Hear Steve Martin, Edie Brickell and The Steep Canyon Rangers, perform live in the Soundcheck studio.

In music, there are few things more insane than an amateur going and trying to sit down with a real player. But that's just what John Hockenberry did earlier this week, when he went to the house of comedian, author and banjo aficionado Steve Martin. A documentary called "Give Me the Banjo" airs tonight, and is narrated by Martin. But in the comedian's New York City apartment, talking about the banjo — as well as Martin's long career in comedy and interest in music — was augmented by some performance and a lesson or two. 

Since releasing his first bluegrass album three years ago, actor and comedian Steve Martin has earned critical acclaim – and a Grammy – for his skills with the banjo. Now, he’s exploring the history of the instrument, and issues of race, class and musical innovation, in a new PBS documentary called “Give Me the Banjo.” Martin joins us in studio (with a banjo on his knee).

"Give Me the Banjo" airs tomorrow night, Nov. 4, at 9 p.m. ET on PBS stations.

Actor, author and comedian Steve Martin released his debut album as a banjo player two years ago. But he first picked up the instrument as a teenager and later incorporated it into his hit stand-up act during the 1970s. He joins us with his backing band to play songs from the album, “Rare Bird Alert.”

This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.

Actor, author and comedian Steve Martin released his debut album as a banjo player two years ago. But he first picked up the instrument as a teenager and later incorporated it into his hit stand-up act during the 1970s. He joins us with his backing band to play songs from a new album, “Rare Bird Alert,” live in the Greene Space.

Legendary writer, actor, and performer Steve Martin talks about his long and varied career, his many talents, and his latest novel. An Object of Beauty tells the story of an ambitious woman climbing through New York’s social and art world.

Steve Martin, comedian, actor, playwright and author of An Object of Beauty: A Novel, talks about the contemporary New York art scene -- the setting of his third novel.

Legendary writer, actor, and performer Steve Martin talks about his long and varied career, his many talents, and his latest novel. An Object of Beauty tells the story of an ambitious woman climbing through New York’s social and art world.