Clawgrass Master is 3rd Recipient of Steve Martin Award!

Banjo player Mark Johnson has been named the third annual recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo & Bluegrass.

The former semi-professional fiddler receives $50,000 in prize money and he'll also join Martin on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday night (September 24, 2012).

Bluegrass Ambassadors Taking Genre to Jazz Fans!

Steve Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers at Rochester International Jazz Festival!

Martin, and the Rangers sold out headliner shows yesterday  in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY. Shows were at 4 and 8 p.m.  The evening show sold out in just a couple of hours and Martin was convinced to add a matinee performance which then sold out in about 90 minutes.

In an interview with an Associated Press writer, Martin said he prefers to play music to performing comedy.  He said that he’s comforted by watching the crowd happily humming along to the music.

According to Rangers lead singer, Woody Platt, Martin’s notoriety helps broaden the spectrum of listeners for bluegrass music.

New “Martin” Banjo from Deering

Spring Valley, CA (PRWEB) June 12, 2012

Deering Banjo Company introduces the latest in Steve Martin inspired Goodtime banjos. The new Rare Bird Alert Goodtime banjos are now available and include a full accessory package.

Included in the accessory package is a Deering gig bag with the Deering logo, a strap, an electronic tuner, a full set of picks, and the combo pack of Steve Martin’s Rare Bird CD plus the banjo tablature book.

Rolling Stone Magazine Shows Interest in Steve Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers newest video premiers today exclusively on Rollling Stone Magazine.

..."I was impressed with David Hackett Fischer's book, Paul Revere's Ride, which gave the facts of a story that had been twisted throughout history. . . I was happy to write a song that told the truth of his ride, and tell the little-known story of what happened to Revere's horse that night." -Steve Martin...

The video is about the story of Paul Revere's horse.

This is the same song Martin wrote especially for the band's appearance last summer on the Washington Mall for the PBS special "A Capitol Fourth" and the same song the got millions of folks clapping and foot stomping around the world.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers performed the song for the intimately shot video in front of a small group of fans in a tightly packed Williamsburg, Brooklyn loft.

Prescription Bluegrass Looks at: “Give Me The Banjo”

Prescription Bluegrass CD Reviewer, W.J. Hallock took a look at Tony Trischka’s Banjo Project Documentary aired under the title “Give Me The Banjo”  this evening on PBS and filed this review:  

PBS has done it again!   “Give Me The Banjo” had me glued to the TV!  What a marvelous history lesson….. AND one that you can tap your toes to.

Steve Martin, in the last two years, has done more for the banjo than we may ever know. He’s doing today what Pete Seeger did to influence banjo players in the ‘50’s. Just how many fine players will someday be remembering that this musical experience was the catalyst that made the banjo part of their life? From detailing it’s origins in Africa to it’s musical importance for the last two hundred years, this special is just that ….”Special!”  This is a must see, for banjo buffs and history fans.

_____________________

 "This film puts an end once and for all to all Banjo Jokes...the serious side of Steve Martin (a rare commodity) narrating this documentary directed by Emmy-Winning Marc Fields puts the Banjo in it's proper and respected place in American Music."

- Brian McNeal

 Prescription Bluegrass Radio

Lonesome River Band and Steve Martin to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman November 11, 2011

Sammy Shelor celebrating Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass

The Lonesome River Band will perform with Steve Martin next week, November 11, 2011on The Late Show with David Letterman.  The performance is in celebration of Sammy Shelor’s  Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass award as recently announced.  The Steve Martin Prize is chosen by a who’s who list of talents including Steve Martin, Earl Scruggs, Pete Wernick, Tony Trishchka, Bela Fleck and more.

Steve Martin on World News Tonight!

"...The reason I played it on stage is because my act was so crazy I thought it's probably good to show the audience I can do something that looks hard, because this act looks like I'm just making it up...."

"I heard Earl Scruggs, "I heard the Dillards -- I heard them live; they were fantastic -- and my ear was just transfixed by the sound of the banjo. And I got one as soon as I could." Martin told ABC's Diane Sawyer





He said being awarded entertainer of the year -- his first from the association -- was the greatest thing.

