Steve Martin at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

[Dave U. Random]

(LA Times) - Martin, who long used the banjo as a prop in
his stand-up act, is all too aware of the inherent comedy
that the instrument, like the accordion, holds for most
listeners.

"My wife inspired the title for this next song," he told
the near-capacity crowd by way of introduction. "It's
called 'When Are You Going to Stop Playing the Damned
Banjo?' "

The 64-year old comedian, writer and director -- who lately
has turned serious intention to both playing and composing
with his first full album of music, �The Crow: New Songs
for the Five-String Banjo� (Amazon.com:
http://xrl.us/MartinCrow ) -- easily held his own in the
company of the Steep Canyon Rangers, the North Carolina
bluegrass quintet that is backing him on tour, as well as
his world-class guests for the night...

Continued: http://xrl.us/MartinReview

[d.]

That Crow CD is good.

At the other end of the age scale, I saw the Lonesome Meadow family
band from Ohio a few weeks ago. The 13 year old banjo player was
really amazingly good, and the 15 year old guitar player just knocked
everybody's socks off with his flat-picking skill. 17 year old sis on
fiddle and mandolin. Dad on bass. Really nice young kids and a good
band. The 13 year old already has sponsorship from a banjo
manufacturer.

[Father Haskell]

On Nov 10, 11:34 am, Dave U. Random <anonym...@anonymitaet-im-
inter.net> wrote:

> "My wife inspired the title for this next song," he told
> the near-capacity crowd by way of introduction. "It's
> called 'When Are You Going to Stop Playing the Damned
> Banjo?' "

Title reminiscent of Zappa's "Shut Up and Play
Your Guitar." And every bit as overdue.