Flatpicking legend
Doc Watson and mandolin virtuoso
David Grisman have been playing together periodically for more than 30 years. In 1997,
Grisman compiled some of the gems from these informal sessions and released them on his Acoustic Disc label. The 14 cuts were recorded mostly at
Grisman's home in California between 1987 and 1991. The tracks are mainly traditional country and bluegrass tunes played lovingly and often with great restraint. On songs like the
George Gershwin classic "Summertime,"
Grisman in particular makes every note count.
Watson's voice is still strong and soulful. But, it is the instrumental duets that really shine, especially the two
Bill Monroe tunes "Bluegrass Stomp" and "Kentucky Waltz" and the title track, "Doc and Dawg." This is an intimate collaboration between two men at the top of their craft who share a passion for acoustic music. It is a pleasure to listen in. ~ S. Colby Miller