From his “Festrunk Brothers” sketch with Dan Aykroyd to his portrayal in The Jerk or his hit novelty song “King Tut”, many know the man for his silly antics and popular catch phrases. However, with his new album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, his slapstick image may change into something far more cultural.
Comedic Banjo
Martin has played banjo for over 40 years. He included his passion for playing the instrument into his comedy from the beginning. When he made a guest appearance on The Muppet Show in 1977, he brought this talent to the act then too.
He even shared a Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy in 2001 for his part on the banjo of an updated cover version of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” with Earl Scruggs. It is easy to hear his affinity for the instrument on the record.
New SongsWhile Martin may have been playing banjo for several decades, he had yet to record an album until now. With fifteen songs, more than half of which are instrumental, Martin shows through his work a love for bluegrass music and the banjo rivaling the top professionals of the craft. This album is clearly no laughing matter.
Produced by friend and occasional comedy partner, John McEuen, of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the songs were recorded in a variety of locals, including Nashville, Hollywood and Dublin, Ireland. Some of the songs on the album sound like they could be traditional folk music from Ireland or Nashville. However, they are apparently, as the title suggests all new songs with music written by Martin.
Martin sang lead and wrote the lyrics for the humorous “Late for School.” This song, one can guess, is sung from the perspective of a small child. Not only does the song have the lyrical and melodic rhythm of a child running late for school, but Martin manages to incorporate his comedy even into his songwriting, rhyming lawn flamingo with Pilipino. However the remainder of the album is strictly business, if you consider playing bluegrass music a business. For Martin, it seems more like fun.
Featuring guest appearances by Dolly Parton, Vince Gil, Mary Black and Earl Scruggs, to name a few, the offering takes the listener on a journey. In fact, it may very well be Martin’s own journey with the banjo we as listeners are invited to enjoy.
The album comes with a 24-page booklet with features written by Martin about the role of the banjo in his life and inspirations for each song.
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