Tag Archives: Steve Martin

Single Review: Alison Brown & Steve Martin – “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” feat. Tim O’Brien

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photo by Joseph Spence; photo courtesy of Compass Records

Single Review of Alison Brown & Steve Martin: “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” feat. Tim O’Brien (Compass Records)

I’ve been getting a few bluegrass songs sent my way lately, and “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” is a bluegrass number that simply jumps right off the vinyl, metaphorically speaking. A cool tune you’ve really gotta hear! Alison Brown and Steve Martin teamed up with several top players, notably including featured vocalist/mandolinist Tim O’Brien.

image courtesy of Compass Records

The song’s topic is something touring musicians – particularly those with families – will relate to with ease. But it’s really not that hard for anyone to relate, negotiating time away versus time with family, cleverly phrased making it a fun listen. Of course, lyrics alone don’t make a song, and it’s really the tune, its delivery, and cheerfully plucked, energetic style that are the catchiest, most enduring part of “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back.”

Martin’s lyrics, Brown’s melody, and O’Brien’s vocals are an ideal blend for a song that’ll appeal beyond its genre’s core fans. Indeed, while familiar, the song’s structure doesn’t always turn in the most typical direction, helping the music remain fresh across multiple listens, while the rich, warm, and sincere vocals provide a trustworthy narration with a cheerful, pleasant tone.

In any case, bluegrass fan or not, if you enjoy well-written songs – perhaps singer-songwriter types of songs, though this would be more of a singer-songwriter trio – give “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” a listen.

Single Review: Alison Brown & Steve Martin – “Bluegrass Radio”

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photo of Alison Brown & Steve Martin

Alison Brown & Steve Martin; photo courtesy of Compass Records

Single Review of Alison Brown & Steve Martin: “Bluegrass Radio” (Compass Records)

Alison Brown and Steve Martin previously collaborated on the Emmy Award-winning instrumental “Foggy Morning Breaking,” a song from Brown’s On Banjo album. Well, last year the banjoists teamed up again for a new single, “Bluegrass Radio.”

Alison Brown & Steve Martin – "Bluegrass Radio" cover art

image courtesy of Compass Records

On this record, the pair are joined by top bluegrass musicians Sam Bush (mandolin), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Trey Hensley (guitar), and Todd Phillips (bass), ensuring tip-top musicianship on the track.

The song is an energetic, fun romp. The fast-tempoed ditty doesn’t dawdle, clocking in just a hair over three minutes, but the song is like an English muffin, sporting plenty of nooks and crannies for the band members to show off a little. Lyrically, it’s playful and a little silly, perfectly suited to Martin’s emotive vocalization, featuring lyrics like “Number three in California, five in Arizona, didn’t seem to mean a thing to you, but I got number one in Texas, and now you fix me breakfast because I am a hit on bluegrass radio.” Just trust me, with Martin’s tone and phrasing, it’s downright mischievous.

photo of Alison Brown holding a banjo

Alison Brown; photo courtesy of Compass Records

Whether you’re typically a bluegrass fan or not, this light, tightly-performed fare is likely to put a smile on your face. Of course, if you’re not a bluegrass fan, then this just might be your favorite Steve Martin song since “King Tut,” and it’ll serve as a great introduction to banjo luminary Alison Brown.

More Recently

Last fall, Brown and Martin teamed up again, this time bringing in Vince Gill for a featured role, on “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye).”

In addition, last summer Brown dropped a remixed and remastered version of her 1990 Simple Pleasures record, which landed her a Grammy nomination following its initial release. That record also earned Brown recognition from the International Bluegrass Music Association as Banjo Player of the Year, the first time that honor went to a woman.

photo of Steve Martin standing, holding a banjo

Steve Martin; photo courtesy of Compass Records

In February, Brown also teamed with Kristin Scott Benson and Gena Britt on the single “Ralph’s Banjo Special.”

Of course, we all know what Martin has been up to lately on the acting front, starring in the critically acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building. Also, if you were previously unaware of Martin’s banjo aficionado-ness, it’s worth noting that, in 2010, Martin founded The Steve Martin Banjo Prize, which has been awarded to numerous recipients in the years since its inception.

Looking Ahead

Brown has tour dates scheduled in as far north, south, east, and west as Maine, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Wisconsin, plus many, many points in-between. Be sure to check the tour listing on her website to see if she’ll be performing near you.