MARTY Stuart is a pivotal figure in country music; his career spans country's past having been a teen prodigy with Lester Flatts and later a member of Johnny Cash's band.

But as his most recent album Way Out West has proved, he's also very much part of country's future.

And live is where you can see these two worlds combine to glorious effect.

Backed by the aptly names Fabulous Superlatives, Marty produced an evening that can be best described as joyous.

Country fan or not, I'd defy anyone to have come away from the RNCM not to have a smile on their face and at least one melody ringing in their head.

With their Nudie suits complete with rhinestones Marty and co certainly looked the part.

But it is the quality and the songwriting and the musicianship which really caught the eye - and the ear.

Songs from the brilliant Way Out West featured prominently in the set from the rollicking truck driving song Whole Lotta Highway to the gentle Old Mexico.

Stuart is primarily a storyteller - and a darned fine one at that. A request from the front row to play Casino led to one of the many highlights of the evening.

There are those who think country is one dimensional - clearly they have never seen Marty in action.

There were elements of Roy Orbison, shades of Buddy Holly, echoes of the Beach Boys and even some surf rock thrown in for good measure.

Each of the Superlatives was given their chance to shine at the microphone and shine all three - guitarist Kenny Vaughan, bassist Chris Scruggs and drummer Harry Stinson (cousin Kenny, Handsome and the Professor to those in the know) - certainly did.

The harmonies all four men produced were astonishing and some of the playing out of this world.

Armed with his mandolin, Marty Stuart proved why he is held on awe by fellow pickers with a version of Orange Blossom Special and a riotous Hillbilly Rock got the crowd dancing.

Among the many highlights was a version of Greystone Chapel from Johnny Cash's Live at Folsom Prison - "the only country album you need" according to Marty - and a power-packed Time Don't Wait.

Special mention should go to the support The Wandering Hearts whose close harmonies and vocal power could well see them becoming the next British band to make it big on the country scene.

Marty's clearly impressed, he's taking them to Nashville to do some dates in the States.

By his own reckoning its 10 years since Marty Stuart last toured the UK. Judging by the ecstatic reaction this show received it won't be long before he's back on these shores again. If you're a music fan my advice would be to get a ticket.