Thanks Clancy!
Hey Guys,
Apologies. I didn't mean to imply I've taken lessons directly from
Doc Watson. I've spent years listening to and learning to play Doc Watson style guitar. He has been probably the biggest influence to my guitar playing, though, I might add, I'm no where near his level of proficiency. You'll probably always find a Doc born lick in my tunes whether rock or folk style. It's almost an unconscious effort for me to add them in. I should bone up on a few Doc numbers and shoot them out there.
I have met Doc, shook his hand and talked with him a few minutes. He is a Southern Gentleman. Of course, Doc is the father of flat pick guitar. His playing has so much clarity it is simply mind boggling. Folks like
Tony Rice, who himself is a virtuoso player as well, and while amazing in his dexterity of the strings, rides on Doc's coat-tails.
I've seen Doc several times over the years and even though he is in his late years now, he is still the finest guitarist in the acoustic folk/bluegrass genre. When he and his son, Merle, played with T. Michael Coleman, there were none that could hold a candle to their music. I keep meaning to go to
MerleFest but it's just not been in the cards for me. Doc advanced acoustic guitar playing to the level that it is today.
Another often overlooked player is
John Hartford, a beautiful person. I met John once and spoke with him. He is, rather was, as witty in person as he was in his writings. Of course he made his name by writing hit tunes for folks like Glen Campbell. But John is one of those multi-talented folks that no matter what instrument he picked up, he was a master and awesome to listen to. Guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and the ever popular sand shuffle! Unfortunately, both John and Merle are gone now.
Anyway, no. I never took direct lessons from Doc, however, I was and still am, an attentive student of Doc's.
**
LC