Austin City Limits Season 24 Episode 13 Bobby Blue Bland / Susan Tedeschi
- May 1, 1999
Bobby Blue Bland and Susan Tedeschi definitely bring the blues to the stage in this 13th episode of the 24th season of Austin City Limits. The show opens with Bobby Blue Bland, a blues legend who started his career in the early 1950s and has been wowing audiences with his soulful voice and deeply emotional lyrics ever since. Bland delivers a powerful performance, backed by a tight band that includes horns, keyboards, and electric guitars. His voice is in fine form, and he clearly enjoys being on stage, chatting with the audience and delivering some of his signature moves.
Highlights from Bland's set include "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City," which showcases his incredible vocal range, and "I Pity the Fool," a song that has become one of his most famous. Bland displays an amazing ability to convey raw emotion through his music, and his passion for the blues is palpable. He also treats the audience to a rousing rendition of "Stormy Monday," a classic blues number that he delivers with intensity and conviction.
Next up is Susan Tedeschi, a younger exponent of the blues who has already carved out her own niche in the genre. Tedeschi is accompanied by her own band, which features a mix of traditional blues instruments and more contemporary elements like a Hammond organ. Tedeschi is an accomplished guitarist in her own right, and she showcases her skills on several songs. However, it is her voice that really shines in this performance. Tedeschi's voice is a powerful instrument, capable of conveying both vulnerability and strength. She effortlessly shifts between soulful ballads and uptempo blues numbers, showing off her versatility as a performer.
Highlights from Tedeschi's set include "Rock Me Right," a high-energy blues number that showcases her vocal range, and "It Hurt So Bad," a soulful ballad that she delivers with genuine emotion. Tedeschi also performs a cover of the blues classic "Feeling Alright," which she infuses with her own unique style. Overall, Tedeschi's set is a testament to her talent as a musician and her deep love for the blues.
The episode wraps up with a memorable finale that brings together Bland and Tedeschi for a stirring duet. The two performers share the stage, trading verses and harmonizing on a blues classic. It is a fitting end to a fantastic episode that celebrates the enduring power of the blues and the talented musicians who keep the genre alive.
Austin City Limits season 24 episode 13 featuring Bobby Blue Bland and Susan Tedeschi is a must-see for anyone who loves the blues. From Bland's soulful voice to Tedeschi's virtuoso guitar playing and powerful vocals, this episode is a feast for the ears and the soul. Whether you are a longtime fan of the blues or a newcomer to the genre, you will find something to love in this performance. So sit back, relax, and let the music wash over you as these two blues legends take the stage and deliver a unforgettable performance.