AMG Review of Foundation: Doc Watson Guitar Instrumental Collection, 1964-1998

Jim Smith
All Music Guide

On first listen, this short 16-track collection seems like it has to be missing a great deal, but on further inspection, one finds that it really isn't. Of course, it omits large chunks of Watson's instrumental albums, but then, there weren't many of those to begin with. That said, what Foundation presents is a good variety that spans most of his career and includes many of his best traditional transcriptions ("Black Mountain Rag"), as well as some of his best originals ("Nashville Pickin'"). The set is nicely remastered as well, and although one misses Watson's vocals from time to time, this is a very pleasant listening experience.