In the mid-'60s,
Doc Watson rose from relative obscurity to become one of the leading lights of American folk music, displaying a dazzling flatpicking technique on the guitar and an encyclopedic knowledge of old-timey and traditional music.
Watson was just starting to make a name for himself as a solo act (and was a few months away from his breakthrough performance at the Newport Folk Festival) when, in February 1963, he played Boston's venerable folk music venue Club 47, where he quickly became a favorite of the New England cognoscenti. A local music fan,
Michael Eisenstadt, brought a professional-grade tape recorder to the show, and 55 years later, the show has been given a commercial release by
Yep Roc Records as
Live at Club 47. The audio is remarkably crisp and clear despite being recorded with a single microphone, and it captures
Watson in splendid form. It should surprise no one that
Watson was picking up a storm on guitar this evening, as well as showing he was a sure hand on banjo and autoharp. But
Live at Club 47 is a vivid reminder of how personable and engaging
Watson could be performing in front of an audience. Playing in a small room,
Watson's simple but expressive vocals are superb, finding humor and drama in these songs, which he delivers with genuine warmth and sincerity. If there are moments when
Watson seems to be playing up his hillbilly roots for the sake of the Big City audience, there's no arguing that he knew how to work a crowd and get an honest laugh.
Watson seems fully engaged and having a great time on
Live at Club 47, and the set list is a treasure trove of essential American folk tunes (including a few he never got around to recording in the studio).
Live at Club 47 doesn't reveal much that's unknown about the artistry of
Doc Watson, but the good humor and intimacy of this performance are irresistible, and it's as pleasing a document of
Doc Watson in concert as you could ask for. ~ Mark Deming
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