The Marty Stuart Show

The Best Of Season 1 DVD

Rating: 4 Stars

Marty Stuart’s weekly RFD-TV show takes in all of the flavors of country music the man favors, which is to say, all of them. Stuart’s take is energetic and straightforward, with an accent on the performances themselves in homage to the form of the enduring ‘60s-born, single-set series from Porter Wagoner and Flatt & Scruggs. Whether or not you regularly catch the show, this 2-disc compilation of uncut performances demands repeated play. Guests range from the inspirational Earl Scruggs to his grandson Chris (playing a hot “Cherokee Boogie” with Chuck Mead and Kenny Vaughan), to Duane Eddy and Wanda Jackson, Charlie Daniels and Del McCoury, Mel Tillis and Charlie Pride. Since the regular cast includes the incomparable Connie Smith, (here singing her “Run Away Little Tears” and “Where Is My Castle?”), the charming old timey singer-banjoist Leroy Troy, and Marty’s amazing and versatile band the Fabulous Superlatives, the set would be loaded with highlights even if there were no guests. There’s also a collection of bonus on-set photos by long-time Opry photographer Les Leverett.

By Barry Mazor
American Songwriter
June 17, 2010