Already prolific writer-comedian-performance artist-actor Steve Martin is set to release an albums of “serious banjo songs,” (label and date TBD). The album, which ought to be called “Pickin’ On A Thermos,” will be produced by Martin’s high school friend, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band man John McCuen. On The Bluegrass Blog, McCuen says:
This album will amaze many because it will show people that Steve takes his music as seriously as he does his other work and performs it at that level. Steve has written some of my favorite banjo tunes. I think after the release of Steve’s new album a couple of tunes might become standard fare for new pickers.
Martin recounts his banjo obsession and his first bluegrass experiences with McCuen in his essay “Banjo”:
I had a high school friend named John McEuen, who was also interested in the banjo. He is now one of the finest banjo players in the world. It was at his house in 1964 that a friend, Dave, came over and played the banjo live. Dave sat in front of us and intoned “Floppy Eared Mule,” a song whose high point came when the strings were struck behind the bridge, emulating the sound of a donkey’s bray. Emulating the sound of a donkey’s bray may not be your idea of music, but to us, Dave was Menuhin.