The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, Keith talks in-depth about banjos and music with Grace van't Hof, who is a multi-talented singer and instrumentalist. Grace is best known as the brand new banjo player for multi-award-winning bluegrass group Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, as well as for her work in her country duo Sinner Friends. She is also an excellent graphic artist who designed the great logo for The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast!! Grace on the web: www.chrisjonesgrass.com www.sinnerfriends.com www.gracevanthof.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Hosted by Keith Billik. James McKinney tells tons of stories about finding his way in the music world, including run-ins with legends like Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, The Grateful Dead, and many more. James is currently the banjo player for The Night Travelers. James McKinney on the web: www.nighttravelers.com Contact/follow the show: [email protected] Twitter: @banjopodcast Instagram: @picky_fingers Facebook: Picky Fingers Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with Janet Beazley about her musical career, influences, and advice for other players. Janet is best known for her banjo (and flute and whistle!) playing with Chris Stuart & Backcountry. She is also a very popular teacher at various music camps around the U.S. Contact the show! [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Guest hosted by Aaron Jonah Lewis. Sam Guthridge is best known for his playing with his Baltimore/Washington D.C. area band The High and Wides. They have a very interesting blend of "lost" string band styles combined with other modern influences. Sam Guthridge on the web: www.thehighandwides.com www.samguthridge.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with banjo virtuoso Jens Kruger of The Kruger Brothers about his style, background, and philosophy about music. Jens is a widely renowned performer and has won many awards, including the 2013 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo. Special thanks to Peghead Nation (www.pegheadnation.com) - use coupon code "pickyfingers" for 30 days of free videos! Jens on the web: www.krugerbrothers.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Guest host Aaron Jonah Lewis interviews Joe Troop about his career, influences, and philosophy on playing the banjo! Joe Troop is an Argentina-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and vocalist currently performing with Che Apalache, a band that fuses traditional string band sounds with tango, latin, Afro-Cuban, and other influences. Joe Troop on the web: www.joetroop.com www.cheapalache.com Contact the show! [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik follows up on Episode 5's Right Hand Boot Camp with exercises to strengthen and improve your Left hand's technique, speed, and accuracy! Download the accompanying tablature sheet: www.banjopodcast.libsyn.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This episode features 2 interviews! Don't stop listening after the first! Billy Failing is a fantastic young banjo player and songwriter, best known for his playing with Billy Strings. Billy talks with host Keith Billik about his early days learning the banjo, the important things he has learned over the years, and his instrument and gear of choice. Andy Lytle is the sound engineer for Billy Strings. He shares his background, tips, and philosophy about how to achieve the best sounding performance. Billy Failing on the web: www.billyfailing.com www.billystrings.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik is joined by talented multi-instrumentalist and dynamic performer Aaron Jonah Lewis! Aaron talks about and demonstrates many different styles that many banjo fans may not have heard before! Aaron Jonah Lewis on the web: https://aaronjonahlewis.com/ Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast This show is a quick introduction to the guest of upcoming episode #22, along with a special announcement regarding future episodes. Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik is joined by Chris Pandolfi, the banjo player for the Grammy award-winning Infamous Stringdusters! Chris discusses his playing style, influences, and gives great advice for banjo players of all levels on how to practice new ideas and improve your playing. Chris Pandolfi on the web: www.chrispandolfi.com www.theinfamousstringdusters.com www.tradplus.net Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, Keith chats with multi-instrumentalist and fellow bluegrass podcaster Bradley Laird, the host of Grass Talk Radio. We chat about musical backgrounds, why we started our podcasts, and the challenges and goals of hosting our own shows. Bradley Laird on the web: www.bradleylaird.com Contact the show! [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Keith Billik interviews a true banjo renaissance man! Bill Evans has made a prolific career out of everything related to the banjo: he performs, teaches, and writes about the instrument to a huge audience of listeners and students. He is an historian who has also studied personally with such greats as J.D. Crowe and Sonny Osborne. Get 30 FREE days of great instructional videos through Peghead Nation! go to www.pegheadnation.com and use coupon code "pickyfingers" at checkout! Bill Evans on the web: www.billevansbanjo.com Contact the Show! [email protected] Thanks for listening.

