Sittin' Here Pickin' the Blues

by Doc & Merle Watson, Doc Watson

Overview

While many folk-country artists have long since severed their connections with the blues, guitarist Doc Watson has never forgotten his. Watson's commitment to the blues deepened as his son, the late Merle Watson, picked up the guitar and joined him on-stage and in the studio. Sittin' Here Pickin' the Blues reaches back to several Doc and Merle Watson albums recorded for Rounder in the early- to mid-'80s, including the classic Pickin' the Blues. All of the 20 cuts emphasize the bluesy side of country music, from founding father Jimmie Rodgers to the Piedmont picking style of John Hurt to favorite standards like "How Long Blues." As with most of Watson and son's efforts, they surround themselves with good musicians -- Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, and T. Michael Coleman -- and rely on straightforward arrangements that allow everyone a chance to solo. Perhaps the greatest treat, though, is the guitar playing. On a number of cuts -- including "Freight Train Blues," "Hobo Bill's Last Ride," and "Mississippi Heavy Water Blues" -- Merle Watson plays slide, while Doc Watson brings his distinct fingerpicking style to each cut. Sittin' Here Pickin' the Blues also offers a few nice surprises, like versions of "Stormy Weather" and "St. Louis Blues." This is a superb collection, sure to please Watson fans, guitar players, and anyone who enjoys honest acoustic music. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	04/13/2004
Label:	Rounder Select / New Rounder / Rounder
UPC:	0011661161726
Rank:	80828

Tracks

1. Freight Train Blues
2. Hobo Bill's Last Ride
3. Mississippi Heavy Water Blues
4. Did You Hear John Hurt?
5. John Henry/Worried Blues
6. I'm a Stranger Here
7. Talking to Casey
8. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
9. Any Old Time
10. Sittin' Here Pickin' the Blues
11. Stormy Weather
12. How Long Blues
13. Honey Babe Blues
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Carroll County Blues
16. California Blues
17. Going to Chicago Blues
18. Jailhouse Blues
19. Windy and Warm
20. Deep River Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Doc & Merle Watson   Primary Artist
Doc Watson   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica
Sam Bush   Guest Artist,Fiddle,Mandolin
Charlie Musselwhite   Harmonica
T. Michael Coleman   Vocal Harmony,Bass,Guitar
Ron Tutt   Drums
Mitch Greenhill   Guitar (Rhythm)
Herb Pedersen   Vocal Harmony
Pat McInerney   Percussion
Merle Watson   Guitar,Slide Guitar
Tom Scott   Clarinet
Joe Smothers   Vocal Harmony

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
Sonny Terry   Composer
Harold Arlen   Composer
Carl Rudisill   Engineer
Doc Watson   Composer
Garth Fundis   Mixing
W.C. Handy   Composer
John D. Loudermilk   Composer
Leroy Carr   Composer
Sam Bush   Producer
T. Michael Coleman   Composer
Jimmie Rodgers   Composer
Mitch Greenhill   Producer
Brownie McGhee   Composer
Hank Cicalo   Enhanced CD Audio Creation
Ted Koehler   Composer
Richard Adler   Engineer
Ernie Winfrey   Engineer
Jonathan Wyner   Mastering
Merle Watson   Producer
Tom Paxton   Composer
Steven Jurgensmeyer   Art Direction
Larry Forkney   Mixing
Robert Corwin   Photography