Doc & Dawg

AMG Review of Doc & Dawg

S. Colby Miller
All Music Guide

Flatpicking legend Doc Watson and mandolin virtuoso David Grisman have been playing together periodically for more than 30 years. In 1997, Grisman compiled some of the gems from these informal sessions and released them on his Acoustic Disc label. The 14 cuts were recorded mostly at Grisman's home in California between 1987 and 1991. The tracks are mainly raditional country and luegrass tunes played lovingly and often with great restraint. On songs like the George Gershwin classic "Summertime," Grisman in particular makes every note count. Watson's voice is still strong and soulful. But, it is the instrumental duets that really shine, especially the two Bill Monroe tunes "Bluegrass Stomp" and "Kentucky Waltz" and the title track, "Doc and Dawg." This is an intimate collaboration between two men at the top of their craft who share a passion for acoustic music. It is a pleasure to listen in.