The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Michael Grace is the Co-Founder of Grace Design, the company that makes some of the finest quality acoustic preamps/DI's used by today's performers, such as the Felix, Bix, and Alix. Michael does a fantastic job breaking down a lot of common FAQ's, such as: Why do I need a DI box? Why do I need a preamp? What is High impedance vs. low impedance, and why does it matter? How do I use stompboxes with my acoustic instrument? Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and GHS Strings. Grace Design on the web: www.gracedesign.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com Frank Evans is one of the few banjoists who is equally adept at playing amazing clawhammer style, in addition to his virtuosic 3-finger playing. He is best know as the banjo player for Canadian bluegrass band The Slocan Ramblers, and recently released a duo album with the great fiddler Ben Plotnick titled "Madison Archives" Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and GHS Strings Frank on the web: www.frankevansmusic.com www.slocanramblers.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Part 2 of the interview with Steve Huber, the great banjo player, builder, and prewar Gibson expert! In this episode, we get into the literal nuts & bolts of prewar tone and banjo setup in general. The perfect episode for the true banjo nerd! Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and GHS Strings Check out these new tracks by Jacob Groopman & Josh Rilko - featuring Keith Billik on "Floatin' the Buffalo" (and Kyle Tuttle on "Dobroski"): https://jacobgroopmanjoshrilko.bandcamp.com/releases Steve Huber on the web: www.huberbanjos.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Part 1 of host Keith Billik's interview with acclaimed banjo player, luthier, and historian Steve Huber! This episode features Steve's background learning the banjo and getting into bands, including his stint with Bob Paisley & the Southern Grass. We also begin to talk about the evolution of the Huber tone rings and banjos. Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and GHS Strings Huber Banjos on the web: www.huberbanjos.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Keith chats with Michigan's own Lloyd Douglas of Full Cord Bluegrass. Lloyd is a veteran bluegrasser, having performed and toured with Jim & Jesse, Michael Cleveland, and Detour before joining forces with Full Cord. Recorded at Otus Supply Company in Ferndale, MI - thanks Thom and Scott! Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and GHS Strings Lloyd Douglas on the web: https://fullcord.bandzoogle.com/home Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features Cristina Vane, a singer-songwriter who has embraced the roots of fingerstyle/blues/slide guitar, as well as clawhammer banjo, and made her own sound combining those and many other influences. Her recent album "Nowhere Sounds Lovely" is available in the usual places! Sponsored by Peghead Nation, GHS Strings, and Elderly Instruments Cristina on the web: www.cristinavane.com IG: @cristinavanemusic Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik interviews Mike Bub, the legendary bassist formerly of the Del McCoury Band. Many fans don't know that Mike was a serious banjo player growing up! Mike is also one of the best storytellers, and he doesn't hold back in this episode! Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Peghead Nation, and GHS Strings Keith was on another podcast! Check out Live From Banjo Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features Silvio Ferretti, the longtime banjo player for Italian bluegrass band Red Wine. Silvio is also one of the world's top makers of banjo bridges with his Scorpion line of products. Silvio discusses how he came to find the banjo and bluegrass while growin up in Italy, and takes us through a fascinating deep dive into the world of bridge construction, including tips he learned from the great Snuffy Smith. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, GHS Strings, and Peghead Nation. Silvio on the web: [email protected] www.scorpionmusic.com www.redwinemusic.net Contact the show: www.banjopodcast.com [email protected] Cover photo by Stefano Goldberg

Support This Show! Today, Keith interviews a banjo player that may be less known to American audiences, but that you are guaranteed to enjoy. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Takumi Kodera is best known for placing 2nd in the 2018 Winfield Banjo contest, his solo album "Sunset Glow," and recordings with his contemporary ragtime group Thompson the Fox. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, GHS Strings, and Peghead Nation Takumi on the web: https://takumikodera.stores.jp/ Contact the show: [email protected] Get cool merchandise, including T-Shirts, stickers, and downloadable mp3 and tablature for the podcast theme music at www.banjopodcast.com

