MARTY-STUART-PARTY2009

The Ryman Auditorium is the Mother Church of country music and I have ever had the pleasure to be backstage there in 2006 and remember very well the wonderfull line up including the Oak Ridge Boys, Keni Thomas and Little Big Town among others. I have to thank Brandon, from Marty Stuart's management, for his very warm welcome.

For this 2009 and 8th edition, on june 11, Marty Stuart bring us Native American dancers and artists from the bluegrass and honky-tonk scenes. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys who is one of the most popular country and gospel band in America, Tanya Tucker, Connie Smith, Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the Cherryholmes.. I knew the major names of the schedule but to see the indians was a surprising moment. Marty Stuart is a legend and, so, is inspired by roots music. As usual, Eddie Stubbs, the very respectable air personality of WSM served as host.

When Lakota Indian dancers came onstage, the two fashioned costumed were here to show their sense of entertainment. Brulé and the American Indian Rock Opera were amazing to show the best of their native music and dance and a standing ovation was done by the crowd in response. Then Eddie talked again about again Marty's love of the Lakota people.

The mood of Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives began to sound with "Hillbilly rock" joined by the crowd clapping during the song. Fashion is important for Marty and he is now dressed in black. The Greencards came on stage after Marty explained he met them only a few weeks ago in California. The band brings a combination of folk and Americana and includes Carol Young and Kym Warner (Australia) and Eamon McLoughlin (UK), and additional need for this show from a guitar player from Atlanta, Ga.. They are on Sugar Hill Records. I will remember their beautifull version of "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" with Marty playing the mandolin. Carol said it was a dream to play the Ryman, and explained a huge gratitude to Marty for that.

CEO of RFD-TV was on stage then because the station have the Marty Stuart Show, and Marty thanked him for that. Then, he introduced a newcomer, Justin Moore, who performed his first top 20 single "Small Town USA.". It was the first Ryman appearance by Justin Moore, and then by the Martin Brothers, grandchildren of the Oaks’ Duane Allen. The Martin Brothers, a duo Kell Martin (8 year old) and guitar wiz March Martin (11 year old). They are the sons of Stuart's bass man in the Fabulous Superlatives, Paul Martin. They're also the grandsons of Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen and of Nora Lee Allen (of the Carol Lee Singers). Kell and March pplayed with their father and with their mother Jamie Allen and got a standing ovation. March Martin got the occasion to fire off some nice lead guitar lines with Stuart and the Superlatives on "La Tingo Tango.". I have to say that the introduction of the Martin Brothers by Marty was a model of the genre because he asked a mix of questions to the kids to show they come from an incredible family of artists." The two young sons of Paul, March and Kell, got a wonderfull reaction from the audience from the first words of the song. March played guitar and each boy sang a verse of the song. Questions from Marty to the boys, "What's your grandpa's name?" The boys: "Duane Allen.". Marty said: "That's right, Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys.". Marty: "What's your grandma's name?". The boys: "Nora Lee Allen.". Marty: "Nora Lee of the famous Carol Lee singers at the Opry.". Marty: "What's your daddy's name?" They said: "Paul Martin." Marty looked to bass player Paul: "That's him." And: "What's your mama's name?", the kids "Jamie Martin." Marty: "Jamie Allen Martin, daughter of Duane and Nora Lee Allen.".

After, Marty introduced Debbie Carroll of MusiCares, Tony Conway from the CMA Music Fest and a representative from Keep the Music Playing, an organization which supports programs to keep music in the public school system. Together, they said thanks to the public to buy and support Marty each year. $33,000 in ticket sales had to be received for this night.

Canadian artist Corb Lund followed on stage, and Marty joined him on "Especially a Paint". Then, the band, The Hurtin' Albertans, had us clapping along to "Time to Switch to Whiskey". Corb Lund is produced by Harry Stinson. " Jeff Hanna from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band stopped by and Marty invited him to sing "Mr. Bojangles" with the guys.

At that moment, the jam offers a short break and I take this time to talk with other persons backastage regarding the fact that the crowd is always very fun and appreciates each year all the artists. The fans are like a family with Marty and all are very enthousiast during all the night. That's a wonderfull feeling and country, gospel and bluegrass represents the tastes of Marty Stuart and his so great band, the Fabulous Superlatives.

