My dad loved bluegrass and old mountain music ... even to the latest age ... died 5 days before his 93rd birthday in 2014 ... I'm betting there is a special soundstage in Heaven for this kind of music and my dad is sitting front and center, having a big steak dinner and side-dancing with all the angels, until my mom makes it there. Miss you, Dad!
Rug Ratz didn`t invite you to give him a theology lecture . He was just missing his dad . Learn when it is appropriate to shoe horn in your beliefs son . RugRatz Sure there are banjos in heaven . No accordians tho ,guaranteed !
Congratulations Mark! Glad to see you are receiving the recognition you so rightfully deserve. Awesome pickin' by all! And thanks to Steve Martin for honoring gifted and talented muscians.
They are Deering banjos and appear to be the Clawgrass models. Pause at 4:50 and you can read it at the bottom of Mark's banjo neck. Great sound but be sitting down when you price one.
I was at a Christmas party and Mark played in Keystone Heights FL a few years before this and I was amazed at Mark’s talent. I had no idea who he was or his pedigree. I was blessed to realize the amazing talent of this unorthodox banjo player. How can someone be so innovative?! I was in awe then as I am now. This man should showcase his ability every time he can.
Nobody gave credit the the finger pickin banjo guy to the left making all the music. He was the REAL beast. Steve was just holding three different chords the whole song. Credit given where deserved
Yes, it is Forked Deer. The guitar player Emory Lester is a mandolin player and plays banjo as well as many other instruments. He recorded with me playing mandolin and performed playing banjo too. Also, a great online teacher of mandolin, guitar and banjo.
ecman1986 I was most impressed with Emory Lester in this segment. It must have been a thrill to record with him. I.M.O. this must make you one heck of a musician too.
I was lucky enough to take a class with Emory Lester at the Swannanoa Gathering this past August. He is as good a teacher as he is a player. Great sense of humor, too!
I think Steve and Mark are playing the same model of banjo. I only say this because I think Steve's banjo is beautifully decorated, and his banjo usually outshines others on stage; and I wish they could take time to talk a bit about their instruments. I'm into American made acoustic guitar pieces so I can spot some of the build differences on the instruments. They are gorgeous pieces❣❣ Steve Martin is a heck of a considerate gentleman!!
Steve Martin can do everything in the claw hammer realm that this guy can do, AND Martin can kill on three finger Scruggs style too. He should have paid himself the $50,000.00.
I watched another video where Mark said Steve flew him out to wherever he was to teach him to play clawhammer like that because it's a clawhammer style Mark created.
Last time I saw a banjo in person it was played by an older white gentlemen who had some very choice words about "colored folk"... Not a joke for likes I'm serious.
I prefer the style of playing with a flat pick just like the guitar player here is doing. From the turn of the century to the stock market crash this style of playing was far more common than picking with the fingers in either up stroke or down stroke style.
There's a bit from a guy called Dennis Pennis, he's playing an interviewer on a red carpet when he asks Steve "Steve, why did you stop being funny?" the look in Steve Martins eyes says "I'm still trying but its not working anymore", it's heartbreaking.
So glad to see Steve finally giving music center stage in his life. his joy is contagious.
Steve once remarked something like "I do comedy because when do you ever see a banjo player driving a Porsche?"
It's hard to feel bad while listening to bluegrass. Thanks Steve.
My dad loved bluegrass and old mountain music ... even to the latest age ... died 5 days before his 93rd birthday in 2014 ... I'm betting there is a special soundstage in Heaven for this kind of music and my dad is sitting front and center, having a big steak dinner and side-dancing with all the angels, until my mom makes it there. Miss you, Dad!
+Rug Ratz Well god bless my friend, we are all getting there its just that some get there before others
That's not how heaven works.
Darth Nihilus and you knowwww? yea i bet you have never read the bible, only the parts your dady told you to read
Dtrollmancan
What's the Bible say about antagonizing, you hypocrite?
Rug Ratz didn`t invite you to give him a theology lecture . He was just missing his dad . Learn when it is appropriate to shoe horn in your beliefs son . RugRatz Sure there are banjos in heaven . No accordians tho ,guaranteed !
