Tritt and Stuart Preview New Music During Theater Taping

Travis Tritt. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Travis Tritt welcomed Marty Stuart to the stage with an exciting announcement during the second of a two-night acoustic stint at the Franklin Theater (Jan. 13-14) celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tritt’s rise to fame. Tritt shared news that the honky-tonk outlaws have already co-produced four sides for a forthcoming album, which may be available by the end of the year. “The new project is real close to unplugged – getting back to the root of things,” he said.

The comrades previewed Tritt’s first instrumental song, “Pickin’ At It,” which is expected for inclusion on the upcoming duet project.

In addition to impromptu road stories from the ’90s, Stuart and Tritt performed their mainstay duet, “The Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore,” for the sold-out crowd.

The theater’s Director, Dan Hays, welcomed audience members to the intimate performance, which was filmed for a yet-to-be-announced release. The evening served as a reminder of the quality catalog of songs the Georgia native retains, and his skillful guitar picking.

Leather pants and all, Tritt swung his hips for additional hits including “Where Corn Don’t Grow,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “Country Club,” “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),” “Best Of Intentions,” “Drift Off To Dream,” “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” and “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” James Otto joined him for a reprise of “Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man.”

The limited engagement offered tickets priced upwards of $100, with each ticket holder receiving a re-released, autographed copy of The Calm After… and commemorative “backstage” laminate.