The show returns with the thanks to the sponsors: Crest Cadillac, RFD TV and WSM. A check for $10,000 is presented and added to the proceeds of the night. Then, Chris Cooley, GM of WSM came out with his guitar and sang "Better for Me, No Way" with Marty. The Cherryholmes took the stage next for a cappella rendition of "Mary Don't You Weep." Dad Cherryholmes introduced everyone and the band did a Grammy-nominated instrumental with each member. This bluegrass band is fresh and sounds great.

Warm moment of the night when Marty introduced Connie Smith, his wife, and her band The Sundowners, to perform "I've Got My Baby on My Mind" and "You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me," song requested by Marty. Connie was also dressed in black, and she and Marty appeared as the perfect duet in harmonies and color. Marty sang backup on the first two songs, and joined his wife for a duet on Buck Owens "Your Tender Loving Care." Just after, Eddie told Marty that a friend was there "just to hear the Roll's Royce sing tonight" and Marty called Dierks Bentley on stage to say hello. Dierks was not for singing, but he did help Marty present Riders in the Sky. Too Slim, Woody, Ranger Doug and the gang did their comedy style starting with "Wa Hoo" and did a children's medley including "Woody's Roundup", "Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl" from the movie Toy Story and "You've Got a Friend in Me". Too Slim offers some "Crap", a mix of cowboy music and rap. They left the stage but Marty called them back for a "Cool Water", a cover of The Sons of The Pioneers, and Marty played with them for an instrumental.

From off stage after midnight came a powerful voice "Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on..." The audience began to applause Tanya Tucker who appeared and continued singing. Tanya was also dressed in black. Tanya said her gratitude to Marty for singing tonight at the Ryman again. She remembered her first time at the Opry as a child with her father at eight years old. Tanya sang a cover of Charley Pride "Is Anybody Going to San Antone", and then she had Marty in duet for "Love's Gonna Live Here Again", a cover of Buck Owens. Marty said it was the first time Tanya had performed in a couple of years. Marty joined also Jeff Hanna on "Mister Bojangles," and also could again sang with Connie on Buck Owens's "Your Tender Loving Care".

One of the most legendary American country gospel band, The Oak Ridge Boys, took the stage next with a new song called "The Boys are Back.". Tenor member Joe Bonsall was not present, and Duane Allen gave the explanation that Joe had to be off for three weeks because of a doctor-ordered vocal rest. Jimmy Fulbright replaced Joe who came out on stage to dance a little and show he was there. "Y'all Come Back Saloon" follows, a hit for the crowd, and "Beautiful Bluebird", "Shake It, Baby", "Mama's Table", and "Seven Nation Army" from Jack White and the White Stripes, all these songs appearing on their new album. Marty and the band did not miss the pleasure to sing with the Oaks on "Have a Little Talk With Jesus" and then, Marty could not resist to request "Elvira". Joe Bonsall said only a couple of words to the audience who sang along.

"The Whiskey Ain't Workin'" followed by Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives, and "Don't We All Have the Right to be Wrong Now and Then" a cover of Marty Robbins sang in the style of the legendary singer. All the Ryman enjoyed and remembered Marty Robbins. Then, Marty sang a new song about the state of the country, "What Will Become of the Working Man?". Follows the story of a good friend he lost, John L. Smith, who presented Johnny Cash to the Lakota Indians and played in his honor a song he wrote "It's Hard to Say Goodbye". Brulé and the American Indian Rock Opera joined then Marty Stuart to sing "Wounded Knee".

A special jam came with Connie Smith, the Cherryholmes and the Martin Brothers onstage with Marty singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", each taking the lead, and "Are You on the Rock & Roll." Everyone understood that was the final, 2 AM passed, and Marty Stuart said goodbye and many thanks to crowd for coming and support the event year after year.

We do not have to forget that proceeds of the Late Night Jam go to charitable programs: MusiCares, Keep The Music Playing, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Coverage: Jean Agostini (Mr)