Pitkin County Turn Around
Steve Martin,perhaps the most versatileartist in the entertainmentindustry
today, has been successful as a writer of and performer in some of the most
popular movies of recentyears. From his feature film debut as screenwriter
and star in The Jerk (1979) to his most recent hit films The Pink Panther I
(2006), Pink Panther II (2009), and It’s Complicated (2009) and count-
less classics in between (Cheaper By The Dozen, Little Shop of Horrors,
Plains, Trains and Automobiles, Bowfinger, and Bringing Down The House to
name a few) Martinhas demonstrated time and time again that he is a mas-
terful comedian, actor and writer. With the release of Steve’s first full length
bluegrass album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, we can
add to that list:outstanding banjo player and songwriter.
The Crow, (released on Rounder in June of 2009) is an album of entirely orig-
inal music–music that is at times tender, sentimental, wistful, occasionally
humorous and always spot on. Martin’s intricate melodies are matched note
for note with technical precision as well as soulful playing.That’s not surpris-
ing,with a supporting cast that includes Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs,
Tony Trischka, and Tim O’Brien.
While Martin’s musical side has already earned him a gold record (“King
Tut” – 1978) and a Grammy® Award (with Earl Scruggs on “Foggy
Mountain Breakdown” – 2001) it has never before been as prominent-
lyfeatured as it is on The Crow. We are delighted to include a sample of Mr.
Martin’s musical side on this 40th Anniversary celebration. After all, the
very first Rounder album released in 1970 was a banjo record!
For this concert performance Steve Martin was joined by the highly
respected bluegrass band from Ashville North Carolina, The Steep
Pitkin County Turnaround
Saga of the Old West
Steve Martin – banjo
With the Steep Canyon Rangers:
Woody Platt – guitar
Graham Sharp – banjo
Mike Guggino – mandolin
Charles R. Humphrey III – bass
Nicky Sanders - fiddle
Recorded at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN. October 11th, 2009