Steve Martin, Alison Brown, Jackson Browne “Dear Time” Single
- Comedy icon and accomplished banjo player Steve Martin is joining forces with celebrated bluegrass artist Alison Brown for a new album, Safe, sensible and Sane, set for release...
- The proclamation of Safe, Sensible and Sane comes with the release of "Dear Time," a poignant new song that reflects on the passage of time.
- "The Troubadour was the center of a controlled nuclear explosion for so many careers," Martin reflected.
Steve Martin and alison Brown Harmonize on New Album, “Safe, Sensible and Sane”
A Return to Roots and a new Collaboration
Comedy icon and accomplished banjo player Steve Martin is joining forces with celebrated bluegrass artist Alison Brown for a new album, Safe, sensible and Sane, set for release on October 17 via Brown’s Compass Records. The collaboration marks a significant moment for both artists, blending Martin’s distinctive style with brown’s award-winning musicianship.
“Dear Time” – A First Taste of the album
The proclamation of Safe, Sensible and Sane comes with the release of “Dear Time,” a poignant new song that reflects on the passage of time. The track features the evocative vocals of Jackson Browne and harmonies from Jeff Hanna, formerly of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. A music video for “Dear Time” was filmed at the historic Troubadour in Los Angeles, a venue deeply connected to Martin’s early career.
“The Troubadour was the center of a controlled nuclear explosion for so many careers,” Martin reflected. “To play again, with Jackson and Alison, on the stage where so much began for me was indeed a delirious moment.” Brown added, “For me, it was magical to be able to bring Jackson, steve and jeff together for this recording, and to have a chance to shine a light on our shared histories in the LA folk and bluegrass scenes.”
A Stellar Lineup of Guest Musicians
Safe, Sensible and Sane is far from a duo effort, boasting an impressive roster of guest musicians. Listeners can expect contributions from Vince Gill, the Indigo girls, Della Mae, Tim O’Brien, and Aoife O’Donovan, among others. The album’s rich soundscape is further enhanced by accomplished roots players like mandolinist Sam Bush, fiddle player Stuart Duncan, guitarist/banjoist Molly Tuttle, and mandolinist Sierra Hull.
From Casual Jams to a Full Album
The collaboration between Martin and Brown began organically with the release of “Foggy Morning Breaking” in 2023 and “Bluegrass Radio” in 2024. According to Brown, the project didn’t initially set out to become a full album. “We were just having a good time writing songs, and at some point we realized we’d written enough to gather them all together and put a bow on it,” she explained. “There was a joy and ease and sense of fun to the whole process, and now hopefully everyone who listens will share that joy.” the album was recorded at Compass Sound Studio in Nashville.
Martin highlighted the shared musical sensibility that drove the collaboration. “With the banjo, there are so many styles you can work with, but Alison and I both have an ear for its more melodic, melancholy aspect,” he said. “We got together and played music for days, and ended up making a record where our entire banjo histories coalesce.”
Hosting the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards
Before the album’s release, Martin and brown will take on another prominent role within the bluegrass community. They are set to co-host the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards on September 18 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This event promises to be a celebration of the genre and a showcase of its brightest talents.