Well, we woke up to another day of smoke. And Doc Watson died yesterday. In my life, I consider a few concerts to have been the best I've ever seen...Bruce Springsteen, Bill Monroe, and Doc Watson. Both Bruce and Bill played for 4hrs with a 15 minute break. I saw Bruce at ASU in Tempe, AZ, around 1985. Bill Monroe in New Orleans at the House of Blues around 1994, just a year or so before he died. Bruce was in his 30's; Bill was in his 80's. Truly amazing concerts.
I had the good fortune to see Doc Watson in Albuquerque, NM, sometime around 2000. It was in a smaller venue, an old theatre, and, while the concert wasn't 4hrs long, it was an excellent concert. Doc seemed to have a smaller ego than Bruce or Bill, which showed by the way he was just at home on the stage. No big show, just Doc and friends playing bluegrass or whatever music struck Doc's fancy. He played whatever music he was drawn to and didn't like being categorized as simply one type of musician.
Not being a musician, but a good listener, I only knew that I liked what I heard. And will miss what won't be coming forth from Doc any more. God speed, Doc. Thanks much for what you brought to the ears of so many.
Exit time with a tune by Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs and their sons performing "John Hardy"...
