Went to this last night in Nashville and it was really great! John McEuen opened for Steve with a fantastic 50 minute one man show. Played banjo, guitar and fiddle along with delightful humor, stories and a bit of poetry. When he came on stage he introduced himself as Steve Martin and said he'd had a tough year.

Steve said playing at the Ryman was something he'd dreamed of doing for a long time. Along with the Steep Canyon Rangers he played the songs from the Crow CD. When it came to Pretty Flowers, Dan Tyminski and Rhonda Vincent surprised the audience by walking on for the duet ("they did it for free" according to Steve in his usual humerous way). Steve kept the great humor flowing as he talked about his banjo past and the tunes he was playing for us. Even claims he can get his e-mail over what looked to be an Intelli digital tuner clipped to the headstock. Also watched a moment of the Titans game on it. Had 3 banjos with him one of which looked to be his Bella Voce but I couldn't be sure.

The oncore was amazing with a rousing version of Orange Blossom Special and a fantastic surprise when Earl walked on and John came back for a finale of Foggy Mountain Breakdown. At that point the banjo players were Graham Sharp, John McEuen, Earl and Steve each taking their break. That really brought the house down!!

The Steep Canyon Rangers are incredible just by themselves. It was a wonderful night of music and better yet to have shared with my 15 year old son who is not exactly enamored with Bluegrass but was able to appreciate the artistry and humor. I'll treasure the experience for a long long time.

Len



"Fisrt the doctor told me the good news. I was going to have a disease named after me."
Steve Martin

Posted - 10/12/2009 :  18:47:06    

sounds like a great evening, wish he were coming close to me

Concrete Finish Solutions
Making the ordinary.. Extraordinary!!

Posted - 10/12/2009 :  18:56:43    

Len, yes the concert was fabulous! If I'd of known Earl and the others would be there, I'd of gone for the high dollar tickets. Instead, there we were in the back with "poles" obstructing our view! Groan, cuss, cuss!!

Posted - 10/12/2009 :  19:16:47    

Kathryn,

I was probably not far from you. Did you notice that when everyone in the balcony tapped their foot in unison it made a quiet thunk, thunk, thunk noise? Part of the charm of the Ryman I suppose.

Len

"Fisrt the doctor told me the good news. I was going to have a disease named after me."
Steve Martin

Posted - 10/12/2009 :  20:06:00  

I just got home from the Steve Martin show in Wash DC. At least he is getting the format right for a change. He had two banjos and one guitar.

He finished with a bluegrass version of King Tut. Bet you thought it couldn't be done. The crowd loved it!

Eat, Sleep and Pick

Posted - 10/12/2009 :  23:42:36          

im looking forward to seeing him in London in november, sound's like a great show.

john.

Posted - 10/13/2009 :  04:59:09    

Is that what that thumping was, Len? That was our first show at the Ryman and it was different, although charming, for sure. And if anyone tells you that Section 3 main floor, seats 3-7 are good and unobstructed, just don't pay them no mind .... Hey MarshH, did Steve Martin have those surprise guests in Washington, too?

Posted - 10/13/2009 :  05:17:47          

Len,
I went to the Steve Martin show in Charlotte the night before and it too was awesome!
Although we didn't have John, Earl, Dan, Rhonda, etc.

Steve was relaxed and relaxed the audience with some comedy/humor between songs. Rangers were spot on...I would highly recommend even the "non-Nashville" version of this show to anyone. He did 3 encores to standing ovations...including KING TUT! Crowd went crazy...

Michael

Have a Great "Banjo Day!"
BanjoDay@gmail.com
Michael York

Posted - 10/13/2009 :  17:57:22    

that's some great stuff! you guys are making me hate I missed him with SCR at their festival last month up in Brevard!