CD review - The Doc Watson Family Tradition

Doc Watson & Family
The Doc Watson Family Tradition
Rounder Records
4 stars (out of 5)

Recorded in 1964 and 1965, this isn't so much a Doc Watson album as it is a literal exhibition of the musical tradition - both immediate and ancient - that he came from. Doc and members of his extended family take turns sharing fiddle tunes, banjo pieces, lullabyes, gospel songs and ballads, some of which are hundreds of years old.

Backed only by father-in-lay Gaither Carlton on fiddle, Doc's best vocal is on "Am I Born to Die?" Doc's cousin Dolly Greer steals the show with her a cappella singing, especially on "Omie Wise."

A perfect introduction to what we call old-time music.