MOVIE

Legends of Flatpicking Guitar

· 90 min · Documentary · Music

In this 90-minute video, Doc Watson appears in half a dozen performances, ably supported by the late Merle Watson in one segment and by Jack Lawrence in the others. Norman Blake and the Rising Fawn String Ensemble purvey both Celtic roots and country branches with equal Californian of this crowd, makes even the 'squarest tune (Turkey in the Straw) an adventurous new experience. Tony Rice appears in a variety of settings, ranging from an evocation of the old-time country 'brother duo' (Ricky Skaggs play mandolin and sings high harmony) to a kicking contemporary bluegrass ensemble (Tony Rice Unit) to a cooking all-star jam on the 'new acoustic' fringe (jamming with Tony are Sam Bush-mandolin, Mark O'Connor-fiddle, Bela Fleck-banjo, and Jerry Douglas-dobro).