The Crow: New Songs
for the Five-String Banjo
Year: 2009
Format: Spotify
Grade: A-
The idea of Steve Martin with a banjo in his hand brings to mind his comedic sketches on "Saturday Night Live," which gives The Crow an uphill battle from the jump.
Though Martin is a known comedic scalawag, this record is no laughing matter. Sure, there are jokes — "Late for School" nails a child's gauge of stress and regret — but this is a legitimate bluegrass banjo effort, something that would feel more appropriate at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival than a comedy club (although, no doubt, given Martin's appeal, he could do both).
It also includes a supporting cast that includes Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Tim O'Brien, Tony Trischka and Mary Black.
That Martin keeps pace with the likes of Scruggs says he's no slouch on banjo and given that most of these tracks are instrumentals, this reads more like a passion project.
Martin receives full or partial songwriting credit on every track except one. At a brisk 43 minutes, it passes briskly and joyously.
Martin's comedic past be damned. This is a first-class bluegrass banjo effort. Leave any preconceptions at the door.
Tomorrow's entry: Lana Del Rey, Born to Die
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