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features the one and only Dr. Banjo, Pete Wernick! Pete is best known as the banjo player for Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, and for authoring vast amounts of instructional resources for banjo players and bluegrassers. Sponsored by Peghead Nation, GHS Strings, and Elderly Instruments Pete Wernick on the web: www.drbanjo.com www.wernickmethod.org Contact the show at [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Join Patreon to win a giveaway prize, courtesy of Banjolit! Listen to episode for details. Keith talks to Tony Trischka about his new album "Shall We Hope," an ambitious musical project based around Civil War-era characters and their experiences. The album features a star-studded cast, including Michael Daves, Maura O'Connell, Catherine Russell, Guy Davis, the Violent Femmes, John Lithgow, Brittany Haas, Dominick Leslie, and Sean Trischka. Sponsored by GHS Strings, Peghead Nation, and Elderly Instruments. Tony on the web: www.tonytrischka.com Contact the show: [email protected] Buy Merch! www.banjopodcast.com

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast The second installment with the legendary John McEuen, a multi-instrumentalist, Grammy-winning producer (for Steve Martin's "The Crow") and author. John is best known for his tenure with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, his prolific solo career, and countless other collaborations. Sponsored by GHS Strings, Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments. Use coupon code "pickyfingers" for a FREE month at Peghead Nation! John McEuen on the web: www.johnmceuen.com Contact the show: [email protected] Download music and buy merch: www.banjopodcast.com

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Keith is joined by Wes Corbett to discuss his new album of all-original material titled "Cascade" - a fantastic album of instrumentals also featuring Sierra Hull, Casey Campbell, Simon Chrisman, Chris Eldridge, Alex Hargreaves, and Paul Kowert. Other topics include Wes's new gig with the Sam Bush Band, and the instruments and microphones used in this recording. Sponsored by Banjo Summit, GHS Strings, Elderly Instruments, and Peghead Nation. Wes on the web: www.wescorbett.com Get official Picky Fingers merch! www.banjopodcast.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Check out this first installment with the legendary John McEuen, a multi-instrumentalist, Grammy-winning producer (for Steve Martin's "The Crow") and author. John is best known for his tenure with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, his prolific solo career, and countless other collaborations. John tells many a story, including how the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album came to be. Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments. Use coupon code "pickyfingers" for a FREE month at Peghead Nation! John McEuen on the web: www.johnmceuen.com Contact the show: [email protected] Download music and buy merch: www.banjopodcast.com

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Welcome to the first ever clawhammer-focused episode! Keith talks to virtuoso banjoist Adam Hurt about his recent release "Back to the Earth" featuring his exquisite gourd banjo playing. Be sure to check out the new store items at www.banjopodcast.com! Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Peghead Nation *** Use coupon "pickyfingers" to get a FREE month at Peghead Nation *** Adam Hurt on the web: https://adamhurt.bandcamp.com/ https://www.adamhurt.com/ Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast A Bonus episode to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the PFBP! For this bonus episode, be among the first to hear the newly recorded theme music for The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast! I was thrilled to be joined by some great musicians and put this all together. Purchase the new tracks AND BANJO TAB at www.banjopodcast.com Musicians: Aaron Jonah Lewis - Fiddle Jeremy Darrow - Bass Joshua Rilko - Mandolin Hayes Griffin - Guitar Keith Billik - Banjo In addition, there is a new clawhammer theme recorded by my good friend Derek Smith. This will be used when the episode profiles clawhammer players! Graphic design by Grace van't Hof

