Doc Watson & David Grisman - Doc & Dawg (1997)

This new acoustic classic captures the up-scale artistry and down-home ambience of 2 masters of the American folk idiom. Special guests include Jack Lawrence, Curly Sechler, Stuart Duncan, Alan O'Bryant and James Kerwin. Highlights: "Summertime," "Bluegrass Stomp," "Kentucky Waltz," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Frankie And Johnny" and much more.

Since a young David Grisman joined a newly discovered Doc Watson on the stage of Gerde's Folk City in 1962, the two have made indelible marks in the realm of acoustic music. Watson has attached his ripe vocals and fleet flatpicked guitar to traditional, old-time, and bluegrass; Grisman has blended a variety of traditional styles to form a progressive one. This cozy, comfortable record culls 14 songs recorded at an assortment of relaxed, informal, after-dinner sessions at Grisman's studio. As it moves from Jimmie Rodgers to Bill Monroe to jazz standards to traditional blues to rippling fiddle tunes, the record beautifully illustrates where the common ground lies. Most of all, the album exudes a passion and respect for the songs at hand; the superb picking (whether brisk or leisurely) is merely gravy. --Marc Greilsamer