Funny or Die Video Released Today Featuring Steve Martin, Ed Helms, Noam Pikelny, Earl Scruggs, Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings, and More
Renowned Punch Brothers banjoist, Noam Pikelny, releases his new solo album Beat the Devil and Carry A Rail on Compass Records October 25. Watch Noam narrowly escape creative failure (with help from Steve Martin and Ed Helms), in the first bluegrass-themed video exclusive by Funny or Die, HERE
Pikelny is undeniably the next big thing to happen to the 5-string banjo, earning the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. Unfortunately, Pikelny, having the singing voice of a feverish mule in heat, will not be winning any excellence in vocal skills awards despite his insistence in singing on the album – an insistence that results in a heated dispute with actor and avid acoustic music fan Ed Helms.
Pikelny begins a tour in December with a group of stellar acoustic performers, including fellow Punch Brothers Gabe Witcher and Chris Eldrige, Crooked Still’s Aoife O’Donovan, renowned bassist Mark Shatz and the Infamous Stringduster’s Jesse Cobb. The run will make stops in New York City, DC, Chicago and more.
12.15 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, NY