THERE cannot be many artists who have been in bands with Johnny Cash, Doc Watson and Lester Flatt.

Marty Stuart played for them all and many others. He has however been an artist in his own right for many years and in Britain we can see him weekly on the Marty Stuart Show on Rural TV.

From his early roots, Marty’s music has always been eclectic, from traditional country to rockabilly and honky tonk, but always holding on to his roots. His musicianship is superb.

Entitled Ghost Train – The Studio B Sessions, his latest release is a brilliant mix of music, with Marty able to show his guitar and mandolin skills on a couple of uptempo instrumentals, namely Mississippi Railroad Blues and Hummingbird.

From the opening note to the final chords of the last song, it is unashamedly a traditional country record, including 11 self-penned songs.

Other songs featured are from the pen of Don Reno, Warner Mack, a song co-written with Johnny Cash and a couple with his wife, Connie Smith, who also features on a couple of duets.

Stuart has just announced a mini UK tour for early next year and will play The Sage Gateshead on January 29. Tickets on 0191-443-4661.