Steve Martin: An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo

In French, the expression "Violon d'Ingres" refers to a hidden talent or consuming hobby - named so after the Neoclassical painter Ingres's musical adeptness with the violin. With this in mind, it's tempting to update the expression for the dumbed-down 21st century to "Martin's banjo" - a nod to one of the comedian, actor and playwright's less celebrated skills. While Steve Martin first played the banjo as part of his stand-up act alongside jokes, juggling and magic - "You're thinking, 'Oh, this is just another banjo-magic act'" - over the course of his career it has become a far more serious pastime and saw the comic win a Grammy in 2001. Make no mistake: Martin's banjo playing is no joke and, refreshingly, it's no vanity project either. His self-written 2007 album The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, a token of Martin's affection for bluegrass music, featured stars such as Dolly Parton and was critically acclaimed by the banjo community. Appearing for the first time in the UK with his bluegrass band, Martin performs with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Irish singer Mary Black at Royal Festival Hall. "Truly wonderful," according to The Washington Post, The Crow proves that: "Mirth is far from the only emotion within [Martin's] power to conjure."