The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

The world's top podcast for banjo players, fans, and enthusiasts! Hosted by Keith Billik; listen to interviews with professional players, playing tips, and equipment discussions. Contact the show at [email protected]

#151 - Bob Black 11/23/2024

#151 - Bob Black Bob Black is a legendary bluegrass banjoist, best known for performing & recording with Bill Monroe, Kenny Baker, his current band Banjoy, and many others! He is a true master of the traditional bluegrass style, and was an innovator of the melodic style of playing fiddle tunes on banjo. He is also an author, and has written several books about his time as a Bluegrass Boy, a biography of Roland White, and others. Sponsored by , , , and . Bob on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/34116321

#150 - Brad Campbell 10/24/2024

#150 - Brad Campbell Brad Campbell began playing professionally when he was just a teenager, and went on to tour, record, and perform with bands such as Gary Adams & the Bluegrass Gentlemen, Wendy Smith & Blue Velvet, and finally landed his dream gig playing with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Brad is the very definition of hard-driving bluegrass banjo with huge tone and impeccable timing! Sponsored by , , and Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/33592502

#149 - Jens Kruger (Remix of Episode #26 from May 2019) 09/17/2024

#149 - Jens Kruger (Remix of Episode #26 from May 2019) This episode is a new-and-improved remix of Episode #26 from May of 2019, featuring banjo phenom Jens Kruger. Jens is the longtime banjoist and composer with acclaimed bluegrass group The Kruger Brothers, and has inspired a generation of musicians with his dazzling, inventive, and soulful playing. He is also an innovator in banjo design, and works in that capacity for Deering Banjos. Sponsored by , , , and . Jens on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/33093637

#148 - Johnny Baier 08/30/2024

#148 - Johnny Baier Johnny Baier is one of the world's foremost performers, entertainers, and educators of the 4-string tenor and plectrum banjos. A true virtuoso and student of the traditions of the instrument, Johnny lays down some serious knowledge for any of you unfamiliar with the 4-string banjo world! He is also the director of the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, a 2019 inductee into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame, and a board member of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize. Sponsored by , , , and Johnny on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/32816062

#147 - Ned Luberecki 07/23/2024

#147 - Ned Luberecki Welcome back to Ned Luberecki, the star of Episode #13! Since our last interview, Ned has continued boldly taking the banjo to places no man has gone before! His primary performing gig is with the Becky Buller Band, which just released "Jubilee" which reached #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts! Ned is also a 2024 inductee into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame! Whew! Sponsored by E , , and Ned on the web: Contact the show: Buy Official Picky Fingers Merch!! www.banjopodcast.com /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/32253487

#146 - Rachael Davis 07/04/2024

#146 - Rachael Davis Rachael Davis is an incredible singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist - including some mad clawhammer banjo skills! She is currently Nashville-based and has toured far and wide, but she was raised in Michigan, where she became and remains a folk music legend! She is best known for performing & recording her original solo material, with Shout Sister Shout! (swing & jazz with members of Steppin In It) and with her vocal-based supergroup the Sweet Water Warblers (also featuring May Erlewine and Lindsay Lou). Sponsored by , , , and Rachael on the web: T SHIRT SALE all discontinued colors, and Small/Extra Small shirts of ALL sizes are only $12! Visit Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/32016302

#145 - Randy Barrett 06/18/2024

#145 - Randy Barrett Randy Barrett is a great banjoist in both 3-finger & clawhammer styles, a singer, songwriter, educator, and author. He is best known for his three solo recordings, and his performances with Big Howdy, a Washington, D.C.-based bluegrass band, and as President of Bluegrass Country Radio. His recent book "On Banjo" was a collaboration with, and an examination of the banjo style of, the late great Ben Eldridge. Sponsored by , , , and Randy on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/31783167

#144 - Banjo Effects Primer! 05/21/2024

#144 - Banjo Effects Primer! In this demonstration episode, Keith runs down the list of all the major effects food groups and gives a live demonstration of what they all sound like with acoustic banjo! 03:01 - Intro, overview of episode 15:15 - Dry Banjo Sound (EMG ACB Barrel pickup through Grace Design Felix Preamp) 16:38 - Octave effect (TC Electronics Sub n Up) 21:19 - Envelope Filter (Smokin Amp Co.) 24:34 - Phaser (Whirlwind Rochester; clone of MXR Script Logo Phase 90) 32:01 - Chorus (Boss CE-2W; recreation of Boss CE-2 and CE1) 34:44 - Flanger (Hartman Flanger; clone of Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress [non-deluxe]) 37:03 - Delay (Boss DD-20 Gigadelay) 51:45 - Reverb (TC Electronics Hall of Fame) 57:55 - Compressor (Analogman Bi-Comprossor; 2-channel clone of Ross Compressor and Orange Squeezer) 1:00:25 - Overdrive (Barber Direct Drive) 1:02:07 - Uni Vibe (Pink Floyd demo) 1:06:18 - mic vs pickup and blending (Sennheiser e904) Sponsored by , , , and Questions? Contact the show at [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/31406202

