Music review: Steve Martin and Edie Brickell – 鈥楲ove Has Come for You鈥�
An unlikely collaboration between two Texas natives prompts a beautifully rootsy and simplistic album of bluegrass-flavored arrangements.
Most of us recognize Steve Martin for his comedic abilities and acting skills, not necessarily his banjo prowess. 鈥淟ove Has Come for You鈥� is actually Martin鈥檚 third banjo release. Martin recorded 鈥淐row: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo鈥� in 2009, winning a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. He also joined forces with the Steep Canyon Rangers and released 鈥淩are Bird Alert鈥� in 2011 with guest appearances by Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks.
Also in 2011, Martin was named Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. To say the man knows a little about producing some palpable bluegrass music is an understatement to say the least. This go around, Martin recruited the help of singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, without her New Bohemians. Brickell made an immediate impact on the music scene in 1989 with her debut album 鈥淪hooting Rubberbands at the Stars,鈥� featuring her intelligent lyrics and enchanting voice and the melodious hit 鈥淲hat I Am.鈥� 鈥淟ove Has Come for You鈥� meshes Martin鈥檚 superb musicianship with Brickell鈥檚 stellar songwriting and soulful vocals.
The duo鈥檚 sound is reminiscent of another unlikely pairing witnessed on 鈥淩aising Sand鈥� by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. To harness the creative genius, producer Peter Asher (James Taylor, Elvis Costello and Linda Ronstadt) applies his musical pedigree to the project by including guest appearances by the Steep Canyon Rangers, bassist Esperanza Spalding, Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and guitarist Waddy Wachtel. The tender sweetness and innocence of album opener, 鈥淲hen You Get to Asheville,鈥� impeccably sets the stage for the rest of the 12 easy-flowing arrangements that follow.
The true beauty of the album can be found in the simple texture of the arrangements as Brickell鈥檚 soothing and folksy vocals complement Martin鈥檚 atmospheric playing.
Standouts include the stripped-down 鈥淵es She Did,鈥� the infectiously fun 鈥淕et Along Stray Dog鈥� and the hauntingly graceful title track.
Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring Edie Brickell will perform at Pittsburgh鈥檚 Heinz Hall on July 1.