Martin says music developed slowly

NASHVILLE, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Comedian-turned-musician Steve Martin says his musical talent featured on his new U.S. album came from relaxed down-time practice sessions.

Martin said while he occasionally incorporated his banjo playing in his stand-up comedy routines, his musical skills grew separately from his comedy efforts thanks to zen-like practice sessions, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Sunday.

"The banjo playing evolved completely differently than the comedy," Martin told the newspaper. "It was always in relaxed mode, just idling, noodling around, going up and down the neck."

Now Martin, whose latest movie, "The Pink Panther 2" has just hit theaters, has a bluegrass album called "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo."

Martin told The Tennessean how he looked forward to improving his banjo skills, taking them back to a level he enjoyed when the instrument was part of his comedic performances.

"For a while, I got to be lightning fast, and I got to where I was never making mistakes. I hope to get back to that," the former "Saturday Night Live" star said.