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Product Description
Review
Steve Martin calls this “The most expensive banjo album in the history of the universe… and that includes possible other universes, too”. He’s not kidding. If you record in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Nashville and Dublin, and employ the likes of Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs and a handful of the finest from the bluegrass fraternity, it’s going to set you back a bit.
So yes, it’s a vanity enterprise. Martin has indulged himself in a way other banjo players could only dream of – because he can. When a huge film actor and acclaimed comedian gives you a call, the likelihood is that you’re going to say yes. Apart from the kudos involved, it’s going to be fun for sure.
But none of the above reflects in any negative way on this album’s quality. The main point is that Martin really can play, from good, driving Scruggs-style fare to delightfully delicate frailing. Unlike so many solo albums put out by banjo players, he expresses imagination in his tunings and intelligent arrangements, a trait no doubt enhanced by his cohorts on this recording. Perhaps most notable amongst these collaborators is his producer and high school chum, the redoubtable founder member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, John McEuen. But even discounting such influences, it’s obvious Martin’s stylistic sensibilities are remarkably refined.
On screen, Martin can come across as an obsessive individual – both in the characters he plays and the way he plays them. Luckily, such a characteristic is something of a prerequisite for a banjo player. The instrument is counter-intuitive, fragile and unreliable; its parts move around all the time and it is never in tune. If you invented it now you’d be thought mad, so to learn to play it at all you have to be a little odd.
Martin is obviously a hardened case. He explores all the sounds this glorious instrument has to offer, and weaves them into his own charming, unaffected songs. --Nick Barraclough
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Wow. In one word. I am absolutely thrilled that Steve Martin has created a Banjo Bluegrass album. I have always loved the sound of Bluegrass Music, and it's great that he is putting the spotlight on this genre of music, and presenting it to the masses. How talented is this man?! A comedian, an actor, an author, and a top class Banjo Player and Singer. This guy should be given some sort of medal !
This album is a fantastic depiction of Banjo Playing and Bluegrass Music at its best - you feel like getting up and dancing!! I especially love the tracks where Steve sings, as we all know he's got a lovely voice (Blue Shadows, On The Trail...! How much do I love the film Three Amigos?! I loved it as a kid, and love it just as much now as an adult - must have watched that film about 1000 times!)
Anyway, getting back to the music. This album not surprisingly has had SIX nominations at the Bluegrass Awards coming up in America. If you love American roots music with a bit of folk you'll love this album.
A Must Buy!!
This album is a fantastic depiction of Banjo Playing and Bluegrass Music at its best - you feel like getting up and dancing!! I especially love the tracks where Steve sings, as we all know he's got a lovely voice (Blue Shadows, On The Trail...! How much do I love the film Three Amigos?! I loved it as a kid, and love it just as much now as an adult - must have watched that film about 1000 times!)
Anyway, getting back to the music. This album not surprisingly has had SIX nominations at the Bluegrass Awards coming up in America. If you love American roots music with a bit of folk you'll love this album.
A Must Buy!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I saw Steve Martin on Jools Holland's show a few months ago & thought it was a pretty good tune he played. So I thought I'd buy the album out of curiosity following that programme. How surprised then was I to be enchanted by the range of old-time playing (my favourite was the clawhammer medley), with some great humour with the schoolboy song, as well as bluegrass picking style. An absolute delight, which I'm still wearing my ears out with. Look forward to the next one Steve!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download
I had heard about this album but couldn't find it in the local stores. I downloaded it from Amazon and was listening to the music in a flash. I was really surprised at how much I liked the music. I have just started to learn to play banjo and wanted some encouragement/inspiration. I got it in bucketloads here. There is one track on there that has Dolly Parton singing a duet - fantastic song. I do like the late for school one too. Steve Martin always made me laugh with his films and now he's making me think, with his music. If you like bluegrass or just the sound of the banjo, buy it, download it. It is a good collection of songs and I'm not surprised it won an award. Well done Steve Martin.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant!
What more can I say - Steve Martin is really a dark horse, I didn't know he played the banjo until I started looking for cd's and banjo books. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Allie J
The Crow
I found this Album different, very enjoyable. Well worth listening to right from the first track, it really is a very good album.
Published 20 months ago by CDEE
disappointing
I bought this with great anticipation, it is the only cd that I have ever bought on which I could not enjoy one track. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2010 by George
An absolute charmer of an album
Could this really be the same man who gave us 'the jerk'?
This sublime collection of ditties is a delight to behold. Read more
This sublime collection of ditties is a delight to behold. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2010 by The Happy Scribe
The Crow
An excellent selection of songs which are played well by Steve Martin and his band. Saw him perform this on a Jules Holland T.V. Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2010 by Mrs. S. E. Slinn
Steve Martin on the Banjo!
An excellent purchase for my guitar and banjo playing husband. We did not realise how musically talented Steve Martin is, such a happy up-beat CD you cannot help but jig along to... Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2010 by H. Harris
the crow
lovely cd, Steve Martin is a instant favourite. As soon as I heard the cd I knew I would love it. A truly magical moment just makes me want to pick up a banjo and start plinking. Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2009 by G. K. Sarson
A Pleasing Download
No problems downloading, and an enjoyable album. Would have preferred a few more traditional banjo instrumentals.
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by J. Wright
Hidden Talents
Steve Martin plays banjo well. Until I saw him performing with his band on a daytime chat show,I didn't know. Original songs, well sung, great backing from the boys.
Published on 15 Dec 2009 by Mrs. D. M. Plumer
The Crow
This is certainly a slick and polished performance from Steve Martin, who has hid his musical expertise under a bushel. Read more
Published on 10 Dec 2009 by maerhall
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