Steve's a great talent, all round entertainer
HOLY SHIT Steve Martin is amazing
Emory Lester on the Guitar is no chump either! His usual gig is with a mandolin. His flat picking puts so many metal heads to shame.
What a renaissance man. What a genius.
Steve Martin's King Tut is the funniest skit there is!!!
Can you even imagine this man is 67 YEARS OLD?! He has not aged since 'the jerk'. Im serious, him and keanu reeves simply do not age.
Steve Martin plays as jf he has 2 brains
Like Steve said many moons ago, you can't play a sad song on the banjo, Bravo!
We just saw Steve in his true body and self.
Like Harpo with his harp, he looks so happy.☺
I'm not a big comment guy.......love the banjo work. Steve is awesome!
It's funny how Banjo players always look like the things they play, are fucking easy :D
Congratulations Mark! Glad to see you are receiving the recognition you so rightfully deserve. Awesome pickin' by all! And thanks to Steve Martin for honoring gifted and talented muscians.
i wanna play banjo. i don't know why, it just looks interesting.
Try it
So much more feeling in clawhammer, in my humble opinion. Long live Tom Paley ! Anyone know what make of banjos they were playing ?
They are Deering banjos and appear to be the Clawgrass models. Pause at 4:50 and you can read it at the bottom of Mark's banjo neck. Great sound but be sitting down when you price one.
Thanks, Traildust, and see what you mean about the price ! Think I,ll take an old Tubaphone :)
@Hello Siamterry how are you doing
Steve is such a talented man. Actor, writer and musician.. wow!!
Great magician too
As well as instructor now that he's done a master class session for comedy and music performance
Steve is such a great talent and big star.
The Jerk came in 79 and he hasnt age a day since then.. amazing
smiling from my heart to my ears and back
Mark Johnson....is a Fabulous Musician....1
That was brilliant.Billy Connolly is good also.
I was at a Christmas party and Mark played in Keystone Heights FL a few years before this and I was amazed at Mark’s talent. I had no idea who he was or his pedigree. I was blessed to realize the amazing talent of this unorthodox banjo player. How can someone be so innovative?! I was in awe then as I am now. This man should showcase his ability every time he can.
John Campea brought me here..!
+Sebo Mehmeti me too bro :D
+Sebo Mehmeti me three bro
Nobody gave credit the the finger pickin banjo guy to the left making all the music. He was the REAL beast. Steve was just holding three different chords the whole song. Credit given where deserved
Mark and Emory, congratulations! Forked Deer was the first thing I ever heard you guys play and it is the pinnacle performance of what you guys do!
Mark Johnson looks like Louis CK with more hair.
And more talent.
see kids, this is what you call an INSTRUMENT!
I think the name of the tune is Forked Deer. Can someone please confirm?
Yes, it is Forked Deer. The guitar player Emory Lester is a mandolin player and plays banjo as well as many other instruments. He recorded with me playing mandolin and performed playing banjo too. Also, a great online teacher of mandolin, guitar and banjo.
ecman1986 I was most impressed with Emory Lester in this segment. It must have been a thrill to record with him. I.M.O. this must make you one heck of a musician too.
I was lucky enough to take a class with Emory Lester at the Swannanoa Gathering this past August. He is as good a teacher as he is a player. Great sense of humor, too!
Back before all you heard on late night comedy was non stop Trump hating
ANYONE LIKE ME AND CAME HERE BECAUSE OF HOWARD?
just wondering! lol
i love hit but he takes out that banjo and i wanna get away from the guy!
yea me too
yea me too
the sound is so sweet .
plucking can be quite agressive but man that was sweet
.
Love Steve martin
I think Steve and Mark are playing the same model of banjo. I only say this because I think Steve's banjo is beautifully decorated, and his banjo usually outshines others on stage; and I wish they could take time to talk a bit about their instruments. I'm into American made acoustic guitar pieces so I can spot some of the build differences on the instruments.
They are gorgeous pieces❣❣
Steve Martin is a heck of a considerate gentleman!!
Just plain old good music!
Also nice guitar strumming bro!
Wow! Beautiful banjo music! I never imagined such a thing!
Wow Mark, congrats! Very very cool to see my childhood BF's dad on Letterman with Steve Martin! You sound amazing.
