Performer Notes

Personnel: Doc Watson (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica); John Herald (vocals, guitar); Bob Yellin (banjo); Greenbriar Boys.
Recorded at Gerdes Folk City, New York, New York in late 1962 and early 1963. Includes liner notes by Doc Watson.
Personnel: Doc Watson (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica); John Herald (vocals, guitar); Bob Yellin (banjo); Ralph Rinzler.
Liner Note Author: Peter K. Siegel.
Recording information: Gerdes Folk City, NY (1962-1963).
Photographers: David Gahr; George Pickow; John Cohen.
Arranger: Doc Watson.
This album documents Doc Watson's first solo public appearance; it finds him in front of an appreciative West Village crowd at the height of the early-'60s folk music craze, playing a borrowed acoustic guitar (at the time the only guitar he owned was the electric Les Paul with which he had been making a living as a member of a North Carolina rockabilly band) and performing a varied set of tunes that range from traditional ballads like "Little Sadie" and "The Roving Gambler" to traditional blues and Merle Travis-style guitar showcases. He's joined at various times by local folk luminaries John Herald, Ralph Rinzler, and Bob Yellin, but what is consistently striking is his mastery of the stage and the warmth and gentle virtuosity of his playing -- attributes that would later come to define his art, but which are remarkable in an artist performing solo for the first time. Highlights include an excellent arrangement of "Milk Cow Blues," an a cappella rendition of "The Lone Pilgrim," and an all-too-brief performance of the Travis classic, "Cannonball Rag." Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Professional Reviews

Q (10/01, p.152) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Here is the early and unvarnished Watson, the very man and very performances which so influenced Dylan, David Grisman and Peter Rowan....A worthy primer for guitarists everywhere..."

No Depression (11-12/01, p.113) - "...Tehse tracks are almost as fascinating for their historic value as for the performances themselves..."

Mojo (Publisher) (10/01, p.118) - "...A display of eclecticism that calls for an instant visit to replay to replay button..."

Fishpond works with suppliers all over the world to bring you a huge selection of products, really great prices, and delivery included on over 25 million products that we sell. We do our best every day to make Fishpond an awesome place for customers to shop and get what they want — all at the best prices online.

About Fishpond

You can earn a 8% commission by selling Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep! You should start right now!

Are you the Author or Publisher of a book? Or the manufacturer of one of the millions of products that we sell. You can improve sales and grow your revenue by submitting additional information on this title. The better the information we have about a product, the more we will sell!

Submit Information