The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo

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Performer: Steve Martin
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: The banjo has been a major player in Steve Martin's act since his earliest days of stand-up. Back in the era of wild 'n' crazy guys and arrows through heads, the comedian's bluegrass breakdowns seemed just another puzzle piece to his absurdist shtick. However, four decades into a career of comedy, movies, novels, and memoirs, Martin proves his banjo love no passing fancy on his dead-serious 2009 musical debut, THE CROW. It's a somber yet fun affair that ranges from rollicking instrumentals like "Hoedown at Alice's" and "Tin Roof" (on which he is joined by fellow comedian-musician Eugene Levy) to the rich country balladry of "Pretty Flowers" (featuring Dolly Parton & Vince Gill in gentle duet). The only time Martin regresses to silliness comes on "Late for School," a dizzying, sweet, and downright hilarious narrative of a dash to beat the opening bell told from the frantic schoolboy's perspective.

Entertainment Weekly (p.67) - "Martin showcases his fine five-string talents on instrumentals such as 'Pitkin County Turnaround' and the wistful 'Freddie's Lilt.'" -- Grade: B

Before he became one of America's top comic actors, Steve Martin was one of the biggest phenoms stand-up has ever seen. During the 1970s, the prematurely grey comedian and longtime television writer scored million-selling records, sold out arenas, and hosted numerous network specials. In 1978, Martin even scored a hit record, cracking the Billboard top 20 with "King Tut," his novelty ode to the mummy fad sweeping the nation. While he played up his zany arrow-through-the-head persona, his wider appeal rested on a subtle, yet ever-present intellectualism. Martin studied philosophy in college, and an existential sense of the absurd ran through his oddball observations. In the `80s, the original wild and crazy guy officially announced his permanent retirement from stand-up.

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