Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bluegrass Legends Alison Brown and Steve Martin Collaborate on Surprise Album
Bluegrass Legends Alison Brown and Steve Martin Collaborate on Surprise Album
17 Oct
Summary
- Alison Brown and Steve Martin release first collaborative album 'Safe, Sensible and Sane'
- Album features guest appearances from Vince Gill, Aoife O'Donovan, and other acclaimed artists
- Organic creative process led to the unexpected project
In a surprising move, acclaimed banjoists Alison Brown and Steve Martin have released their first collaborative album, 'Safe, Sensible and Sane,' on Brown's Compass Records label. The album, which came together organically as the two musicians continued to write and record songs together, features guest appearances from a star-studded lineup, including Vince Gill, Aoife O'Donovan, Sarah Jarosz, and Jason Mraz, among others.
Brown and Martin, who have known each other for years, never intended to create a full-fledged album, but as they kept writing and recording, they realized they had enough material to put together a cohesive project. The album's sonic tapestry ranges from bossa nova-inspired tracks to tropical-leaning tunes, showcasing the duo's diverse musical influences and talents.
Both Brown and Martin bring their distinct musical legacies to the project. Brown, the first woman to win an IBMA instrumental award, has released 12 solo albums and co-founded the respected Compass Records label. Martin, a five-time Grammy-winning comedian, actor, and musician, has a long history with the banjo, having used the instrument in his comedy routines and released several acclaimed bluegrass albums.
The album's release comes just ahead of the 2025 GMA Dove Awards, where several of the artists featured on 'Safe, Sensible and Sane' are nominated for top honors, including Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, and Leanna Crawford.