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Trevor Smith is an exciting banjo player with the Grammy-nominated Austin, Texas-based bluegrass band Wood & Wire. Host Keith Billik chats with Trevor about his influences, playing style, gear, and more! Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments Wood & Wire on the web: www.woodandwireband.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Keith Billik interviews Ron Landis, a banjo/dobro player who made a name for himself as a silver artist in the collectible coin world. He has recently turned his attention to using his skills to design his new line of fingerpicks that have garnered the attention of several of today's top players! Check out Ron Landis's picks and other merchandise: www.landisstudios.net Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Guest host Aaron Jonah Lewis interviews Steve Arkin, a well known banjo player and educator. Although Steve came to prominence during his stint with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, he has recently become a serious old time player, and performs with the Troublesome Creek String Band and the New Cut Road String Band. Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments. Contact the show at [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast January 6, 2021 would have been Earl Scruggs's 97th birthday. To pay tribute, many today's top players have recorded their personal memories, stories, and wisdom that they've gotten from Earl over the years. Enjoy! Featuring (in order): Eric Gibson, Ron Block, Lloyd Douglas, Terry Baucom, Hilary Hawke, Steve Dilling, Ira Gitlin, Ned Luberecki, John Mark Batchelor, Gina Furtado, Russ Carson, Alan Munde, Steven Moore, Casey Henry, Nick Hornbuckle, Derek Vaden, Ben Krakauer, Pete Wernick, Gabe Hirshfeld, Steve Cooley, Mark Cassidy, and Butch Robins. Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast A Freshly Picked episode with longtime friend of the podcast Greg Cahill! He joins host Keith Billik to discuss the recent Special Consensus album "Chicago Barn Dance," which just won IBMA's Song of the Year award for its title track. Band website: www.specialc.com Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Peghead Nation, and the Soundbrite Banjo Workshop Enroll for Soundbrite: http://www.americanamusicacademy.com/banjo-workshop SAVE 20% on Picky Fingers merch at the www.banjopodcast.com shop - Enter coupon code "BYE2020" at checkout. Contact the show at [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast The 2nd half of the interview with Pat Cloud features tons of great insight and live demonstrations of Pat's musical approach to playing jazz on the 5-string banjo. Special guest Doub Pearce joins for a few questions and to play some bass. Great times were had! Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Peghead Nation Pat Cloud on the web: www.patcloud.com Contact the show: [email protected] End of the Year Sale on Podcast Merch! Go to www.banjopodcast.com and use coupon code "BYE2020" to get 20% off!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this bonus episode, Keith is joined by Doub Pearce to preview part 2 of the Pat Cloud interview. Doub is a friend of Pat's, made the introduction, and arranged for the studio time for the interview. What hospitality! Doub also appears in the episode as a guest host and bass player, so give him a warm Picky Fingers welcome! Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This Freshly Picked episode features "Rooster" by Max Allard, as well as a Civil War-themed project by Warren Leming titled "A Rich Man's War and a Poor Man's Fight." Max is one of the most telented players and composers in the next generation of banjo players! You'll really enjoy this discussion about his playing and writing. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Peghead Nation, and Banjo Summit. Max's Patreon page Max's website

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with legendary banjo pioneer Pat Cloud, best known for mastering a system of playing jazz using melodic style banjo! Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments. Pat Cloud on the web: www.patcloud.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast A "Freshly Picked" episode, exploring the recent album by banjo visionary Ben Krakauer! Ben is an extraordinarily creative force on the instrument, and this recording has his variety of musical influences on full display. Post-Recording Correction from Ben: I mentioned playing my tunes with Nick, Duncan, and Paul Kowert in 2016, and then Dan taking over bass in 2017, 2018, and 2019. What I forgot to include was that Roy Wooten was the percussionist from 2017-2019, not Nick. And I wanted to give thanks and acknowledgement for all of Roy's contributions and feedback in working up those tunes for those camp concerts! Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Peghead Nation Ben Krakauer on the web: https://www.benkrakauer.com/ Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with Mark Cassidy, the fearless banjoist of The Hillbenders and the Get Down Boys. Topics include how he discovered the banjo, studying with Alan Munde, and opening for The Who! Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments. Mark Cassidy on the web: www.hillbenders.com Contact the show: [email protected] www.banjopodcast.com Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik teaches you how to use the 5th string for more than just drone notes. Some very useful shapes and patterns to improve your playing! Don't forget to download the Tablature Sheet, found at the Patreon link above. Or, contact the show: [email protected] Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Elderly Instruments.

