Stage Talk with Rick Koster
Where every show has something to say.
Marty Stuart is one of the coolest humans on earth.
When Duran Duran couldn’t figure out visionary hairstyles in 1982, they turned to Marty Stuart.
When Timothée Chalamet was calculating his image, he saw Stuart and added “must always wear scarves like Marty” to his Hip Quotient checklist.
When Porter Wagner was dying, he said, “I was never good enough for the Nudie suits I wear. They need someone like Marty Stuart.” Porter did pull it off, but Marty is the ultimate Nudie Suit purveyor.
Looks and fashion are only two aspects of Marty’s Marty-ness. There’s also, most importantly, his work.
The Nashville-based musician, whose mastery of any instrument with strings on it is scary, has an artistic curiosity that has enabled him to blithely and lovingly hopscotch through a variety of styles including honky tonk, bluegrass, country gospel and rockabilly.
He makes them ALL part of his own musical DNA.
My only complaint about Marty Stuart? I’d like to gently make a grammar suggestion.
Y’see, his outstanding band, the Fabulous Superlatives, should be called the Most Fabulous Superlatives. Because, to my way of thinking, “most fabulous” is more superlative than just “fabulous.”
Otherwise, Marty, we can’t wait to see you!
Because, yes, Marty Stuart and His (Most?) Fabulous Superlatives, whose latest album, a scorching double-disc of all original instrumental music called Space Junk, headline the Garde at 7 p.m. on February 15.
They’re out on the “Marty Stuart & Molly Tuttle: Cosmic Twang Guitars on Fire” tour. This properly suggests that up-and-coming virtuoso Molly Tuttle and Her Trio are also part of the fun.
Anticipate gasp-inducing dexterity, wonderful songs, cascading vocal harmonies, and a warm, embracing spirit of pervasive musical joy.
One warning: Men (and Wives or Girlfriends), after this show, don’t leave the Garde thinking you can pull off Marty’s look. Ain’t gonna happen.