January 15, 2022

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Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives rode into Robins Theatre last night and proceeded to put on an old school country music show.   Musicianship, storytelling and great American songs were on display all evening long.

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Stuart has been around for a long time, but he and his band truly enjoy what they do.  Their smiles are genuine and they make sure that everyone in the audience is having a good time.

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They played something for everyone, from old school country, to rockabilly to surf music.  Stuart and company had everyone singing and clapping along for the entire show.

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The show kicked off with an instrumental and then they played a couple of Stuarts  early hits "Tempted" and "This One's Gonna Hurt You (for a long, long time).

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Early in the set, Stuart noted that he was "happy to be playing real music in front of real people."

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His backing band, known as the Fabulous Superlatives which features Kenny Vaughan on guitar, Paul Martin on bass and Harry Stinson on drums were fabulous indeed.  Stuart also allowed each band member to take over on lead vocals on different songs throughout the set. 

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Besides playing his own songs, Stuart paid homage to some country legends by playing songs by George Jones "The Old, Old House," Waylon Jennings "I've Always Been Crazy" and Willie Nelson's "Me and Paul."   They also played the most fun version of "Wipe Out" that I have ever heard or seen.

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Of course, Stuart didn't ignore his own catalog as "Matches" and "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'" were highlights in the set.

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They sure don't make 'em like Marty Stuart anymore.  Some of these younger country acts should take a note or two from this Country Music Hall of Famer.  

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The Shootouts, an up and coming honky-tonk band opened up the show with a great 30 minute set of original material.   The band easily won the crowd over as they left to a standing ovation. 

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Photos and review by Greg Drugan

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