For an artist inextricably associated with traditional country music, Marty Stuart is a stylistic chameleon. He started his career as a teenager playing mandolin with bluegrass star Lester Flatt, joined Johnny Cash’s band in the 80s, before going solo. In 2001 he formed His Fabulous Superlatives, featuring guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson, and bassist Chris Scruggs. 2017’s Way Out West saw them explore the Bakersfield Sound of the 1960s. Tellingly, Stuart plays the customised Telecaster built for The Byrd’s Clarence White. His latest LP, Altitude, released on 19 May, continues Stuart’s sonic alchemy, mixing both classic and cosmic country to thrilling effect.
Guitarist Mike Campbell – formerly of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – was the producer for Way Out West, did you bring someone in for Altitude?