Tennessee Stud

AMG Review of Tennessee Stud

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

This brief collection shows why, at any length and in any context, Doc Watson is a true American treasure. He brings a comfortable joy and ease to every tune he touches, and each of his albums makes one feel as if Doc himself was sitting on the back porch with a guitar and gently picking his way through the American songbook. Watson's version of "Tennessee Stud," written by Jimmie Driftwood and made famous originally by Eddy Arnold, has become one of his many signature songs, and his easy, sassy vocal makes this boastful tune feel like it has been around forever. A bright take on Kokomo Arnold's "Milk Cow Blues" and the luegrass pace of "Darlin' Cory" show the tremendous versatility of this amazing musician, who makes everything feel like it is made from the same fine cloth.