Originally recorded in 1967 with additional material recorded in 1998, this is a tribute to the vast talent of Merle Watson, whose life was cut short in a tractor accident in 1985. These recordings are even more impressive when it is understood that they were made just five months after Watson started playing banjo. Expert even then, he was a delight to his father,
Doc. With this release, Merle Watson's place in traditional American music is defined and assured. Along with
Marty Stuart,
Sam Bush, Alan O'Bryant and T. Michael Coleman,
Doc Watson gives these early recordings of his son's mastery a new life. Songs like "Girl in the Blue Velvet Band," "Old Joe Clark" and "Little Maggie" carry the listener away. Ending with "I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home" and "Home Sweet Home" gives this release a poignant twist. Highly recommended. ~ Jana Pendragon