What are folks -- DJs, fellow artists, and fans -- saying about DocFest?

In my opinion, "tribute compact discs" have been allowed to proliferate in a much too liberal a fashion. Like feral cats, they are frequently malnourished, pitiful affairs that exude unpleasant odors. Fortunately, there is the occasional collection that make up for the dregs, and Docfest, is definitely one of the exceptions. Subtitled A tribute to Doc Watson and his musical partners Merle Watson and Jack Lawrence, this collection has much going for it. Unlike many tribute albums, the listener is treated to engaging, tasteful treatments of songs from the vast Doc Watson repertoire, performed with precision, comfort, and warmth.

Another refreshing attribute of the Docfest collection involves the artists selected to pay homage to Doc, Merle and Jack, as they actually bring originality and personal style to their performances of such signature songs as "Deep River Blues" and "Southbound." While the influence and musical presence of Doc Watson pervades the entire project, one seldom gets the impression that these masterful musicians and vocalists are attempting to duplicate a Watson performance.

As presented by Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, it occasions little surprise that the disc features many fine guitar players of all measures. Dix Bruce and Jim Nunally refresh "Old Ruben," while Jim Hurst's baritone, complemented by Missy Raines' accompaniment, captures most perfectly the spirit of Doc Watson's interpretation of "Deep River Blues." John McGann and Chris Moore contribute a soulful performance of "The Long Journey."

Artists that provide stellar performances include rising bluegrass stars, Kenny and Amanda Smith ("Old Camp Meeting Time"), Brad Davis & Whitewater ("Train That Carried My Girl From Town"), Davis and Dan Miller ("The Crawdad Song"), Adam Granger, Doug Rorrer & Steve Kilby ("Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar"), David Grier ("Cotton Eyed Joe"), Steve Pottier & Barry Solomon ("Black Mountain Rag") and others too numerous to mention.

While several of these songs are available on the artist's original releases, producer Dan Miller has gone above and beyond to compile this respectful anthology that suitably highlights the contributions made to acoustic music by Doc Watson - and his accompanists - over the last forty some years.
DT www.bluegrassnow.com

Before Bryan Sutton, and Jim Hurst, and Davis Grier, and Tony Rice, and Norman Blake, and even Clarence White, Doc Watson was the guitarist who set the most jaws dropping with his clean flatpicking. Combined with his endearing singing, his wide-ranging repertoire, and his homespun stage presence, Doc has inspired as many folks as he's entertained. Part of his gift to guitarists is being affectionately returned to him in "Docfest," an anthology assembled by Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. "Docfest" is an assemblage of pickers and singers paying tribute with their favorite Doc tunes, with honor giving to the playing of Merle Watson and Jack Lawrence as well.

Over the course of 18 tracks, there's a wide range of styles and approaches. The opening tracks, featuring guitarists Doug Rorrer and Steve Kilby (with Russell Johnson on harmony vocals) on "Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar," probably comes the closest to capturing the vocal and instrumental synergy of Doc and his musical pairings over the years. While not all the other pickers can croon as well as Doc, some, particularly the spousal pairing of Kenny & Amanda Smith ("Old Camp Meetin' Time") and Chris and Sally Jones ("A-Rovin On A Winter's Night") deliver some beguiling harmonies on their tunes. Even crusty-voiced Larry Keel uses his idiosyncratic tone and phrasing to sell an especially effective (and, at eight-plus minutes, extensive) reading of "Matty Groves."

As far as the guitar work is concerned, the pickers all leave some serious plectrum dust behind them. David Grier, in his own unmatchable way, takes "Cotton Eyed Joe" to places it's never gone before in an atmospheric solo take. Otherwise, space only allows a partial listing of the cast of guitarists featured, including Wyatt Rice, Jim Hurst (with Missy Raines), Tim Stafford, Steve Kaufman, Joe Carr (with Alan Munde), Brad Davis, and many more.

Stylistically, the compilation stays pretty close to acoustic bluegrass and old-time, although Doc, never a slave to tradition, would probably give his blessing to the darting cello of Rushad Eggleston that colors a couple of cuts, as well as the folky harmonies of John Tindel & RST on "Way Downtown" and the Docabilly drums on Brad Davis & Whitewater's version of "Train That Carried My Girl From Town."

The sheer number of musicians wishing to honor Doc Watson should in itself be a barometer of the impact he's had on their (and our) musical lives. "Docfest" is a fitting tribute to the legacy of a living legend of acoustic music.
HK, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine