Big Blues Extravaganza : The Best Of Austin City Limits
Here's a bountiful blues buffet from deep in the heart of Texas, courtesy of the long-runningAustin City Limitstelevision series. Texas talents--includingLightnin' Hopkins, represented by a suitably idiosyncratic "Rock Me Baby"; the razor-sharpAlbert Collins, ripping through "Travellin' South" in front of a horn-powered band; andW.C. Clark, the godfather of the Austin blues scene, who sparkles on a song by hometown heroWillie Nelson--make the most of their spotlight time. And, naturally, there'sStevie Ray Vaughan, who leads Double Trouble through a tight and tasty "Love Struck Baby."Jimmie Vaughan's tribute to his blues brother, "Six Strings Down," follows in an example of the collection's creative sequencing. In like mannerGatemouth Brown's "Born in Louisiana" leads intoDr. John's New Orleans version of "Since I Fell for You," and Clark's rendition of "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away" segues intoB.B. King's personalized cover of Nelson's classic "Night Life." The honorary Austinites, including a rambunctiousBuddy Guyand a soloRory Block, also make considerable contributions, the best probably beingTaj Mahalbouncing through "Queen Bee" withBen Harperon slide guitar, althoughKeb' Mo's straightahead "Tell Everybody I Know" isn't far behind. --Michael Point