Editorial Review:

Amazon.com essential recording:
These 1963 and 1964 performances from the Newport Folk Festival illustrate the wide range of influences absorbed by flatpicker Doc Watson. Traditional folk, old-time, Piedmont blues, bluegrass, and gospel are all part of his musical equation, as well as the music of Jimmie Rodgers and the Delmore Brothers. Vanguard's 26-song compilation displays Watson's fleet guitar work and his deep, mellow voice (reminiscent of Burl Ives, actually), plus his passion for the material at hand. His 1963 performance was the one that propelled him into prominence. He'd been playing many of these traditionals since childhood, giving the songs a feeling of well-earned authenticity. --Marc Greilsamer

Rating: - The Essential Doc Watson

VERY disappointed. Each song sounds like the last. ~ will give away.

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Rating: - Fine overview of Doc's picking and singing styles...
This is offered at a good price for what you get: a variety of mostly traditional songs, secular and Southern Gospel, from one of the best guitar players and authentic singers of the 20th century. These songs don't get dated...they were old when they were written down, and older when they were first recorded. This is the kind of music you play repeatedly if you like it at all. And I have liked Doc since the first time I ever heard him play and sing, likely about 40 years ago.

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Rating: - Best version of Froggie Went a Courtin' I ever Heard
OK, Never heard of Doc Watson? Well, thanks to my Dad, I have. This is easily his best album. You should hear his version of Froggie Went a Courtin. It is the best. Other songs on this album include Shady Grove, Tom Dooley, Alberta, Groundhog, there's even a duet with his late son Merle who flipped a tractor over on himself. If you love bluegrass, you're sure to fall in love with this album.

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Rating: - This is the one...
The title says it all, really - If you own only one Doc Watson recording, this should be it. Doc's flatpicking (on "Black Mountain Rag, for instance), his fingerpicking (on"Little Omie Wise", for instance) and his folk/gospel style vocals (on most of the tracks) demonstrate just why he's considered one of this era's finest musicians. Doc's range is remarkable, and on this CD you'll find him singing gospel a capella, playing guitar full steam ahead, harmonizing with his mother (really!), ... Read More

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Rating: - One of the best blue grass albums
Getting this album was a trip back in time. My foot hasn't stopped tapping yet.