Seeing and hearing Marty Stuart is akin to visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. From the fact that he owns (and tours with) some of the most iconic instruments of all time – Clarence White’s 1954 B-Bender Telecaster, Johnny Cash’s 1939 Martin D-45, a 1972 Gibson F5 mandolin mischievously etched with “JC” by Mr. Cash – to his absolute reverence for the sounds of the past, Stuart preaches the gospel of bluegrass and Bakersfield. A unique figure in today’s country music world, this rebel traditionalist pushes the envelope, but never loses sight of the rich cultural mix that surrounded him as an instrumental prodigy growing up in the South.

His band, The Fabulous Superlatives, are both fabulous and worthy of a scattershot round of the best superlatives. On guitar, “Cousin” Kenny Vaughan has recorded and toured with many of the best country (“alt” and otherwise) music artists of the last 40 years. “Handsome” Harry Stinson has laid down the backbeat and the tenor background vocals on Nashville hit after hit from the 1980s on (as well as being an early member of Steve Earle and The Dukes). Chris Scruggs is, well, a Scruggs (Grandpa is Earl) with enviable credits of his own. Sharp looks. Sharp licks. Sharp patter. Sharp as a tack!

Together, these fellows who have seen everything and can do anything so magically rip through rockabilly and surf-rock rave ups, swing country classics and lay down righteous gospel.

- Jay Nelson