Safe, Sensible, Sane — and Brilliant
5
By VegasM777
Steve Martin and Alison Brown’s Safe, Sensible and Sane is a bright, grounded celebration of the five‑string banjo. Across 12 original tracks, they blend bluegrass roots with Americana textures, letting melody and feel lead the way rather than gimmicks.
The collaborations elevate the whole record without stealing its soul: Jackson Browne’s presence on “Dear Time” (with Jeff Hanna) adds warmth and gravity, Vince Gill brings smooth, lived‑in color to “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye),” Indigo Girls make “Girl, Have Money When You’re Old” shimmer, and Jason Mraz turns “Statement Of Your Affairs” into a nimble, modern duet. Tim O’Brien’s picking on “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back,” Della Mae’s energy on “New Cluck Old Hen,” and Aoife O’Donovan’s clarity on “Michael” round out a guest list that actually serves the songs.
As for the one‑star word salad from “bizznithchel”: golf carts, ayahuasca, and vague complaints about “colonizing” don’t engage with the music. This album isn’t a lifestyle ad; it’s two master musicians crafting tunes with care and inviting great voices to the table. If you want noise, read his review. If you want music, press play.