Reviewed by Dave Brassington

The old time music at Clarence Ashley's Folkways albums unveiled an incomparable grouping of musicians with a staggering repertoire. In a variety of settings they produced a singularly essential set of recordings originally released as two Folkways LPs, 'Old Time Music At Clarence Ashley's' Volumes 1 and 2. Other featured artists included Gasther Carlton, Clint Howard, Fred Price, Jack Durchett and a few others playing a variety of instruments, particularly some great old time fiddling. Clarence "Tom" Ashley was a contemporary artist to the young Roy Acuff, but who had been dropped from records in the 30s because he was not commercial enough. Produced by Ralph Rinzler (one time Greenbriar Boy who was to become Doc's personal manager) these two CDs also contain some 20 previously unreleased performances plus many rare photographs. At the time of the original early 60s release of the LPs I thought they were two of the most exciting albums of old timey country music I had ever heard, so to get them all reissued in a two CD package is just magnificent! These were the first commercial recordings of the legendary Doc Watson. Here you get mountain ballads, instrumentals, novelty songs and some of the most moving gospel music you could wish to hear, some of it sung unaccompanied. I shall always remember Doc singing a gospel solo "The Lone Pilgrim" unaccompanied, it was so beautiful and moving it made the hairs on my chest stand on edge! Doc subsequently recorded this for Vanguard, but a musical backing was added. Whilst this is not by any means a Doc Watson solo project, it does give you some of the most enjoyable old time country music you could ever wish to hear. Highly recommended.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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