People We Like: Steve Martin

Did you know that Steve Martin released a record early this year? It’s true, and I’m not talking about one of those weird, “I’m an actor but music has always been my first love” things. The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo is serious stuff, and Martin has been playing the banjo forever.

Clawhammer Medley

At this point, you’re probably wondering why I’m telling you about a record that A) was released at the beginning of the year, B) is a banjo record and C) is a record released by a performer best known for his comedic work. I could tell you that it’s because the “Truly Wonderful and Just As Advertised” deluxe edition was released a few weeks ago, and that when I got my copy, I geeked out for a good hour over the brilliant packaging (I’m a sucker for good packaging), and that I feel like I’m at home when I listen to this album.

I could tell you that, and it would be completely true. I was born and raised in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and grew up hearing bluegrass, folk and country music in my house alongside the classical, jazz, and rock ‘n roll (my daddy was in a band, after all). I count the fiddle, banjo and Appalachian Dulcimer as some of my favorite instruments. Also, I have the biggest. crush. ever. on Steve Martin. I can’t help it, he’s brilliant (since I also count Garrison Keillor on my list of extraordinary gentlemen, you can imagine how happy I was when Steve Martin was a guest on A Prairie Home Companion – but we’ll have to talk about my obsession with that another time).

Anyway, this record is phenomenal, Steve Martin is brilliant, and Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Tim O’Brien and Mary Black pop up at various points to round out the awesome. Check out Martin’s appearance on Letterman last year (along with the inimitable Bela Fleck), and then grab the deluxe version yourself.