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik chats with Kyle Tuttle, one of the hottest young banjo players on the scene. Kyle tours primarily with the Jeff Austin Band, but is also a sideman for numerous other groups. Kyle is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has won multiple banjo contests, including the National Banjo Championship in Winfield, KS. Kyle on the web: www.kyletuttle.com Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik teaches you the basics of using passing chords to transition between the typical G/C/D chords that get played in most bluegrass songs. This lesson is for high beginner/lower intermediate skill level players. Download the accompanying TAB SHEET: www.banjopodcast.libsyn.com Thanks for listening! Contact the show: [email protected]

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik interviews banjo great Mike Munford, banjoist with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and the 2013 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year. Mike is one of the most admired and respected players on the scene, and is also an expert setup technician and pre-war Gibson banjo expert. Mike Munford on the web: www.dirtykitchenband.com Contact the Show! [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast In this episode, host Keith Billik talks to former National Banjo Champion Ira Gitlin. Ira is a fixture in the bluegrass and banjo community, and is well known for his abilities on banjo, guitar, and bass, and is a prolific teacher as well. This episode contains an excerpt of the song "Newton Grove" performed by The Johnson Mountain Boys. Ira Gitlin on the web: www.iragitlin.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Host Keith Billik talks to banjo designer and builder Tom Nechville, the man behind Nechville banjos. Nechville banjos are known for their futuristic designs, sleek simplicity, and new approaches to a traditional instrument. This podcast contains an excerpt from "Gum Tree Canoe" performed by John Hartford. Tom Nechville on the web: www.nechville.com Contact the show: [email protected]

Support the Podcast! www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Hosted and produced by Keith Billik. Ned Luberecki is a wrecking ball of banjo enthusiasm! He is currently the banjo player with The Becky Buller Band, and is also well known for his playing with Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, various solo projects, and for hosting a variety of bluegrass-oriented programs on Sirius XM satellite radio. This episode contains an excerpt of "Calamity Jane" performed by Becky Buller. Ned on the web: www.nedski.com Contact the show: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

Being able to play (or sing?) harmony parts is one of the most useful skills to have as a banjo player, especially when playing with other musicians. In this episode, Keith teaches you how to find basic harmony parts using a system of finding the proper interval with the major scale. Get the tab sheet for this episode! Go to banjopodcast.libsyn.com, or email the show at [email protected] Support the show! www.patreon.com/banjopodcast There are lots of short sound clips in this episode! In the order of appearance, they are: "Your Love is Like a Flower" performed by the Bluegrass Album Band "Silver Bell" performed by Buddy Emmons "And Your Bird Can Sing" performed by The Beatles "When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" performed by The Ritz "Arkansas Traveler" performed by David Peters "Telluride" performed by the David Grisman Quintet "I'm Goin' Back Home Where I Belong" performed by Don Rich & the Buckaroos "Bye Bye Love" performed by the Everly Brothers "Abide With Me" performed by Thelonious Monk "Born to be With You" performed by J.D. Crowe "Steam Powered Aereo Plane" performed by John Hartford "All Blues" performed by Miles Davis "Revival" performed by the Allman Brothers Band "Up And Around the Bend" performed by Bela Fleck

Ryan Cavanaugh is best known for his innovative approach to playing jazz on the 5-string banjo, his tenure with legendary saxophonist Bill Evans's band Soulgrass, and his current group the Songs From the Road Band. In Part 2 of 2, Keith talks to Ryan Cavanaugh about his experience touring the world in Bill Evans's band, the details of his instruments and gear, and his new project, the Songs From the Road Band. Ryan Cavanaugh on the web: http://www.ryancavanaughbanjo.com www.songsfromtheroadband.com Support the Show! www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Contact Picky Fingers (Keith Billik): [email protected]

Ryan Cavanaugh is best known for his innovative approach to playing jazz on the 5-string banjo, his tenure with legendary saxophonist Bill Evans's band Soulgrass, and his current group the Songs From the Road Band. In Part 1 of 2, Keith talks to Ryan Cavanaugh about his early days learning banjo, playing (and winning!) banjo contests, his influences (especially John McLaughlin), and pursuit of ways to play jazz on 3-finger banjo! This episode features sound clips from: "Meeting of the Spirits" performed by John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia, and Larry Coryell, and "Impressions" performed by Pat Martino. Ryan Cavanaugh on the web: http://www.ryancavanaughbanjo.com www.songsfromtheroadband.com Support the Show! www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Contact Picky Fingers (Keith Billik): [email protected]

Keith talks to Greg Cahill, one of the most prolific ambassadors of the banjo and bluegrass music. Greg is best known as the banjo player and bandleader of Special Consensus. This episode contains excerpts from the following songs: "Sherwood Square" performed by Greg Cahill. Available on LP and Youtube. "Way Down the River Road" performed by Special Consensus, available on iTunes. "Blue Skies" performed by Greg Cahill & Don Stiernberg, available on iTunes. Greg Cahill on the web: specialc.com Support the show for as little as $1 per month! www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Contact the Podcast: [email protected]

Keith speaks with Wes Corbett about his banjo journey, from discovering the instrument as a teenager to becoming a full-time touring professional. Wes is best known for his work as the banjoist for the Molly Tuttle Band, Joy Kills Sorrow, the Bee Eaters, and his duo with Simon Chrisman. He also produces records, teaches privately and at various music camps, and was the banjo professor at the Berklee College of Music. Contains excerpt from the song "Camp Sherman" by Simon Chrisman & Wes Corbett, available on iTunes. Wes on the internet: www.wescorbett.com Email the show: [email protected] Support the show: www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Thanks for listening!

