Steve Martin Loves His Banjo
Even though the banjo is linked to several ancient African gourd-based predecessors, it’s considered one of America’s finest contributions to the world of musical instruments. During the 1800’s, the work of slaves on America’s southern plantations gave way to the instrument we all known and love today. Banjos come in a variety of sizes and string configurations. Not surprising, banjo players also come in a variety too—Peggy Seeger, Doug Funnie, even Steve Martin! Yes, comedian Steve Martin is as fine a banjo player as you’ll ever find. You can catch his chops in action on his national tour kicking off in September. On select dates in October and November he’ll be performing with the all-star North Carolina bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers. If can’t wait one finger-pickin’ minute longer for your banjo fix, there are plenty of OurStage artists to quell your cravings. Now if only square dancing will come back in style…
Published by
ejquinn on
August 25, 2008 in
Artist News, Festivals and OurStage@.
Tags: All Songs Considered, Bob Boilen, Bob Cilman, Brock Lynch, Dora Morrow, Fox Searchlight, Jack Schnepp, Jay Sweet, Newport, newport folk, Paste Magazine, Quinn Strassel, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Steve Martin, The Flaming Lips, Young @ Heart.
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Anybody who has seen Fox Searchlight’s documentary Young@Heart knows why I was looking forward to this interview. Watching them at Newport confirmed they are much more than a novelty act. Young@Heart is a great band, producing profound interpretations of modern bands like Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, and Radiohead (Newport organizer and Paste Magazine mogul Jay Sweet was in tears during their rendition of Fake Plastic Trees).
FYI: The chorus just released their new album, Mostly Live, this past week. I’ve listened to it and it’s incredible. Buy it here. Your life will be better if you do.
It was a pleasure talking with their leader Bob Cilman and chorus members Dora Morrow, Jack Schnepp, and Steve Martin. I’d also like to say thanks to Brock Lynch (chorus member not featured in the video) who introduced himself to me backstage and regaled me with several entertaining stories. He even sent me a number of great Y@H clippings in the mail. Thanks Brock!
More great coverage of Young@Heart at Newport can be found at Bob Boilen’s excellent All Songs Considered blog.