REPLAY - Jim Mills (From Episode #111) 05/10/2024

REPLAY - Jim Mills (From Episode #111) With the unexpected passing of banjo legend Jim Mills (December 18, 1966 – May 3, 2024), we revisit this interview originally released as Episode #111. This episode features the incomporable Jim Mills, one of the top banjo players of his generation and a purveyor of the traditional Scruggs-style of playing. Jim has won the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year award a record 6 times, as well as numerous Grammy awards. He has also established himself as one of the top experts, collectors, and dealers for Pre-War Gibson Mastertone banjos, a subject which he wrote a book about! /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/31234082

#143 - Chris Coole 04/29/2024

#143 - Chris Coole Chris Coole has made a name for himself as one of the top clawhammer banjoists in Old Time and Acoustic music. He is best known for playing in bands such as The Lonesome Ace Stringband and the Foggy Hogtown Boys, collaborations with the likes of Ivan Rosenberg, Erynn Marshall, and John Showman, as well as his solo work. He is also a talented songwriter and instructor, and has an interesting perspective on studying an Appalachian art form in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sponsored by , , , and Chris on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/31035378

#142 - Jim Pankey 04/13/2024

#142 - Jim Pankey This episode features Jim "Wild Jimbo" Pankey, who has played both 3-finger and clawhammer style professionally for many years with the Hamilton County Ramblers and other groups. These days, Jim is a top banjo influencer through his instructional Youtube channel, and has helped thousands of banjoists all over the world in developing their skills through his humorous and informative video content. Sponsored by , , , and Jim on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/30805018

#141 - Kevin Kniebel 03/28/2024

#141 - Kevin Kniebel This episode features Kevin Kniebel, a talented banjoist, singer, and songwriter who performs and records with the jamgrassy old time band Pert Near Sandstone! PNS brings some great songwriting and arrangements to their high-energy, foot-stomping enthusiastic old timey sound, which makes them one of the top must-see live bands on today's festival scene. Sponsored by , , , and Kevin Kniebel on the web: Buy Picky Fingers Merch!! Learn banjo from Keith (and many other fantastic instructors) at Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/30589538

#140 - Colton Powers 03/16/2024

#140 - Colton Powers This episode features Colton Powers, an outstanding bluegrass banjoist and singer, best known for his recordings and performances with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. Colton also attended East Tennessee State University, where he honed his hard driving banjo picking style! Sponsored by , , , and Colton on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/30396498

#139 - "Labor of Lust" feat. Kyle Tuttle 02/29/2024

#139 - "Labor of Lust" feat. Kyle Tuttle This is a "Freshly Picked" episode, featuring the new album "Labor of Lust" by Kyle Tuttle. Kyle is best known for being featured on Episode #18, as well as his performances and recordings with the Jeff Austin Band, the Lil Smokies, and now the Grammy Award-winning Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway! This album shows Kyle stretching his legs as not only a banjo player, but also a songwriter and producer. Check it out! Sponsored by , , and Kyle on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/30172003

#138 - Brian Alley 02/16/2024

#138 - Brian Alley This episode features Brian Alley, a great player in both the 3-finger and clawhammer styles. He is best known for performing and recording with his band: Portland, Oregon-based band Never Come Down. NCD have been gaining major steam on the bluegrass/jamgrass scene, and have a new record to be released in early 2024 titled "Greener Pastures" (produced by Chris Pandolfi). Sponsored by , , and . Brian on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/29980883

#137 - Ken Perlman 02/02/2024

#137 - Ken Perlman This episode features Ken Perlman, an innovative banjoist who blazed the melodic clawhammer trail. He is also known for his efforts in learning, preserving, and teaching various other fiddle music traditions, particularly that of Prince Edward Island. Ken is also one of the foremost leaders in banjo education: he authored of scads of instructional books, and is the camp director for three of the most popular banjo camps in the country. Sponsored by , , and Ken on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/29764683

