Marty Stuart is a country music veteran who is well known for his passion for the genre and his commitment to keeping it alive. Stuart’s love for country music extends beyond his successful career as a musician. He is also an avid collector of country music memorabilia, with a vast collection that he intends to display as part of his upcoming country music complex being built in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Stuart’s latest album, “Altitude,” is his first in more than five years, and it inspired by the cosmic country of the late 1960s. The album is an intoxicating blend of reverb, tremolo, chiming 12-string, and keening harmonies that showcase Stuart’s vast musical chops. The album has an old-school vibe but sounds fresh and contemporary at the same time.
The album features thirteen original tunes, all as vibrant as the colorful suits worn by Stuart’s band, the Fabulous Superlatives. The band’s name is apt, as guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson, and bassist Chris Scruggs all match Stuart’s guitar virtuosity, resulting in a thrilling and lively musical experience.
The album opens with “Lost Byrd Space Train (Scene 1),” a two-minute instrumental that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its twin guitars and celebratory boogie. The Byrds’ influence can be heard on “Sitting Alone” and “Vegas,” with the latter summoning the ghosts of Gram Parsons and Clarence White.
Stuart shows his range on “Space,” a trippy ballad where he plays sitar and sings about social distancing. He also demonstrates his ability to pair twang with a handsome string-section arrangement on “The Sun Is Quietly Sleeping.” A psychedelic guitar solo elevates the scorcher “Time to Dance,” while a quiet spiritual follows with the lament, “Woke up hurting,” before angelic harmonies provide relief.
with his own unique brand of creativity.
As a country classicist, Stuart has a deep respect for the roots of the genre. He has spent his career studying the legends of country music, learning to play their songs, and incorporating their influence into his own music. He has also worked to preserve the history of country music, both through his personal collections of memorabilia and by curating exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
But Stuart is not content to merely preserve the past. He is also committed to exploring the potential of country music in the present and future. In “Altitude,” for instance, he blends traditional country sounds with more experimental elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Stuart’s commitment to country music is not just evident in his music; it is also a guiding force in his life. He is known for his impeccable style, often sporting cowboy boots, hats, and tailored suits that pay homage to the genre’s history. He also frequently collaborates with other country music luminaries, showcasing his respect for the artists who came before him while also forging new connections and creative partnerships.
In short, Stuart is proof that a love for country music can be both timeless and forward-thinking. He balances an appreciation for tradition with a passion for innovation, creating music that honors the past while also exploring new possibilities. Whether performing for longtime fans or introducing newcomers to the genre, Stuart remains committed to the power and potential of country music.