Austin City Limits Season 5 Episode 8 Johnny Gimble followed by Texas Swing Pioneers

Austin City Limits season 5 episode 8 features one of the most accomplished fiddlers in Texas music history, Johnny Gimble. Known for his smooth style and impressive technical ability, Gimble has played with some of the biggest names in country music, including Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.

In this episode, Gimble takes the Austin City Limits stage to perform a selection of his best-loved tunes, from classic country to Western swing. Accompanied by his band, The Texas Swing Pioneers, Gimble wows the audience with his virtuosic fiddling and warm, folksy vocals.

The episode opens with a rollicking rendition of “Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer),” a classic Western swing tune made famous by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Gimble’s fiddle playing is electrifying, showcasing his signature blend of technique and improvisation. As he sings the lyrics, it’s clear that Gimble has a deep love and respect for the Western swing tradition.

The next song, “Across the Alley from the Alamo,” is a romantic ballad that showcases Gimble’s smooth, crooning voice. The band plays with a lush, jazzy feel, punctuated by Gimble’s wandering fiddle lines. The audience is clearly enamored by his charm and talent, erupting into applause at the end of the song.

Gimble switches gears for the next tune, “Faded Love,” a classic country waltz originally recorded by Bob Wills. Gimble’s fiddling is particularly noteworthy here, as he deftly weaves intricate melodies around the slow, mournful chords. The band provides solid backup, with a steady rhythm section and tasteful guitar and piano fills.

Following “Faded Love,” Gimble and the Texas Swing Pioneers launch into a lively version of “Leavin’ Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” a song written by Rodney Crowell. Gimble’s fiddle playing here is particularly frenetic, with lightning-fast runs and stuttering double stops. The band provides a galloping rhythm that perfectly suits the song’s theme of escaping to a better life.

After a brief break, Gimble and the band return to the stage for a medley of classic fiddle tunes, including “Sally Goodin,” “Boil Them Cabbage Down,” and “Red Wing.” Gimble takes the lead on each tune, playing with gusto and flair. The rest of the band provides solid backup while also taking turns soloing. It’s a fun, high-energy segment that showcases the best of Texas fiddling.

The episode closes with an extended version of “Orange Blossom Special,” an instrumental tune that has become a staple of the fiddle repertoire. Gimble and his band tear through the tune, playing with a lightning-fast tempo and intricate harmonics. Gimble’s fiddle playing is particularly impressive here, with lightning-fast runs that seem to defy the laws of physics. The audience is on its feet by the end of the song, giving Gimble and the Texas Swing Pioneers a well-deserved standing ovation.

Overall, this episode of Austin City Limits is a must-watch for fans of Western swing and classic country music. Johnny Gimble’s fiddling is breathtaking, and his band provides solid backup that sets just the right mood. Whether you’re a diehard fan of traditional fiddle music or simply a casual observer, this episode has something to offer everyone.