Mark Stuart and Stacey Earle

It was concert night again tonight, and we saw Mark Stuart and Stacey Earle. What a joy it is to see two performers who are married (for thirteen years), and who still enjoy each other's company and partnership. their love was obvious and beautiful. And their musical and vocal interplay really showed the deep connection they have for each other.





Mark is an incredible guitarist, formerly with Steve Earle's backing band, The Dukes. We plays with flair and style, never being flashy for flashiness' sake, but capable of some strong and sparkling licks. His playing derives from certain influences (he mentioned Merle Travis and Chet Atkins), but he has a sound all his own, with a look-you-in-the-eye confidence and a clear as a bell resonance.


Stacey is a warm and very personal songwriter. She sang one song that made an anti-war statement that was so specific in its point-of-view (that of a grieving mother) that it brought tears to my eyes. Her performing style is quirky and sweet, and so comfortable as to be like that of an old friend, rather than a professional artist. She wandered into the audience a couple of times like an old fashioned troubadour, and brought smiles and sighs to all but the hardest hearts in the room. Her style is unique, and very different from her brother, Steve.

Together they are a winning combination. They tour seemingly constantly, and this is the third time I have seen them. Check out one of their CDs (here), and see them if you can. They definitely give folk music a good name.