Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives

 

Most of the TV I watch is channel surfing YouTube, which is great for a short attention span. The algorithm knows me pretty well and has turned me onto a lot of new things. 

Last Summer I started watching YouTuber Otis Gibbs. He's a musician, songwriter, and fan of Country/Roots music. He interviews other players, essentially sidemen, with stories of big names they've worked with. That's how I was introduced to guitarist Kenny Vaughan. Although I'd never heard him play, he had an unmistakable cool. A little research found him playing with Lucinda Williams, and also Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives.

On September 9th 2021, Otis posted "Marty Stuart-Showing David Letterman How it's Done", featuring Kenny. It was a case of the Letterman band members asking "where are your effects pedals?" with Marty, and Kenny responding, "Pedals? We don't need no stinking pedals", and proceeding to blow the roof off the place. See that performance below.

In it, Marty is playing Clarence White's original B-bender guitar, used on The Byrds "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" and everything he played on until his untimely death in 1973, killed by a hit and run driver, while loading gear into his car after a gig.

To say I was blown away by their performance is an understatement. I'd heard of Marty, but until recently, suspicious of any Country Music made after the 1970's. I found more videos, and ordered some CD's. What a talent and national treasure he is!

In early October I saw neighbor Howard's Facebook post announcing he'd bought tickets to see Marty and The Fabulous Superlatives playing the Newton Theater January 29, 2022. Even though it seemed much further in the future than I'm generally comfortable with, I bought a pair for my partner Mollie and me.

Eventually the Holidays came and went with the New Year, and the show coming closer to reality, Covid outbreaks notwithstanding. Of course it snowed all night before and early morning of January 29th, putting the whole thing in jeopardy, and reminding me why I don't like making plans. The show wasn't cancelled, but at noon, while I was shoveling, Google maps said the usual hour, and change drive would take four or more. Mollie said she wasn't going. I was the designated driver, and told Howard it was all up in the air. 

After it stopped snowing for good, and a few drama filled hours later, Google said the drive time was back to normal, and that Newton only got a few inches, we made the journey.

The Newton Theater is a great venue for music, and Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. They played it all. straight Country, Rockabilly, Rock 'n' Roll, Bluegrass, Folk, and even some Psychedelia, finishing with The Count Five's "Psychotic Reaction".

Marty has been playing all his life. He is so comfortable on stage it feels good to be in the audience. The Fabulous Superlatives are aptly named. There will be a Marty Stuart Weekend Mix some day.

For context, here is teenaged Marty playing in Lester Flatt's band:

Like Porter Wagoner says in the video, "I think one of the greatest shows that goes out of Nashville, Tennessee is these gentlemen here. They really put on a clean good Country wholesome show, so when they come to your area go and see'em, you'll enjoy yourself".

-BBJ