"The bluegrass community ... can be very strict," he told ABC News. "I didn't know if I'd be welcomed into the bluegrass community or not, but I think they judge you very fairly. ... I felt really welcome."

Martin performs two recently written and unreleased songs after the interview.

More TV Time for Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers Tonight!

...TV Alert...

IBMA's newest Entertainers of the Year - Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers will be the subject of ABC News with Diane Sawyer this evening (10/7) at 6:30 PM Eastern. Please share and tune in!

If you miss it live, you can pick up the feature here after it airs: http://abcnews.go.com/watch/world-news-with-diane-sawyer/SH5585921 

The segment will spotlight Martin's banjo career as well as his landmark year with the Steep Canyon Rangers including their album, Rare Bird Alert on Rounder Records, and successful tour.

 

About Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR): Brothers in music - Mike Guggino (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Woody Platt (guitar), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), and Graham Sharp (banjo) - met and began playing bluegrass during their college days in Chapel Hill, N.C.  Ten years later the band members have only deepened their commitment to roots music, performing with fierce instrumental prowess but also providing deeply moving songwriting and harmonies, infusing traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and arrangements.

NO SURPRISES AT IBMA AWARDS!

... they won't be any different than before. Isn't it time to step aside and let some new folks in?”...

As Prescription Bluegrass predicted, the big award from the IBMA this year goes to Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers for Entertainer of the Year. Martin and the Rangers have been unofficial ambassadors for Bluegrass Music for much of the past year, appearing on numerous television shows both to tout the success of Martin's first Solo CD “The Crow”, and most recently to entice fans into a fever over Martin's second bluegrass CD (and his first with The Rangers), entitled “Rare Bird Alert” - a CD which Martin managed to also claim first rights on getting Paul McCartney into the bluegrass realm.

Martin and the Rangers also performed before millions live in-person on the Washington Mall and simultaneously to millions more watching around the world on Public Television as the sextet rocked the Annual Capitol Fourth celebration for the U.S. Independence Day Celebration.

Performers Announced for IBMA AWARDS Show!

Performances from nominees Balsam Range, The Boxcars, Dailey and Vincent, The Grascals, The Gibson Brothers, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Sierra Hull and Highway 111 and Steve Martin and  The Steep Canyon Rangers – as well as the show’s host, Sam Bush, confirmed

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept 7, 2011) — An initial list of performers for IBMA’s 22^nd International Bluegrass Music Awards has been confirmed for theThursday, September 29 event. 

Steve Martin Awards Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass to Sammy Shelor

Sammy Shelor and Lonesome River Band to perform with Steve Martin on The Late Show with David Letterman November 3rd
Rural Rhythm Records congratulates Sammy Shelor, band leader and banjo player with the hit group Lonesome River Band.  As reported in today’s New York Times, Steve Martin announced Sammy Shelor is the second winner of The Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Sammy and the Lonesome River Band will perform with Steve Martin on the “Late Show With David Letterman” Nov. 3, 2011.

Steve Martin to Narrate Banjo Film on PBS!

The PBS fall 2011 line-up will include The Banjo Project documentary, now known as Give Me the Banjo. It will be one episode in the new mini-series, “PBS Arts Fall Festival,” for national prime time broadcast. The banjo documentation’s PBS incarnation will be 82 minutes, with Steve Martin narrating and as many of the players and commentators as will fit. The DVD/home video is currently being negotiated.  The film will air on PBS TV November 4, 2011.

NOMINEES ANNOUCED FOR INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

The Boxcars, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The Gibson Brothers, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Lonesome River Band, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers Lead List
Nashville, Tenn….IBMA is proud to announce the nominees for the 22nd annualInternational Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Nashville, Tennessee’s historic Ryman Auditorium.  Also announced at the press conference were this year’s inductees to the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame - bluegrass ambassador and leader of one of the most awarded bands in the history of IBMA, Del McCoury and pioneering bass player and guitar stylist George Shuffler – and the five recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award: Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling and Roland White.

