by Bryan Coonrod
Yes that Steve Martin, the wild and crazy guy, the movie star, the stand up comic has released another album of Bluegrass melodies. If you remember his early stand up sets as a comic his banjo was used quite a bit mainly as a joke then he would show you that he could really play that thing. Now years later he has been able to team up with some legends in the Bluegrass genre having several appearances on David Letterman with the legendary Earl Scruggs and with his current backing band The Steep Canyon Rangers who themselves are award winning musicians on their own being nominated for best bluegrass album and live performance in 2008.
The new album is a lot of fun even if you are not a fan of Bluegrass, the lead track called “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” a gospel inspired hymnal that takes a poke at Atheism with quite funny lyrics as you would expect from this comedic genius. The second track ” Best Love” has Paul McCartney on the vocals and I’m sure this would get some play at future weddings with it’s story of being in love forever. There are several instrumental tracks on here to show off Mr. Martin’s banjo skills and a few that are just feel good foot stomping songs.
Another pairing on the CD includes The Dixie Chicks with a song called “You” which is another slower paced love ballad. Now most of you when you think of Steve Martin singing and playing an instrument you think of his goofy hit “King Tut” from the 70’s, well how about a bluegrass version? There is a live version included that is amazing and sounds very unique.
Overall this is a great introduction to bluegrass for those that have never really sat down and listened to it you will get the whole package here from it’s gospel inspirations to it’s mountain top picking and grinning songs. Bravo you wild and crazy guy!
http://www.stevemartin.com which you can visit for a free song
