From the April 2004 issue of Bluegrass Now Magazine (unedited)

Various Artists

DocFest

(Flatpicking Guitar Magazine FGM 107) 66:37

Tribute compact discs, in the opinion of many, are a species of plastic that has been allowed to proliferate in much too abundant numbers; like feral cats, they are frequently malnourished, pitiful affairs that exude unpleasant odors. Fortunately, there is the occasional collection that makes up for the dreck that tends to comprise the vast population of these unfettered beasts.

DocFest is one of those few that make the listener appreciate taking the chance on a tribute disc. Subtitled A tribute to Doc Watson and his musical partners Merle Watson and Jack Lawrence, this collection has much going for it including an absence of the usual, bloated tribute album suspects including Willie Nelson, Melissa Etheridge, Kid Rock and the like. Instead, one is treated to engaging, tasteful treatments of songs from the vast Doc Watson repertoire, performed with precision, comfort, and warmth.

When an artist is so immediately associated with such a vast catalogue of signature tunes- be they "Deep River Blues," "Mattie Groves," or "Southbound"- it is refreshing when the artists paying homage bring originality and personal style to the performances. While the influence and musical presence of Doc Watson more than echoes through the performances, one seldom gets the impression that these masterful musicians and vocalists are attempting to duplicate a Watson performance. While Deep Gap's favourite son has influenced all, they have fostered their own styles of playing and singing- creative emulation being the very foundation on which Watson has crafted his long and varied musical journey.

As presented by Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, the disc not coincidently features many fine guitar players of all measures; without fail the selected guitarists choose to coax notes from their strings with caresses rather than fiery flashes. "Old Rueben" is refreshed by Dix Bruce and Jim Nunally while Jim Hurst's baritone is certainly suited to "Deep River Blues;" performed with Missy Raines, their rendition is restrained and perhaps most perfectly captures the spirit of Doc Watson's interpretation. John McGann and Chris Moore contribute a soulful performance of "The Long Journey."

Rising bluegrass stars Kenny & Amanda Smith lend their vocals to a sweet interpretation of "Old Camp Meetin' Time" that is nicely accented by Rushad Eggleston's cello. Brad Davis & Whitewater inject into "Train That Carried My Girl From Town" a bit of jam band groove that adds variety to the compilation. More traditional is Davis and Dan Miller's reading of "The Crawdad Song." Adam Granger's solo performance of "Little Sadie" sticks closely to Watson's definitive version and reflects back on Watson the natural brilliance of his artistry. Additional performers include Doug Rorrer & Steve Kilby ("Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar,") David Grier ("Cotton Eyed Joe,") Steve Pottier & Barry Solomon ("Black Mountain Rag,") and others too numerous to mention.

While several of these songs are available on the artist's original releases, producer Dan Miller has gone above and beyond to compile this respectful anthology that suitably highlights the contributions made to acoustic music by Doc Watson- and his accompanists- over the last forty some years. www.flatpick.com (DT)