Ep 3. Bonnie Raitt/Mavis Staples

Austin City Limits season 38 episode 3 features two of the most revered musicians in their respective genres – Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples. These iconic artists take the ACL stage with their unmistakable vocal power, guitar prowess, and decades of experience in the music industry.

Bonnie Raitt, a blues-rock legend, is known for her soulful voice, slide guitar playing, and socially conscious lyrics. With hits like "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Something to Talk About," she has won ten Grammy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the best female guitarists of all time. In this episode, Raitt performs songs from her latest album "Slipstream" along with some of her classic hits, backed by her talented band.

Mavis Staples, on the other hand, is a gospel and R&B powerhouse who has been performing for over six decades. She began her career with the Staple Singers, a gospel group that became known for its civil rights activism and soulful sound. Staples' music has always sought to inspire and uplift her audience, and in this episode, she delivers a powerful set that includes songs from her latest album "One True Vine" as well as some of her most beloved tunes.

The two artists' performances are interspersed with interviews, where they share insights into their respective careers and musical influences. Fans of Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples will enjoy this rare opportunity to see them share the stage and collaborate on one another's songs. Even those who are not familiar with their repertoire will appreciate the passion, energy, and artistry that they bring to their music.

The episode opens with Mavis Staples leading her band in a rousing rendition of "Can You Get to That," a funky track from her latest album. The song features Staples' signature deep, soulful voice, backed by a horn section and a tight rhythm section. She brings a sense of joy and hope to the song's message, encouraging listeners to embrace the good in life.

Next up is Bonnie Raitt, who performs "Used to Rule the World" from her album "Slipstream." The song is a funky blues-rock number that showcases Raitt's slide guitar playing and gritty vocals. She sings about the disillusionment that comes with aging, but also about the resilience and strength that can come from weathering life's storms.

Staples returns to the stage to perform a cover of a classic gospel song, "Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Jesus)." The song is a call-and-response hymn, with Staples leading the audience in a call to action and her band responding with rousing musical accompaniment. Her performance is a testament to the unifying power of music and its ability to uplift and inspire.

Raitt closes out the episode with a powerhouse rendition of "Love Sneakin' Up on You," a bluesy rock track that has become one of her signature tunes. She's in full command of her guitar and her vocals, and the audience responds with rapturous applause and cheers. It's an electric performance that reminds us why Bonnie Raitt is a living legend.

Overall, Austin City Limits season 38 episode 3 is a must-see for any music lover. Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples are two of the most influential and talented musicians of their generation, and this episode captures them at their best. The performances are fiery, the interviews are insightful, and the energy is contagious. It's a celebration of two incredible women and the music they've dedicated their lives to creating.