What makes Strictly Instrumental by Doc Watson notable?

Strictly Instrumental is notable for its influence on the bluegrass genre, helping to elevate the prominence of instrumental music within the folk revival movement of the 1960s. The album received positive critical reception, highlighting Watson's exceptional guitar skills and contributing to his legacy as a leading figure in American roots music. Released in 1967, Strictly Instrumental captures Doc Watson at a pivotal juncture following his rise to prominence in the folk scene. This album followed his acclaimed self-titled debut and showcased his commitment to pure instrumental expression, moving away from vocal-heavy arrangements that characterized much of his earlier work.

Who is Strictly Instrumental for?

Strictly Instrumental works well if you're into quick bursts of joyful energy, for casual gatherings and vibrant melodies for daytime listening.

How many songs are on Strictly Instrumental?

Strictly Instrumental has 11 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Strictly Instrumental

Doc Watson · 1967

24 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant showcase of instrumental bluegrass and folk, blending virtuosic picking with rhythmic spontaneity.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Liberty — This track stands out for its lively tempo and intricate fingerpicking, showcasing Watson's technical prowess while maintaining a joyful, danceable spirit.
→
Spanish Two‐Step — The playful rhythm and melodic variations in this piece reflect Watson's ability to blend traditional influences with personal interpretation, making it a memorable highlight of the album.
→
Bill Cheatham — With its dynamic interplay between instruments, this track exemplifies Watson's collaborative spirit and serves as a testament to bluegrass's communal nature.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album highlights virtuosic instrumental performances, contributing to the bluegrass genre's evolution during the folk revival.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent tempo across its tracks, with most songs maintaining a brisk pace that showcases the musicians' technical skills.
Each track is built around intricate guitar picking patterns, often accompanied by mandolin and banjo, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
Several tracks incorporate improvisational sections where instruments trade solos, adding spontaneity to the performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

quick bursts of joyful energy
for casual gatherings
vibrant melodies for daytime listening
great for acoustic instrumentation lovers

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy compositions
prefer vocal-driven music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1967, Strictly Instrumental captures Doc Watson at a pivotal juncture following his rise to prominence in the folk scene. This album followed his acclaimed self-titled debut and showcased his commitment to pure instrumental expression, moving away from vocal-heavy arrangements that characterized much of his earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Tony Rice· Bill Monroe· John Prine