REVIEW: The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo

Steve Martin
The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo
© 2009 40 Productions

Steve Martin has incorporated the banjo into his sets since his career’s early days. One thing that many people may have overlooked amongst all this comedy is the simple fact that Steve Martin is a very talented banjo player. But no more! Martin’s latest album The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo is not a comedy album, but a collection of original folk and bluegrass songs written by Martin and heavily featuring himself on the banjo.

In the hands of a lesser musician, this album could have been a pure vanity project. But Martin has long since proved himself a capable musician and has frequently performed (and held his own) alongside bluegrass greats, such as Earl Scruggs and Tony Trischka—many of whom have joined Martin on this album. In fact, the title track of the album, “The Crow,” was originally written for Trischka’s Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular.

“The Crow” (performed with Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka on Letterman 4/26/07)


While Folk and Bluegrass aficionados may enjoy this album, fans of Martin’s comedy will be disappointed. Though many of the songs feature clever lyrics, which play with traditional Bluegrass themes, the album’s only attempts at overt humor (and one of the few instances of Martin himself providing vocals) is the poorest song on the album. “Late For School” features the wacky adventure of a child trying to get to school on time, material that would have been well suited to talents of Shel Silverstein, but which Martin fails to deliver with any genuine humor. The song stands out awkwardly in the otherwise straight-faced album, further exacerbating the problem.

“Late For School”


Apart from “Late For School,” The Crow is a solid effort. Unfortunately, Martin has perhaps played it too safe in his songwriting. Many of the songs are derived from Bluegrass standards; there is little musical innovation here. The result may seem overly familiar to Bluegrass fans. On the other hand, newcomers may find this album “just right.” The star-studded arrangements and smooth production of this album render it an excellent introduction to the genre.

Oh, and it is possible to play a sad song on a banjo.

RECCOMENDED IF… you enjoy Bluegrass. Serious Bluegrass fans may not be overly wowed by the songwriting, but the skill behind this album is undeniable. Additionally, as I said, this album makes a good starter Bluegrass album; if you are interested in finding out more about this style, check it out!

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