7646

Steve Martin & banjo @ the Rubin Museum of Art, NYC - pics

photos by Ryan Muir

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

“Comedian, actor, author, and banjo player Steve Martin releases his first musical recording since 1978’s number 1 hit “King Tut.” This is no novelty record though. It’s some of the best banjo music to come down the pike in a long time. The Crow features able assistance from some of Steve’s pals, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien and Mary Black. Martin wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on this album, creating a new body of work that will stand alongside the classics for years to come” [Rounder Records]

Somewhat surreal to say seriously, but Steve Martin completed his 3-show run in support of his new album at the Rubin Museum of Art last night (5/28) – he played one show on Wednesday, and then two on Thursday (early and late). These pictures are from the final show (the pictures where he’s not wearing a jacket were taken during soundcheck – like the one above).

“A Tentative Evening of Bluegrass with Steve Martin performing with the Steep Canyon Rangers” is how the mostly-instrumental show was billed. When singing came, it was by the Rangers at first, and then from Steve on two songs towards the end – “Late for School” and “Orange Blossom”. Everyone on stage seemed to be having fun. The band played two of their own songs in the middle of the set, and Steve played one song solo, and one with just the fiddle player. A guest banjo player appeared at one point, and white sashes were given to Steve and the band “as a monk tradition where you give the guests a token to make their troubles go away (or something like that)”. Steve introduced most of his songs with short explanations, had a good rapprt with the band, and he was generally funny throughout the night – making jokes about tuning on stage, and the the “changing temperature” of the room. Ryan also said they were great, and the sound in the room was amazing.

“The Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions.”

More pictures below…

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers