Steve Martin Makes ‘Long-Awaited’ Bluegrass Return

Comedian Steve Martin’s “other” career as a successful and acclaimed bluegrass artist and banjo player continues with Rounder’s 22 September release of his latest set with the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Long-Awaited Album.

Martin’s bluegrass recordings have brought Grammy recognition, with ‘Love Has Come For You,’ the title song from his 2013 collaboration with Edie Brickell, winning the award for Best American Roots Song. His 2009 solo release The Crow: New Songs For The 5-String Banjo won Best Bluegrass Album and in 2001, he shared the Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy with Earl Scruggs and others for their version of ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown.’

The new album is, to quote its press release, “full of stories that mix humour and melancholy, whimsy and realism, rich characters and concrete details. And lots of banjos.” It’s once again overseen by the widely-travelled British producer-musician Peter Asher, and features the infectious lead song ‘Caroline,’ which you can hear at Rounder’s Soundcloud page. 

Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will mark the release of The Long-Awaited Album  with an event on 30 September, during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass event. Meanwhile, here’s the hilarious spoof commercial to advertise the upcoming release.

Order The Long-Awaited Album.

Format: UK English