DOC WATSON with FROSTY MORN
'Round The Table Again (Sugar Hill)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Frosty Morn was originally born as the late Merle Watson's side band, a group that allowed him to explore musical directions beyond the material that he'd been performing with his father, Doc. Naturally, Frosty Morn soon found a place as the opening act for Doc & Merle Watson shows, and it wasn't long before Doc himself was drawn into the group. With Merle on guitar, T. Michael Coleman on bass, Bob Lamar Hill on guitar and keyboards, Joe Smothers on guitar and Doc singing bass vocals and just being his legendary self, the group shone as bright as the headlining duo. Eventually an album was cut, entitled Doc And The Boys, which has remained the only testament to the Frosty Morn era.

A reunion might seem problematic to many, but with the emergence of Merle's son Richard as a talent equal to the family tradition, the right player to take the empty fifth chair was obvious. Hence, 'Round The Table Again, a reunion album recorded at MerleFest, the annual festival held in North Carolina in memory of Merle Watson. Opening with Doc alone, adding players one by one until the full band component is present, this disc draws from sources ranging from Clarence Ashley to Bob Dylan, from Merle Haggard to The Moody Blues. No matter what the source of the song, each selection is played beautifully by skillful pickers who simply love playing music together. There's as much affection as skill assembled, and the skill assembled is nearly immeasurable.

At this point, every offering from Doc Watson is a musical feast to be savored, and this time it's served up with the flourish of ideal accompaniment.

Track List:

Lynchburg Town * Coo Coo Bird * Blues Walkin' Round My Bed * She's So Sweet * On A Monday * Working Man Blues * Jimmie's Mean Mama Blues * Walking In Jerusalem * Show Bizness * Sincerely * Battle Of Nashville * You Ain't Going Nowhere * CC Rider * Court On High * Nights In White Satin * Sugar Babe

© 2002 - Shaun Dale