No auto-tune necessary, kids.
Steve Martin can do everything in the claw hammer realm that this guy can do, AND Martin can kill on three finger Scruggs style too. He should have paid himself the $50,000.00.
Tony Lombardo some of those claw hammer licks from mark were pretty damn hard man...
I watched another video where Mark said Steve flew him out to wherever he was to teach him to play clawhammer like that because it's a clawhammer style Mark created.
Don’t be a shithead. Mark taught Steve how to remotely be able to play like that.
Steve Martin interviewing himself, how sweet :)
Damn i did not know he could play banjo. Nice job guys:)
Steve is a multitalented artist. What I don’t appreciate is this narcissistic hosts sitting higher then there guests.
David letterman was not a narcissist...you're just a small little man
As always great stuff Mark and Emory!
This is called Forked Deer, am I right?
Fabulous and entertaining ❤
best thing ever banjo great guys
holy crap!!! he has a deering clawgrass!!!!!!
Last time I saw a banjo in person it was played by an older white gentlemen who had some very choice words about "colored folk"... Not a joke for likes I'm serious.
+Antonio so all banjo players are racist
Jake Bergen Did I say or insinuate that?
Last time I met someone named Antonio, they were trying to break into my truck
+Keith Leverette hahaha 😅
Keith Leverette Good thing Antonio is just my middle name. They might have thought I was a suspect
That looks like a good old fashion pickin party
that's some mad picking!
Music begins @ 3:15
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mark Johnson couldn't make it tonight, so please welcome, Louis C.K.!"
I wonder if Steve knows Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Warrant!! Awesome song.
it is realy enjoyable
... no offense but, what kind of an aural saddest invented the banjo? yetch
got it. Its called "Forked Deer."
Okay but that acoustic player was low key fire.
who thumbs down this?! wow. lol
Where is the Bass player? They would sound so much better with a bottom end.
John Campea brought me here! :)
That music is so... alive!
$#!+ KICKIN music, just get up and clog!
That Jerk can sure rip!
no Steve playing yet. hidden.
Good for you, Mark. Recognition is long overdue.
@Hello George how are you doing
Brilliant.
I prefer the style of playing with a flat pick just like the guitar player here is doing. From the turn of the century to the stock market crash this style of playing was far more common than picking with the fingers in either up stroke or down stroke style.
I know it was a year at least since your comment, what style/kind of guitar is he playing? Also the style of his playing is very nice.
There are some big ties on show in this ensemble LOL
Men wear big ties, boys wear slim ties.
Mark Johnson is well deserving of this. Killer picker!
Steve Martin: a real artist...
Delightful! :-)
experience this live....
They both play custom Deering banjos. Fun! Many haver followed Steve and his music ability ....I love his style.
Brilliant playing
There's a bit from a guy called Dennis Pennis, he's playing an interviewer on a red carpet when he asks Steve "Steve, why did you stop being funny?" the look in Steve Martins eyes says "I'm still trying but its not working anymore", it's heartbreaking.
Is that one of those Tony Rice Martins?
Piece is reminiscent of The Tammenorrie.
almost never missed Johnny Carson and have always loved Steve Martin funny man and boy can he play that banjo god bless them both
Going to check out the “3CD set” ~~ actually DVD’s ~~ ❤
he is great
Put the banjo down and tell a joke
A beaut !
Was very good by all, Is very reminiscent to Irish folk music
Strange statue..listen to Steve's sarcasm about it right at the start
..
haha have you seen sean connery. guys looks the same as he did 30 years ago XD
Just superb! And it looked like they were having a great time. I prefer this live version to the cd version.
Talking about roots
They should just do reruns of all the Letterman shows these days.
Brilliant ! Loved it.
@Hello How are you doing dear
nice
Please God, don't take Steve Martin yet.
Wow! Banjo and guitar sound so great together.
lol
10/24/2012:
He got the date wrong, I just watched this last night.
What is the name of the song they are playing???
Six hours ?
Boy that number played here is faaaaaantaaaaaastic!
Wow, imagine two great comedians playing clawhammer on the same stage! Who knew Louis CK and Steve Martin had it in them? (sorry, couldn't resist)
Mark is playing a 5-string, not a 6-string.