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode profiles the recent album "Prime Time" by the trio of Dan Crary, Bill Evans, and Wally Barnick. Keith is joined by Bill Evans to discuss the background of the group, the selection and aranging of the pieces, and his banjo, singing, and composing contributions. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Peghead Nation (use promo code "pickyfingers" for a FREE month!) Bill Evans on the web: www.billevansbanjo.com

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Greg Deering is the co-founder, with his wife Janet, of Deering Banjos, one of the largest and most popular banjo companies in the world. Topics include how he started the business, the philosophy with which Deering approaches building banjos for their customers, and how Jens Kruger has contributed to recent innovations and developments of Deering's products. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Peghead Nation, and Deering Banjos. Contact the show: www.banjopodcast.com [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik talks to banjo virtuoso Steven Moore. Steven has won almost every major banjo contest in the country with his stunning and beautiful arrangements. He performs with the David Mayfield Parade and Almost Famous. Sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Peghead Nation, and Deering Banjos Steven on the web: www.stevenmoorebanjo.com Ron Landis, fingerpick artist: www.landisstudios.net Contact the show! [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In the first "Freshly Picked" episode, Keith chats with the fantastic 2-finger banjo player Nick Hornbuckle about his recent album "13 or So" on Ruby's Slipper Records. Nick is best known as a member of John Reischman and the Jaybirds, but also happens to write some great original banjo compositions. Nick on the web: www.nickhornbuckle.com www.johnreischman.com Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Deering Banjos Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Enjoy this conversation with Ben Wright, the banjo player for the Henhouse Prowlers. Ben has incredible stories of taking bluegrass all over the globe, on behalf of the U.S. State Department, and forging new connections with people through the common language of music. Ben on the web: www.henhouseprowlers.com www.bluegrassambassadors.org Sponsored by Elderly Instruments and Deering Banjos Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features Torrin Daniels of the popular jamgrass band The Kitchen Dwellers! Topics include his early days of learning, how he gets his unique banjo sound, his experience of working with talented banjo-playing producers, and more. Torrin on the web: www.kitchendwellers.com Contact the show: [email protected] Sponsored by Deering Banjos

