Artist: Doc & Merle Watson
Title Of Album: Then And Now / Two Days In November
Year Of Release: 1972-74/1995
Label: BGO Records
Country: US
Genre: Country Blues, Bluegrass
Audio codec: FLAC | lossless

Tracklist:
1. Boneparte's Retreat 2:03
2. Milk Cow Blues 2:16
3. Bottle Of WIne 2:07
4. Match Box Blues 3:33
5. Freight Train Boogie 3:02
6. If I Needed You 2:36
7. Frankie And Johnny 3:12
8. Summertime 3:29
9. That's All 2:58
10.Corrina, Corrina 2:49
11.Meet Me Somewhere In Your Dreams 2:00
12.Old Camp Meetin' Time 2:13
13.Rain Crow Bill 1:36
14.Walk On Boy 2:47
15.Poor Boy Blues 2:23
16.I'm Going Fishing 2:40
17.Kinfolks In California 2:34
18.The Last Thing On My Mind 3:22
19.Lonesome Moan 3:35
20.Medley: Little Beggar Man / Old Joe Clark 2:10
21.Kaw Liga 2:47
22.Three Times Seven 2:21
23.The Train That Carried My Girl From Town 3:00
24.Snowbird 2:56
25.Doc's Rag 1:47

Tracks 1-4, 6, 7 and 9-13 were originally released as 'Then And Now' (1973)
Tracks 14-17, 19-21 and 23-25 were originally released as 'Two Days In November' (1974)
Tracks 5, 8, 18 and 22 were originally released on 'Elementary Doctor Watson!' (1972)

This disc features 11 sides from the father and son team of Doc & Merle Watson -- sporting their inimitable blend of acoustic folk and traditional country. Their somewhat stylized selection of material is derived not only from the traditional genres, but also from the Watsons' native southeastern United States and its rich Piedmont blues heritage. Then and Now (1973) features the Watsons' distinct reworkings on a variety of material, including Tom Paxton's "Bottle of Wine," Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You," and Merle Travis' classic "That's All." Doc's sly yet understated homespun wit surfaces on the latter as the eldest Watson indicates that the lyrics make "just plain ol' common horse sense." The same straight-ahead no-frills and (best of all) gimmick-free musicianship accompanies their contemporary approach on the traditional "Corrina, Corrina," Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Match Box Blues," and Kokomo Arnold's "Milk Cow Blues." These cuts boast the pair's unique and spry personas, likewise underscoring their infectious and genuine musicality. Doc (guitar/harmonica/vocals) and Merle (guitar/banjo) are augmented by an impressive lineup of support musicians, including Norman Blake (dobro), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Kenny Malone (percussion), and Joe Allen (bass). Collectively, they animate the tracks with upbeat and thoroughly modern personas -- intimating the "now" of the title. Representing "then" are the more authentic instrumental renderings of "Bonaparte's Retreat" and "Rain Crow Bill." These two titles perhaps best exemplify the indescribable blend of Doc's amiable, richly toned fretwork as it connects the sonic dots between Merle's equally fluid and exceedingly intricate acoustic slide as well as finger-style and flat-pick guitar. The results are uniformly brilliant, garnering Then and Now a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording -- a feat that would be repeated on the follow-up long-player, Two Days in November (1974)

Although Arthel "Doc" Watson had been a central figure in the folk and acoustic music that was native to the Appalachian southeastern United States since the late '50s, significant success came later in his life. By the mid-'60s, Doc Watson (vocal/guitar/harmonica) had been joined by his son Merle Watson (guitar/banjo), and together they were responsible for scores of releases featuring their inimitable brand of infectious and honest acoustic folk and traditional country music. The title Two Days in November (1974) refers to the length of time it took to document this ten-track album. However, that certainly didn't deter it from scoring a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording -- the duo's second in as many years. Doc Watson's amplified approach to traditional melodies as well as the reworking of cover material is decidedly modern, yet the interpretations directly hark back to their acoustic counterparts with sides such as the talking blues of "Walk on Boy," also recorded by a wide range of talents including the blue-eyed doo wop of the Belmonts to the song's co-author, Mel Tillis. The hot-steppin' good-time rag "Kinfolks in Carolina" has been gleefully adapted from one of the senior Watson's most revered contemporaries, Merle Travis. Precise picking from both men often weave seemingly effortless dual leads, such as the breakneck speed of "The Train That Carried My Girl from Town" or the sunny disposition of "Doc's Rag." Several of the musicians from this long-player also contributed to the previous Grammy winner Then and Now (1973), including Jim Isbel (drums/percussion), Joe Allen (bass), Kenny Malone (percussion), and Chuck Cochran (piano). Seasoned as well as developing enthusiasts of bluegrass, newgrass, traditional country, and Americana agree that Doc & Merle Watson developed and created some of their finest music in the early to mid-'70s -- many, like Two Days in November, were initially only available on the regional Poppy Records label. This meant that the international circulation was practically unheard of. In the 1990s, Sugar Hill reissued a majority of these titles onto CD for the first time -- with splendid results. Although some of the discs are now out of print, they are worth the search as well as highly recommended for inclined parties