While
Doc Watson made his reputation as an acoustic guitarist and bluegrass flat picker, the album title
Docabilly correctly implies there's another kind of music here. Helped by some hotshot players, including
Marty Stuart and
Duane Eddy, this album delivers some joyous, rollicking rockabilly, mixing early rock & roll classics with some country comforts. Although his singing strains a bit on the slow numbers, this American treasure comes through in grand style on the upbeat tunes. "That's Why I Love You Like I Do," "Heartbreak Hotel," and "Shake, Rattle & Roll" are particularly good. ~ Mark Allan