Doc Watson - Home Again!

Doc Watson's fourth Vanguard album, "Home Again!" 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.

Tracklist:

1. "Down in the Valley to Pray" (Traditional) – 2:01
2. "Georgie" (Gaither Carlton, Doc Watson) – 2:48
3. "The Old Man Below" (Carlton, Watson) – 2:07
4. "Katie Morey" (Traditional) – 2:25
5. "F. F.V." (Annie Watson, Watson) – 4:04
6. "A-Rovin' on a Winter's Night" (Dolly Greer, Watson) – 3:25
7. "Dill Pickle Rag" (Traditional) – 1:26
8. "Sing Song Kitty" (Traditional) – 2:19
9. "Froggie Went A-Courtin'" (Traditional) – 4:07
10. "Pretty Saro" (Traditional) – 2:45
11. "Childhood Play" (Alfred G. Karnes) – 2:00
12. "Rain Crow Bill" (Henry Whitter) – 1:47
13. "Matty Groves" (Dolly Greer, Doc Watson, Stewart Yonce) – 6:07
14. "Victory Rag" (Maybelle Carter) – 1:44

 
Doc Watson - Home Again!      
(320 kbps, cover art included)