The Steve Martin Brothers

by Steve Martin

Overview

With regard to Steve Martin's discography, "the worst" is how The Steve Martin Brothers is usually tagged, which isn't so harsh when you consider some of his other albums are classics or just plain old good. It's an oddball release for sure, with half devoted to standup -- very loose and stream-of-consciousness standup -- and the other half showing off Martin's self-taught banjo playing and his love of lively bluegrass. The worst thing about the album is the sloppy way the standup side is put together. What must be the intro to his "cocktail" act in Vegas is stuck in the middle of the set while other short bits are sequenced in a way so there's no momentum. The instrumental side of the album is actually pleasant and sometimes exciting, with Martin's fast fingers skillfully delivering these tunes with renowned folk like Vassar Clements and John McEuen at his side. Even Martin admits this was a way to finish off his contract at Warner Bros. and concentrate on acting, but it's hardly the disaster some make it out to be. It may even be the best half-standup, half-bluegrass album you'll ever hear. ~ David Jeffries

Product Details

Release Date:	01/26/2024
Label:	Wounded Bird
UPC:	0664140347724
Rank:	6647

Tracks

1. Cocktail Show, Vegas: American Photography/A Scientific ...
2. Comedy Store, Hollywood: The Real Me/Love God/Make the Rent/The Gospel
3. Sally Goodin'
4. Saga of the Old West
5. John Henry
6. Saga (Reprise)
7. Pitkin County Turn Around
8. Hoedown at Alice's
9. Song of Perfect Spaces
10. Freddie's Lilt, Pts. 1-2
11. Waterbound
12. Banana Banjo

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Martin   Primary Artist,Vocals,Banjo
John McEuen   Banjo,Guitar,Mandolin
Vassar Clements   Fid,Fiddle
Roy Huskey Jr.   Bass
William E. McEuen   Guitar
Merel Bregante   Percussion
Aspen Studio Strings   Strings
Brian Savage   Flute
Maurice Manseau   Guitar
Maury Manseau, II   Guitar
Roy M. "Junior" Husky   Bass

Technical Credits

Greg Fulginiti   Mastering
Richie Cicero   Engineer,Overdubs,Overdub Engineer
Christine Sauers   Design Coordinator,Design,Artwork,Graphic Design
Dino Lappas   Engineer
William E. McEuen   Design,Concept,Arranger,Engineer,Producer,Photography
Michael Denecke   Engineer
Bob Patrick   Photography
Michael Elias   Composer
Earl Scruggs   Arranger
Bob Edwards   Mixdown Engineer
Steve Martin   Composer,Arranger
Traditional   Composer