This is the second half of Keith's conversation with Alan Munde, a very influential banjoist best known for his playing with Jimmy Martin, Country Gazette, and on various solo projects. Recorded at Midwest Banjo Camp 2018. This episode contains excerpts from: "Snowflake Breakdown" by Bobby Hicks, available on iTunes; and "Sally Goodin'" by Eck Robertson, available on iTunes. Alan Munde on the web: www.alanmundesbanjocollege.com Contact the show: [email protected] Support the Show: www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Thanks for listening!

This is the first half of Keith's conversation with Alan Munde, a very influential banjoist best known for his playing with Jimmy Martin, Country Gazette, and on various solo projects. Recorded at Midwest Banjo Camp 2018. This episode contains an excerpt from "Moose Trot" by Harlow Wilcox, available on iTunes. Alan Munde on the web: www.alanmundesbanjocollege.com Contact the show: [email protected] Support the Show: www.patreon.com/banjopodcast Thanks for listening!

Nothing helps your playing more than solid right hand picking! Keith demonstrates his techniques and practice exercises for improving right hand timing, accuracy, and speed. Players of ALL skill levels will benefit from these exercises - 100% guaranteed or your money back! Tab Sheets for this and all other lessons can be downloaded here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/all-tab-sheets-33879911 The metronome program Keith uses to demonstrate the exercises is called Band In A Box, and is available at www.pgmusic.com. Thanks for listening!

Host Keith Billik talks with Michael Arlen Bont of Greensky Bluegrass about his playing style, instruments, the history of the band, and more. Part 2 of 2. Mike Bont on the web: www.greenskybluegrass.com Instagram: @bontzilla Stay in touch with The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast: [email protected] Instagram: @pickyfingersbanjopodcast Twitter: @banjopodcast Facebook: Picky Fingers www.banjopodcast.com Thanks for listening!

Host Keith Billik talks with Michael Arlen Bont of Greensky Bluegrass about his playing style, instruments, the history of the band, and more. Part 1 of 2. Things you will learn from this episode: - How Mike's dead cat is communicating with him from the afterlife, - the secret to winning the band competition at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and - why Mike believes that his bandmate Paul Hoffman is the Mr. T of bluegrass music! Mike Bont on the web: www.greenskybluegrass.com Instagram: @bontzilla Stay in touch with The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast: [email protected] Instagram: @pickyfingersbanjopodcast Twitter: @banjopodcast Facebook: Picky Fingers www.banjopodcast.com Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Keith teaches you a very useful technique that he learned from the playing of one of his favorite banjo players, Jim Mills. Jim Mills is an award-winning bluegrass banjo player, best known for his playing with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Keith discovered his playing by listening to a fantastic album, "The Grass is Blue" by Dolly Parton, and also loves Jim's three solo albums. This playing tip is classified as Intermediate level. You are expected to know the Foggy Mountain Roll, and chord inversions for the G, C, and D chords, in order to fully benefit from this episode. Enjoy! And direct any comments to: [email protected] Twitter: @banjopodcast Instagram: @pickyfingersbanjopodcast

The first full episode of The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast! Hosted by Keith Billik. Recorded 2/1/18. In this episode, Keith talks to Davey Jones, the banjo player for the popular indie-folk band Frontier Ruckus. They discuss Davey's approach to his role in this not-very-bluegrassy band, his onstage banjo setup, his various other projects and influences, and more. This podcast contains an excerpt from the Frontier Ruckus song "Positively Freaking," written by Matthew Milia, from the album "Enter the Kingdom." Frontier Ruckus on the web: www.frontierruckus.com Davey's personal web page: www.michiganbanjo.com The song Davey describes called "Foggy Mountain Landscape" is available for free download here: https://www.banjohangout.org/archive/173177 To contact The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast with comments, suggestions, questions or inquiries: email: [email protected] url: www.banjopodcast.com Twitter: @banjopodcast Thanks for listening!

The first episode of the brand new Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast! Hosted by Keith Billik. This is a short introductory episode - first full episode coming soon! banjopodcast.com Twitter - @banjopodcast