It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This


This appeared in The Tennessean - June 8, 2005

 Even with all the music-making going on this week at The Coliseum and down the road a piece at Bonnaroo, the week's single finest evening of music may be taking place tonight at the Ryman Auditorium.

The occasion is Marty Stuart's annual Late Night Jam, and Marty has pretty much outdone himself in putting together a spectacular lineup. Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, are, of course, on the bill. The Superlatives are capable of taking any roots music trip Stuart wishes to take, whether it's into gospel realms, into deep country, blues, rock or bluegrass.

Country Music Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs -- the man who re-defined the banjo and helped blur the lines between folk, country, rock and bluegrass -- will do some pickin', as will youthful contemporary country artists Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert. Then there will be appearances from two children of stars who are making their own musical way: Shooter Jennings rough-hewn music sometimes recalls his father, Waylon, while Holly Williams' quiet, contemplative soundscapes differ substantially from the outlaw country of her dad Hank Williams, Jr.

They're all worth hearing, and they're all playing in the show that begins at 11 p.m. tonight and continues into tomorrow's wee hours. Even better, proceeds go to the MusiCares organization, which assists musicians in need through emergency financial assistance and through an addiction recovery program.

By Peter Cooper
         

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