Third Generation Blues pairs Doc Watson with his grandson Richard Watson, the son of Merle Watson, who had been Doc's longtime musical partner before his death in a tractor accident in 1985. Released in 1999, the album carries the weight of that family history — it is in part an act of continuation and tribute, with Richard carrying forward the musical tradition Doc had transmitted to Merle and that Merle had begun passing to the next generation. Doc's guitar playing and singing remained strong, and Richard proves a sensitive accompanist and musical foil. "Moody River" is among the more country-inflected tracks, representative of the record's broad draw on American vernacular styles. The album is quieter and more reflective in tone than Doc's earlier recordings, which suits the generational theme and the elegiac dimension of playing alongside his grandson.
Tracklist
- 1 Turn The Lamps Down Low 2:49
- 2 If I Were A Carpenter 2:51
- 3 House of the Rising Sun alt version 3:21
- 4 Gypsy Davey 4:35
- 5 St. James Infirmary 5:06
- 6 Uncloudy Day alt version 2:53
- 7 South Coast 4:06
- 8 Milk Cow Blues 4:01
- 9 Train Whistle Blues 3:01
- 10 Moody River Source Recording 2:56
- 11 Columbus Stockade Blues alt version 3:32
- 12 Walk On Boy alt version 3:08
- 13 Summertime alt version 3:23
- 14 Precious Lord Take My Hand 2:50
