Predominently known as an actor and comedian, Steve Martin released his first, full 'serious' album two years ago.
The Grammy Award-winning The Crow: New Songs For The 5-String Banjo showed that Martin was a talented musician and bluegrass songwriter.
This looks set to continue when Rare Bird Alert is released in July.
Featuring guest spots from Sir Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks, it would still be a surprise if this made an impact in the charts.
Regardless, this is a consinstently great bluegrass album that shows another side to Martin's talents.
The guest appearances are actually an exciting part of the album, adding extra depth and diversity to the record.
Woody Platt does well on 'Yellow Back Fly', an early highlight from the album, although McCartney's contribution on the following song ('Best Love') is fantastic.
It's a nice, summer track that slows the pace a bit, before it kicks back into overdrive with 'Northern Island'.
Steve Martin shows that, despite his legacy, he's not doing this for a joke.
The various instrumental tracks (including almost-instrumental 'More Bad Weather On The Way') are warm and catchy, adding another deminsion to Rare Bird Alert.
The ironically titled 'Women Like To Slow Dance' is a classic, fast-paced bluegrass track that keeps the quality of the album high, without falling into the trap of bland lyrics that some country/bluegrass music can do.
It's tongue-in-cheek without being a complete comedy song, which is a tough line to tread.
A live a capella track ('Atheists Don't Have No Songs') is Martin allowed himself to craft a funny track that works well.
The album ends with a live version of 'King Tut', which brings the album to a slightly underwealming (but nonetheless solid) end.
Regardless, Rare Bird Alert achieves noteable consistency, a collection of great songs with no filler.
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