Stuart Preps Three Albums On New Imprint

Prolific country artist Marty Stuart has been given his own Universal South Records imprint on which he already has plans to release three albums. Superlatone Records will bow August 30 with the gospel collection Soul's Chapel.

"I have reached a point in my life where I've asked myself, 'What do I need?' Another car, another pair of cowboy boots, another Telecaster?'," Stuart says. "It became a whole lot more important to me to be true to the art and the vision and the spirit of creativity than trying to chase a chart."

A mix of vintage and new works, the 11-song Soul's Chapel was produced by Stuart in Hendersonville, Tennessee near Nashville. Described by the artist as "Mississippi gospel," the sound is influenced by the likes of the Staples Singers, whose Mavis Staples appears on the song "Move Along Train."

Drummer Harry Stinson and bassist Brian Glenn, members of Stuart's band His Fabulous Superlatives, also contribute lead vocals to the disc. The group is rounded out by guitarist Kenny Vaughan.

Superlatone release dates are pending for the 2003 concert recording Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Live at the Ryman and Badlands, a set co-produced by Stuart and John Carter Cash. The latter features an obscure song written by Stuart's one-time father-in-law, late country icon Johnny Cash.

Stuart -- who in addition to his music is finishing work on six different books he plans to publish, three of which are photography collections -- also keeps a regular touring schedule. He next plays Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Friday (May 13) and has dates scheduled into October.

By Barry A. Jeckell