Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam 2007

Marty Stuart has been referred to as country music's biggest fan. He has used that reference to put on one of the best shows to kick off The CMA Festival. Marty calls his Late Night Jam, "the pirate ship that starts off the festival." The Marty Stuart Late Night Jam is a charity concert that raises money for Music Cares, which is a non-profit organization that gives money to anyone who works in the music industry, whether they are a singer, songwriter, musician, or even a bus driver. Each set was about fifteen minutes and this year's roster was quite impressive, and included Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Neko Case, Porter Wagoner, John Rich, Connie Smith, Jedd Hughes, John Stone, Pam Tillis, Raul Malo, Chuck Mead of BR-549, Barbara Fairchild, Ashley Monroe and more.

The show was action packed from start to finish and WSM's announcer Eddy Stubbs broadcasted live over WSM and XM Radio throughout the show.

Marty's Late Night Jam showed people his diverse love for music, whether is be Country, Rockabilly, Blues and Rock and Roll. He performed with everyone on the roster, and really showed his respect and sense of humor for every aspect of music. Eddy Stubbs adlibbed a lengthy commercial for sausage just for the fun of it, and had everyone in the crowd rolling by the end. Never think that there was a dull moment even between sets, because Marty was out cracking jokes and even said, "My new album is full of duets, and if you buy it, and don't like it, send it to Travis Tritt for a full refund."

In an interview prior to the show, Marty stated, "I love to perform and the stage is my home." When asked who he thought was the most promising rising country stars he said, "We need to keep a close eye on the Josh Turner, Dierks Bentley and Ashley Monroe." Marty seems to be very comfortable on where he stands in the country music world today. Not caring about being number 1 on the radio, but doing what his heart tells him to, and what he feels is right. Right now Marty is busy promoting his own album Compadres and well as Porter Wagoner's new CD Wagonmaster, which Marty produced and has a duet on.

Review by Scott Sexton