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features everyone's banjo hero Ron Block, of Alison Krauss & Union Station! Although that is his primary claim to fame, he has a very prolific career with other solo projects and collaborations, including "A Light So Fair: Peaceful Guitar Instrumentals" and "Banjophony" which pairs Ron's bluegrassy style with Irish tenor banjoist Damien O'Kane, and much more. Ron Block on the web (he even offers Skype/Zoom lessons!): www.ronblock.com Sponsored by Deering Banjos Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In part 2, host Keith Billik dives into the finer points of playing in a jam. Survival skills include how to interact with other jammers, how to incorporate licks into your playing, and how to use those licks to play songs you don't know! Download the TAB SHEET here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/36121276 Sponsored by Deering Banjos Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In part one of the Picky Fingers Jam Survival Guide, Keith Billik discusses topics such as: - The different types of jam sessions - The etiquette of participating in a jam - Advice on how to properly prepare yourself, and what to expect when you start going to jams - Perspectives and advice for experienced jammers Stay tuned for Part 2 next, which will be very heavy on the banjo playing tips! Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik chats with Pau Barjau of Che Apalache. Pau has a very interesting job, interpreting rhythms and sounds that are not typically heard on the banjo! Hear about his unlikely path going from a teenage bass player in Mexico City, to an aspiring banjo player in Buenos Aires, to recording a Grammy-nominated album in the United States with Bela Fleck producing. Che Apalache on the web: www.cheapalache.com Video Links: "The Dreamer" official video "El Tilingo Lingo" (example of harp technique) "Kilometro 11" (example of Chamame style) "Bombo Leguero" (demonstration of traditional Latin American percussion instrument) Sponsored by Deering Banjos Email Picky Fingers: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Hosted by Keith Billik. Clarke Wyatt is a tremendous musician, primarily known as the banjo/guitar player for both the duo Betse & Clark, and also for the Short Round String Band. He has a great outlook and philosophy on what it means to be a traditional musican who also forges his own style. Sponsored by Deering Banjos Clarke Wyatt on the web: www.betseandclarke.com Contact the Show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Hosted by Keith Billik. This episode features one of the most influential banjo players of modern times, Sammy Shelor! Sammy is best known as the longtime 5-stringer for the Lonesome River Band. Sammy is also a 5-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year award winner, along with the 2011 Steve Martin Prize, and numerous other accolades. Sponsored by Peghead Nation and Deering Banjos Use coupon code "pickyfingers" for 30 days of free videos at Peghead Nation! Thanks to Jerry Eicher of The Ol Hippie Bluegrass Show Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik talks with bluegrass banjo superstar Derek Vaden of the Larry Stephenson band about his career, influences, history of learning the instrument, and advice for other players. Derek also pioneered the #tunertunethursday hashtag on Instagram - check it out, and add your own video to the collection! Contact the show: [email protected] Click HERE for Aaron Jonah Lewis's new album, recorded by Keith Billik Click HERE to check out the Ol' Hippie Bluegrass Show!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Listen in as Keith takes a lesson with Davey Jones, the star of Episode #1 of the podcast! Davey teaches his approach to constructing chord melodies- a great way to explore arranging music, especially for solo banjo situations! Davey Jones on the web: www.michiganbanjo.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith talks banjo with Matthew Davis, best known for his contributions to the bands Westbound Situation and Circus No. 9. Great advice on improvising and practice, practice routines, and Matthew's insight into gear and setups. Sponsored by Deering Banjos Matthew Davis on the web: https://www.matthewdavisbanjo.com/ https://www.westboundsituation.com/ https://circusnumbernine.com/ Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this bonus episode, professional banjoist Eli Gilbert (of Dale Ann Bradley's band) describes a special offer for Patreon supporters of the podcast. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! Eli Gilbert on the web: www.eligilbertbanjo.com https://www.youtube.com/eligilbertbanjo Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Hosted by Keith Billik - Part 1 of a conversation with the sensational young banjoist Matthew Davis. Matthew has won multiple banjo contests, performs regularly with modern bluegrass band Circus No. 9 and chambergrass group Westbound Situation, and is raising the bar for the next generation of banjo players. Sponsored by Deering Banjos Matthew Davis on the web: https://www.matthewdavisbanjo.com/ https://www.westboundsituation.com/ https://circusnumbernine.com/ Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Keith Billik talks to Catherine "BB" Bowness about her early days learning banjo in New Zealand, musical influences, approaches to practicing and improvising, and more. BB is best known as the banjoist for the multi-award-winning bluegrass band Mile Twelve. BB on the web: www.miletwelvebluegrass.com www.catherinebowness.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik talks with multi-IBMA award nominee Gina Furtado about her playing style, influences, and advice for other players. Gina is best known as the former banjoist for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, and now fronts her own band, The Gina Furtado Project. Sponsored by Deering Banjos. Gina Furtado on the web: www.ginafurtadobanjo.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for Listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats to 2-time Winfield winner Mike Sumner about his influences, career, how he approaches contest playing, and more. Mike is best known as a National Banjo Champion, as well as a sideman for such artists as Detour, Dale Ann Bradley, Randy Kohrs, Jim Lauderdale, and many more. He has an excellent solo album titled "Winds of Winfield". Sponsored by Deering Banjos. Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik compares sound samples from 15 popular microphones from Audio Technica, DPA, EV, Gold Tone, Heil, Line Audio, Sennheiser, and Shure. Special thanks to Jason Dennie (www.jasondennie.com) and Gold Tone Instruments (www.goldtonemusicgroup.com) for providing demo microphones used in the shootout. LIST OF START TIMES FOR EACH SOUND SAMPLE: Mic #1 - 35:00 Mic #2 - 37:00 Mic #3 - 39:30 Mic #4 - 42:00 Mic #5 - 44:30 Mic #6 - 47:00 Mic #7 - 50:00 Mic #8 - 53:00 Mic #9 - 56:00 Mic #10 - 59:00 Mic #11 - 1:01:30 Mic #12 - 1:04:00 Mic #13 - 1:06:30 Mic #14 - 1:09:00 Mic #15 - 1:11:30 This episode sponsored by Deering Banjos Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik talks to legendary banjo trailblazer Tony Trischka about his early days of learning, composing, performing "weird" music to bluegrass audiences, and much more. Tony Trischka on the web: www.tonytrischka.com Contact the show: [email protected] Sponsored by Deering Banjos: www.deeringbanjos.com Thanks for listening!