975 album remains among his favourites, 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 acappella traditional 'Wake Up, Little Maggie'; the flowing, stately vocals throughout; the happy harmonica; the speed and lightness of his acoustic flat-picking. Most notable here is the sheer breadth of music, ranging from flatpicked fiddle tunes of a century ago ('Double File'/'Salt Creek') to Texas Swing ('Hang Your Head In Shame') to Blues (the famous 'Columbus Stockade Blues') to Ragtime ('Steel Guitar Rag') to Country classics ('Wabash Cannonball') to Bluegrass ('My Rose Of Old Kentucky'). Some of Merle Watson's best work is on this recording, also - Merle was a superb slide guitarist and rhythm player. The material shows that Watson is never bound by traditional purism. He's as at home with a Western swing number or a commercial country number from the '50s such as 'Moody River' as he is with a Carter Family or Bill Monroe tune. Diverse as they are, Watson's memories are the stuff of musical magic. 22 songs here, not a stinker in the bunch, and worth the price for the cover photo of Doc with the Abe Lincoln beard! Brand new 2004 sleevenote by Nick Barraclough, BBC Radio 2's country presenter
Tracklist
1. Rambling Hobo 2. Shady Grove 3. Wake Up Little Maggie 4. Peartree 5. Keep On The Sunny Side 6. Double File And Salt Creek 7. Curly Headed Baby 8. Miss The Mississippi And You 9. Wabash Cannonball 10. My Rose Of Old Kentucky 11. Blues Stay Away From Me 12. Walking Boss 13. Make Me A Pallet 14. In The Jailhouse Now 15. Steel Guitar Rag 16. Hang Your Head In Shame 17. You Don't Know My Mind Blues 18. Moody River 19. Don't Tell Me Your Troubles 20. Columbus Stockade 21. Mama Don't Allow No Music 22. Thoughts Of Never
