Alison Brown & Steve Martin Banjo Album ‘Safe, Sensible & Sane’ – Interview
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, organized for clarity:
1. “Dear Time” – Song Origins & Meaning
* Steve Martin wrote the song at age 79, and continued to refine it after turning 80.
* He aimed to write about aging without bitterness, framing it as a “letter to time” – a logical, rather than angry, approach.
* Alison Krauss considerably contributed to the melody and collaborated on verses.
* A line in the song (“I want to throw the ball with my old dog”) initially worried them, fearing it might be too sentimental.
2. “girl,Have Money When You’re Old” – Inspiration
* The song originated from a witty remark Martin made to a young actor at a show business event: “Have money when you’re old.”
* Martin realized the comment was both funny and truthful.
3. Alison Krauss’s Viewpoint & Collaboration
* Alison Brown (of Steep Canyon Rangers) felt the song had even more power from a female perspective.
* She described it as empowering and feminist, leading them to seek female collaborators with life experience (“gravitas”).
* The original song had the line “Got to have a listen, son,” which was written from a male point of view.
4. current & Future projects
* Steve Martin and Martin Short are currently on tour together.
* Alison Brown appears on select dates of the tour (including Knoxville, TN).
* Steep Canyon Rangers will also appear at some shows with Martin and short.
* Alison brown has solo shows scheduled in Florida in November.
* There’s potential for future collaborations, but they are letting inspiration guide them without pressure.
* Both Martin and Brown hope to continue writing songs together.