Description:
Watson's fourth Vanguard album is his most affecting folk style record, with unexpectedly warm vocals matched to the quiet virtuosity of his playing. With only a couple of instrumentals on this 14 song collection, the rest features Watson performing lively, achingly beautiful renditions of popular folk standards "Katie Morey," "Georgie," "Froggie Went A Courtin'," "Matty Groves". There isn't a weak number here, although highlights include the haunting "Winter's Night," and "The F.F.V.," the latter a grim but lively song in memory of a train wreck and a dead engineer. All are played with very imposing dexterity by Watson, joined by his son Merle and Russ Savakus on upright bass. This album was a great showcase for Watson's voice vaguely similar to but rougher hewn than Burl Ives which is often overlooked in the aura of his playing. |