Austin City Limits Season 1 Episode 6 Doug Sahm
Doug Sahm, one of the founding fathers of the "Texas sound," takes the stage in episode six of season one of Austin City Limits. Sahm, a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and frontman of The Sir Douglas Quintet, brings his signature blend of country, rock, and blues to Austin's premier music venue.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1941, Sahm grew up surrounded by music. His father played fiddle and guitar, and his mother sang Mexican ballads. Sahm's early influences ranged from Hank Williams and Bob Wills to the blues legends of the Mississippi Delta. At the age of thirteen, he formed his first band, The Pharaohs, and soon became a fixture on the local music scene.
In 1964, Sahm and The Sir Douglas Quintet scored a hit with their debut single "She's About A Mover," which blended Tex-Mex accordion with British Invasion-style rock. The band's subsequent albums, including the classic "Mendocino," showcased Sahm's eclectic musical sensibility and his knack for capturing the spirit of his home state.
On this episode of Austin City Limits, Sahm and his band perform a mix of original songs and classic covers. The set opens with "At The Crossroads," a rollicking tune that highlights Sahm's raw, soulful vocals and blistering guitar work. He follows up with "Westside Blues Again," a funky instrumental that showcases his mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ.
Sahm then slows things down with "T-Bone Shuffle," a cover of the T-Bone Walker classic that features some tasteful guitar licks and a relaxed, jazzy groove. He then picks up the tempo with "Nitty Gritty," a driving rocker that draws on his country roots and features some fiery fiddle playing.
The set's centerpiece is Sahm's epic tribute to his hometown, "San Antonio Rose." This sprawling, fourteen-minute opus weaves together elements of Tex-Mex, rock, blues, and jazz, and includes a scorching guitar solo by Sahm that will leave jaws on the floor. The band closes out the set with a raucous rendition of "Stormy Monday," the soulful blues standard that has been covered by everyone from T-Bone Walker to the Allman Brothers.
Throughout the performance, Sahm's charisma and energy are on full display. He banters with the crowd, telling stories about his musical heroes and cracking jokes between songs. His band, which includes members of his longtime backing group The Sir Douglas Quintet, is tight and dynamic, laying down a solid foundation for Sahm's musical flights of fancy.
The episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sahm's music, and to the unique cultural mix that shapes the Texas sound. Whether he's crooning a ballad or tearing up the fretboard, Sahm is a true original, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have followed in his footsteps.
Overall, Austin City Limits season one episode six featuring Doug Sahm is a must-watch for fans of Texas music and anyone who appreciates great live performances. With its high-energy setlist and Sahm's infectious personality, the episode captures the spirit of a musical legend at the height of his powers.
