Ep 4. Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys followed by Ernest Tubb

Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys followed by Ernest Tubb is the fourth episode of the third season of Austin City Limits. The episode features two legendary country music acts, each with their own unique style and sound.

The first half of the episode is dedicated to Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys, a band that played a significant role in shaping the sound of country music in Texas and beyond. Bob Wills, the band's leader, was a master of Western swing, a genre that blended traditional country music with jazz and blues influences. The Original Texas Playboys were known for their tight arrangements, high-energy performances, and lively instrumentals, which often featured horns, fiddles, and steel guitars.

The episode opens with a performance of "Take Me Back to Tulsa," a classic Western swing tune that features Bob Wills on vocals and fiddle. The band follows up with "Faded Love," a slow, soulful ballad that showcases the band's musical prowess and Wills' emotive playing. Other highlights of the Original Texas Playboys' set include "San Antonio Rose," a romantic ode to the city of San Antonio, and "Milk Cow Blues," a bluesy number that features a fiery guitar solo.

Following the Original Texas Playboys' set, the episode shifts gears to Ernest Tubb, another influential figure in the world of country music. Tubb is known for his distinctive voice, which has been described as "a cross between a rusty gate and a mournful steam whistle." He's also known for his songwriting, which often focused on themes of heartache and lost love.

Tubb's set opens with "Walking the Floor Over You," a classic honky-tonk tune that became one of his signature songs. The song features Tubb's distinctive vocals and a catchy, upbeat melody. Other highlights of Tubb's set include "Thanks a Lot," a poignant ballad that showcases Tubb's emotive singing, and "Half a Mind," a playful tune that features Tubb's wry sense of humor.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to a glimpse into the world of classic country music, with its emphasis on storytelling, musicianship, and authenticity. The performances are raw and unpolished, but also full of heart and soul. The musicians on stage are clearly enjoying themselves, and the energy is infectious. It's a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, to lift our spirits, and to connect us to something greater than ourselves.

Overall, Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys followed by Ernest Tubb is a must-see episode for fans of classic country music. It's a celebration of two legendary acts, each with their own unique sound and style, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Texas music.