Steve Martin To Autograph Banjo for Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music!

A Deering Steve Martin Crow model banjo autographed by Martin himself will be auctioned to the highest bidder at Martin’s Saturday evening, August 20th, performance in Flagstaff, AZ.  The comedian’s bluegrass banjo concert along with The Steep Canyon Rangers will be at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park.

The Steep Canyon Rangers last performed in Flagstaff at the 2009 Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival.

Steve Martin – Number 1 and Number 3 on Retailer’s Hot Bluegrass List!

A quick check of the Amazon Hot List for Bluegrass, (The best in Bluegrass based on Amazon customer reviews*) shows that Steve Martin is actually competing with himself and his only two Bluegrass CDs are ranked at Number One for his newest (with the Steep Canyon Rangers) entitled “Rare Bird Alert” and Number Three for his first and award-winning CD “The  Crow – New Songs For The 5-String Banjo”
The SteelDrivers are the  only  other group with double recognition inside the top ten.  The SteelDrivers ranked Number Six with their latest “Reckless” and Number Ten with their first CD “SteelDrivers”

*Amazon Top Rated products are identified based on factors that have been carefully chosen to help give customers the best shopping experience. Factors considered include Amazon customer review star ratings, the number of customer reviews a product has received, and the timing of those reviews.

Bluegrass is America's Music At America's Biggest 4th of July Party!

The Steep Canyon Rangers brought America's music to America's Day, teaming with entertainment icon Steve Martin to bring serious bluegrass with a comedic twist to the Fourth of July Celebration at The National Mall in Washington DC. 

Their high-energy performance, part of a star-studded Independence Day event, marks the year's highest profile and most-watched bluegrass concert, the latest milestone for The Steep Canyon Rangers in a year that has included two Presidential concerts!

for Musical Fireworks At

America's Biggest 4th of July Party

Performing for almost half a million people gathered on The Mall, as well as millions more at home tuned onto PBS' annual presentation of A Capitol Fourth, Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers debuted their new MP3 single, "Me and Paul Revere." 

...Hard Driving Bluegrass filled the Mall with dancing and flag waving Americans - all captured by PBS Cameras...

The original song, based on Martin's historical research, sets the record straight amid all the recent confusion and controversy. Sung by Steep Canyon Ranger guitarist Woody Platt, "Me and Paul Revere" tells the story of that famous ride from the point of view of Revere's horse, Brown Beauty.

The song has become the official show closer of Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers' 50-plus date national tour in support of their recent celebrated CD, Rare Bird Alert (Rounder), featuring guest appearances by Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks.

Part of a patriotic evening that ranged from first-generation rock 'n' roll legend Little Richard to Glee star Matthew Morrison, Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers turned Independence Day into Jubilation Day.

Their hard-driving set had folks dancing all over mall, all captured by PBS' cameras. Along with his trademark comical emcee work, Martin displayed his versatility on the banjo, performing both Scruggs style and clawhammer pieces. The Steep Canyon Rangers took the spotlight for the finale, showcasing Nicky Sanders' explosive improvisations on the fiddlers' national anthem, "The Orange Blossom Special."

Watch the full episode. See more A Capitol Fourth.

The Steep Canyon Rangers' appearance on A Capitol Fourth is the latest episode in a remarkable year of working with Martin to bring bluegrass to new audiences at such high-profile, non-traditional venues as Carnegie Hall and headlining Bonnaroo, New Orleans Jazzfest, The Newport Folk Festival and Merlefest. SCR also just signed with Rounder Records, the premier bluegrass record label.

Their partnership further establishes Steep Canyon Rangers as an extraordinary presence on the bluegrass and roots music scene, joining the likes of other Rounder artists such as Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Robert Plant. SCR will release a new album with Rounder in 2012.
 

