The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce that Grammy-winning country
singer “Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives” will perform on
Thursday, November 11, 2021
With legends like George Jones, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard all passed on,
country music purists often echo the question Jones himself asked: “Who’s going
to fill their shoes?” The answer, in part, is Marty Stuart.
While he’s too gracious to admit it himself, the Grammy-winning singer,
songwriter and musician is living, breathing country-music history. He’s played
alongside the masters, from Cash to Lester Flatt, who discovered him; been a
worldwide ambassador for Nashville, Bakersfield and points in between; and
safeguarded country’s most valuable traditions and physical artifacts.
Including its literal shoes: Stuart counts the brogan of Carter Family
patriarch A.P. Carter and an assortment of Cash’s black boots among his vast
collection of memorabilia.
But most importantly, Stuart continues to record and release keenly relevant
music, records that honor country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the
future. Way Out West, his 18th studio album, hits both of those
marks. Produced by Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), the
album is a cinematic tour-de-force, an exhilarating musical journey through the
California desert that solidifies Stuart as a truly visionary artist.
When it comes to transforming country songs into tangible experience, Stuart
has a secret weapon: the Fabulous Superlatives. Made up of guitarist Kenny
Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson and new member, bassist Chris Scruggs, the
Superlatives are an extension of Stuart himself.
“The Superlatives are missionaries, they’re fighting partners. They’re my
Buckaroos, my Tennessee Three, my Strangers. They’re my legacy band and have
been since Day One,” says Stuart.
Along with the playing of Mike Campbell, who contributed guitar, B-3 organ and
piano, the Fabulous Superlatives are all over Way Out West and
ensure that the mystical detours Stuart explores always remain of the moment.
As Stuart himself will tell you, he often ventures off the reservation –
in a way, his entire career has been “way out west.” While other artists chased
popular trends in the name of radio play, he formed complete bodies of work,
not unlike the greats he idolized. Way Out West is just the
latest embodiment of that creative mission.
“I would play this record for Hank Williams, Merle Haggard or Ernest
Hemingway and never bat an eye,” says Stuart. “There’s something in
there that would entertain each of them.”
But Stuart also made Way Out West for those who come after. As
he sees it, there is no greater responsibility in music than to share what
you’ve learned.
“Lester Flatt saw something in me and gave me his wisdom, wit and music.
Johnny Cash was my best friend. But all of that doesn’t come for free. The job
is to pass it along,” says Stuart, stretching out his arms. “That’s the
way it’s supposed to be in country music.”
“Marty Stuart &
His Fabulous Superlatives”
DATE: Thurs., Nov. 11, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $39.50 - $55
LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
128
East Forsyth Street.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 355 - ARTS (2787)
