Safe Sensible And Sane

Description

The first collaborative album by Alison Brown and Steve Martin, *Safe, Sensible and Sane*, is a collection inspired by a shared fascination for the unique beauty of the banjo. After scoring a #1 hit with the first song they ever wrote together ("Foggy Morning Breaking," from Brown's 2023 album *On Banjo*), the two GRAMMY-winning musicians began envisioning a batch of banjo-centric songs built on Brown's boldly innovative melodies and Martin's eccentric yet deeply tender lyrics. *Safe, Sensible and Sane* is the result of their ongoing partnership. They are joined on the project by numerous musical luminaries, including Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz, Indigo Girls, Aoife O'Donovan, Vince Gill, Tim O'Brien, Della Mae, and others. The album's first three singles scored two more #1 radio hits, including the latest, "5 Days Out, 2 Days Back" with Tim O'Brien—a warm and timeless song nominated for Song of the Year, Collaborative Performance of the Year, and Music Video of the Year at the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards. Another standout track is the nostalgic "Dear Time," featuring Jackson Browne with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band co-founder Jeff Hanna on vocals. The album's fourth single, "Dear Time," originated from an idea Martin pitched as he approached his 80th birthday, striking a powerful balance between playful humor and heartfelt sincerity. Folk icons Indigo Girls join them on "Girl, Have Money When You're Old," an anthem of female empowerment that captures the spirit of the moment with Amy Ray and Emily Saliers sharing lead vocals. Two of the album's most unexpected tracks draw inspiration from south of the border: the infectious, Caribbean-influenced "Statement of Your Affairs" with Jason Mraz, and "Michael" with Aoife O'Donovan featuring Sarah Jarosz, which offers a bittersweet daydream with playful Brazilian rhythms.