Live From Austin, Texas captures Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's 1983 and 1989 appearances on the PBS television show Austin City Limits. The 1983 segment features a young Vaughan, bass guitarist Tommy Shannon, and drummer Chris Layton performing selections from their debut album, Texas Flood. Vaughan seems a little stiff and nervous at times -- and he's sweating profusely -- but his playing doesn't suffer. On "Texas Flood," Vaughan shows off a bit by playing his guitar behind his back. The cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" is pretty faithful to the original, but Vaughan contributes a rhythm-based solo at one point before the band stretches out for a jam. In the 1989 segment, positive changes are noticeable. First of all, Vaughan had kicked alcohol and cocaine by then and his sobriety resulted in a more relaxed and confident performance. Also, keyboardist Reese Wynans had been a Double Trouble member for four years and his contributions helped give the band a fuller sound. "Leave My Girl Alone" is a smoldering Buddy Guy cover. The smooth instrumental "Riviera Paradise" is Vaughan's most mature composition and Wynans' piano plays an integral part. Live From Austin, Texas closes with a posthumous video of "Little Wing," an instrumental cover of the Hendrix classic. This video is jam-packed with still photos and video snippets of Vaughan, archival footage of bluesmen ranging from Leadbelly to B.B. King, and a tour of the Fender guitar factory. Albert King and Albert Collins are also shown holding Vaughan Signature Model Stratocasters. ~ Bret Adams
Tracklist
Pride And Joy
Texas Flood
Voodoo Chile
The House Is Rockin'
Tightrope
Leave My Girl Alone
Cold Shot
Crossfire
Riviera Paradise
Tick Tock
Little Wing (Bonus Video)
