Marty Stuart’s “Altitude” is an excellent example of a country music album that manages to sound both fresh and nostalgic. After more than five years since his last release, Stuart returns with an album that is inspired by the groundbreaking cosmic country sound that was popularized by the Byrds in the late 1960s.
Stuart’s music is a delight for the senses, featuring a captivating blend of guitar reverb and tremolo, chiming 12-strings, and keening harmonies that support his magnificent tenor voice. He is an accomplished storyteller, infusing his music with wit and wisdom that resonates with his listeners.
A key element of Stuart’s sound is the incredible musicianship of his band, the Fabulous Superlatives. Their finely tuned blend of guitar virtuosity and impeccable rhythm section creates a dynamic and electrifying sound that is truly thrilling.
Stuart’s music is a testament to his rich and varied musical influences, blending elements of country, rockabilly, folk, and blues to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His songs touch on a range of themes, including love, loss, and redemption, and his lyrics are often imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Overall, Stuart’s music is a masterful blend of technique, emotion, and storytelling that is sure to captivate any music lover. Whether he is playing a soulful ballad or a raucous rocker, he and his band always deliver thrilling results, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences around the world.
The album opens with “Lost Byrd Space Train (Scene 1),” a 2-minute instrumental showcase that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album, blending Stuart’s traditional country roots with a modern sound. “Country Star” is a joyous and celebratory boogie, while “Sitting Alone” echoes not only the Byrds but also brings some Beatles influences in for a tasteful blend.
“Vegas,” is another standout track that brings to mind the ghosts of Gram Parsons and Clarence White. Stuart’s trippy ballad “Space” adds an interesting contemporary touch to the album, with its sitar and allusions to social distancing. Meanwhile, “The Sun Is Quietly Sleeping” showcases a softer, more pensive side of Stuart’s music, pairing twangy guitar with a string-section arrangement.
Stuart’s guitar skills are on full display in the fiery “Time to Dance,” with its spectacular psychedelic guitar solo. The album closes with “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” a spiritual that is both reflective and uplifting. The lamentation of “Woke up hurting” is met with angelic harmonies that serve as a reminder of the redeeming power of Sunday morning after Saturday night.
Perhaps most impressive is that “Altitude” manages to sound like a throwback to the Byrds’ cosmic country sound of the late 1960s while still sounding entirely fresh. This is a testament to Marty Stuart’s ability to handle the genre with passion, authenticity, and enormous skill, making it clear that country music shouldn’t just be a museum piece but an ever-evolving and relevant genre.
In conclusion, “Altitude” is a must-listen for any country music fan and for anyone who appreciates great music with passion, skill, and heart. It’s a testament to Marty Stuart’s unwavering dedication to his craft, his fans, and the genre he loves.