Sept. 9-10, The Steep Canyon Rangers will present their annual Mountain Song Festival at the world-renowned Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC. With previous headliners like Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, David Holt, David Grisman Quintet and Steve Martin, the festival has raised over $190,000 for the Transylvania County Boys and; Girls Club.

"Me and Paul Revere" is available at www.steepcanyon.com, where you can also find Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers' "Jubilation Day" video and a complete SCR tour schedule. For Mountain Song Festival tickets and information: www.mountainsongfestival.com. The archive of the PBS broadcast is located here: http://video.pbs.org/video/2042635078.

About Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR): Brothers in music - Mike Guggino (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Woody Platt (guitar), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), and Graham Sharp (banjo) - met and began playing bluegrass during their college days in Chapel Hill, NC, And ten years later, the band has only deepened their commitment to roots music performing with fierce instrumental prowess, but also providing deeply moving songwriting and harmonies, infusing traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and arrangements.

Comedian and Banjo Player Steve Martin Turns Music Journalist

CHILMARK, Mass., July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

 Steve Martin, who has garnered worldwide acclaim as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician, recently added music journalist to his resume. Martin interviews banjo player and composer Tony Ellis in the July issue of The Banjo Newsletter.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Martin queries the Ohio-based banjo player about his influences, and how his style has evolved from the early 1960s, when he spent two years with the legendary Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys.

Martin also talks with Ellis about how his music has inspired Martin's own banjo playing, particularly Martin's composition The Crow, featured on his 2009 Grammy-winning album The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.

Steve Martin Teaches Banjo - NO JOKE!

STEVE MARTIN TEACHES BANJO LESSONS ONLINE

It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to get banjo lessons from Renaissance man and award winning banjo player Steve Martin but one website has changed all that. The Tony Trischka School of Banjo has a series of online lessons from guest Steve Martin where he demonstrates and breaks down how to play ‘Hide Behind A Rock’, a track from his new album ‘Rare Bird Alert’.

Students can even watch the videos in slow motion along with hundreds of other beginner, intermediate and advanced banjo lessons available on the site.

Bringing bluegrass music to new audiences, Steve Martin is a passionate ambassador for the genre and the Tony Trischka School of Banjo has become the number one destination for people wanting to learn the instrument online. The School of Banjo is part of the ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass, which also includes schools for mandolin, fiddle, guitar and bass. 

How They Did It! - Steve Martin and SCR "Jubilation Day" Video!

Last week we gave you a sneak peak at a new video from Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers new CD "Rare Bird Alert".   Now here's a behind-the-scenes look into the making of "Jubilation Day"  Get a sneek peek into the process of acting for an animated video, a walk through the animation process with the team from Moving Color, and exclusive interviews with Steve Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers, and Director Ryan Reichenfeld.

"Jubilation Day" from the "Rare Bird Alert" CD by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Rangers and Rounder Pair Up!

Bluegrass ambassadors, The Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR), have just signed with Rounder Records. SCR’s lead singer Woody Platt says the Rangers “are honored to join Rounder Records and be a part of such a rich musical history. We plan to record our new project in October of this year and hope to have an early 2012 release.”  They recently joined iconic comedian, Steve Martin, on his sophomore album entitled Rare Bird Alert, released in March. Bringing bluegrass music to new audiences, SCR continue their meteoric rise as passionate ambassadors for the music they love. “We're thrilled to be working with one of the most exciting young bands in bluegrass, and look forward to recording some great new music with them. It's been a pleasure to watch them grow and evolve music with their own vision” said Rounder Founder, Marian Leighton Levy. With Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers played for more people than any other bluegrass band in 2010, and this year has been even bigger, as the group toured nationwide with Martin and joined him for TV appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman,Colbert, Ellen, Conan and The View.

When Martin, an accomplished banjo player and songwriter, handpicked SCR to tour and record with him last year, they jumped at the chance.  “Serendipity has made a better match than any bluegrass computer dating service,” jokes Martin. With Rare Bird Alert, Martin and Steep Canyon have created an album filled with the traditional bluegrass sound, bursting at the seams with banjo, fiddle and lyrics that are both fun and reflective.