Austin City Limits Season 1 Episode 2 Asleep at the Wheel followed by Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys

Asleep at the Wheel is a popular western swing band hailing from Austin, Texas, and this episode of Austin City Limits features their performance alongside a tribute to Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys. The episode begins with Asleep at the Wheel playing a set filled with their own hits as well as covers of classic western swing tunes. Led by their frontman Ray Benson, a towering figure with a distinctive baritone voice, the band's lively performance is a testament to their decades of experience making music together. The audience is clearly delighted by their energetic set, which includes songs like "House of Blue Lights," "Route 66," and "Boogie Back to Texas."

After Asleep at the Wheel's performance, the episode transitions to a tribute to Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys. Bob Wills is regarded as one of the founding fathers of western swing, and his band played together for over three decades, influencing countless musicians in the genre. For this tribute, some of Wills' former bandmates come together to play some of his most famous tunes, including "Faded Love," "San Antonio Rose," and "Take Me Back to Tulsa." The audience is transported back in time to the golden age of western swing, as these legendary musicians showcase the sound and style that made Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys an enduring influence on the genre.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to some of the best musicianship and songwriting that Texas has to offer. Asleep at the Wheel's musicianship is flawless, with each member contributing to the rich tapestry of sound that defines the western swing genre. The band's chemistry is evident as they play off one another, weaving intricate melodies and harmonies that will stick with viewers long after the episode has ended.

Similarly, the tribute to Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys is a testament to the impact that these musicians had on their genre. Led by the legendary fiddler Johnny Gimble, who played with Wills from 1949 until the '60s, this tribute is a fitting homage to Wills' legacy. Gimble's fiddle work is stunning, evoking all the passion and energy that made Wills' music so thrilling to hear. The other musicians onstage are equally adept at their instruments, delivering solos and harmonies that are guaranteed to get viewers tapping their toes and clapping along.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated not just to great music, but to a sense of camaraderie and community that is so often lacking in modern entertainment. These musicians are clearly not just playing together; they're playing for each other, showing a deep respect for each other's talents and an understanding of how they all fit together in the larger western swing tradition. This sense of fellowship and joy is infectious, making the episode a must-see for anyone looking to explore the rich musical history of Texas and the western swing genre.

In conclusion, Austin City Limits season 1 episode 2 featuring Asleep at the Wheel followed by Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys is a stunning tribute to one of America's most beloved genres of music. Whether viewers are longtime fans of western swing or are just discovering it for the first time, this episode is sure to captivate and entertain with its infectious rhythms, brilliant musicianship, and deep sense of tradition.