#136 - Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose 01/19/2024

#136 - Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose This episode features Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose! Sam is a multi-faceted musician adept at both clawhammer and 3-finger playing, as well as composing, singing, and songwriting. They currently perform with one of the top jamgrass bands on the scene The Lil Smokies. Check it out! Sponsored by , , and Sam on the web: Contact the show: Buy Picky Fingers Merch! /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/29566993

#135 - "Off the Edges" by Wilson Thicket 01/05/2024

#135 - "Off the Edges" by Wilson Thicket It's a Freshly Picked episode, featuring the debut EP "Off the Edges" from Michigan-based bluegrass adjacent band Wilson Thicket! Keith sits down with all four members of Wilson Thicket to discuss this landmark dazzling, groundbreaking work of art, including the banjoist who happens to be... Keith himself! Wilson Thicket also features Aaron Markovitz (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Dennie (mandolin, guitar, vocals), and Scott Kendall (upright bass). Sponsored by , , and Wilson Thicket on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/29349653

#134 - "Excelsior" by Alan Munde 12/20/2023

#134 - "Excelsior" by Alan Munde A "Freshly Picked" episode about the new album from banjo legend Alan Munde! Alan and Keith go through several tracks on the album and discuss Alan's approach to the compositions and arrangements. Sponsored by , , and Alan on the web: Get the new Wilson Thicket EP "Off the Edges!" Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/29169423

#133 - Chris Warner 12/06/2023

#133 - Chris Warner This episode features Chris Warner, a banjo player best known for his performing and recording with Jimmy Martin, as well as his several great solo albums! Chris perfectly exemplifies the Jimmy-approved style of hard-driving bluegrass banjo, and is also an in-demand banjo setup tech and neck builder. Check it out! Sponsored by , , , and Buy Picky Fingers Merch at Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28949448

#132 - Janie Rothfield 11/21/2023

#132 - Janie Rothfield This episode features Janie Rothfield, a world-renowned banjoist, fiddler, composer, and educator. Janie has lived in many places, learning from the folks she meets along the way, and tells all about how that has shaped her style on both fiddle and banjo. Sponsored by , , and Janie on the web: Buy Picky Fingers Merch! at Contact: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28749478

#131 - Playing Banjo with Jimmy Martin, feat. Chris Warner and Tom Adams 11/08/2023

#131 - Playing Banjo with Jimmy Martin, feat. Chris Warner and Tom Adams In this special episode, Keith chats with Chris Warner AND Tom Adams: two banjo greats in their own right, but who also happen to both be veterans of Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys band. They share their experiences in dealing with Jimmy from both a personal and professional standpoint, all from a banjo player's perspective! Sponsored by , , and NEW MERCH! /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28558136

#130 - Tabitha Agnew Benedict 10/25/2023

#130 - Tabitha Agnew Benedict This episode features Tabitha Agnew Benedict, a banjo-playing product of Northern Ireland best known for performing and recording with the Foreign Landers and Cup O'Joe, as well as the all-female British bluegrass band Midnight Skyracer! Tabitha has a creative and masterful approach to playing not only traditional-style bluegrass, but also her own original compositions and interpretations of traditional American and Irish fiddle tunes. Sponsored by , , and Tabitha on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28416791

#129 - Ben Eldridge 10/11/2023

#129 - Ben Eldridge This episode features Ben Eldridge, the highly influential banjo player best known for his work with the groundbreaking band The Seldom Scene, with whom he performed and recorded for several decades. Ben's blending of driving bluegrass playing with cascading melodic passages and tasteful accompaniment has made him an inspiring player for newer generations of banjoists. Ben also played and recorded with Cliff Waldron, Tony Rice, and more! Ben also has a new book out, co-written with Randy Barrett, titled On Banjo - . Also on this episode is Ben's wife Barbara Eldridge, who graciously assisted in both the questions and storytelling for the interview. Thanks Barb! Sponsored by , , and Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28283114

#128 - Tom Adams 09/25/2023

#128 - Tom Adams This episode features Tom Adams, one of the most influential banjo players of his generation! Tom is best known for his exciting, energetic, creative, and driving banjo style which earned him multiple IBMA Banjo Player of the Year awards. He is best known for his performances and recordings with such artists as Jimmy Martin, The Johnson Mountain Boys, Blue Highway, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Michael Cleveland, and many more. Sponsored by , , and Tom on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28133141

#127 - John Bullard 09/12/2023

#127 - John Bullard This episode features John Bullard, a performer and author who has dedicated his efforts toward playing authentic renditions of classical music on the banjo! John discusses his background learning bluegrass banjo and classical guitar, and the decision to combine the two passions. Sponsored by , , and John on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/28006941

#126 - Casey Henry 08/29/2023

#126 - Casey Henry This episode features Casey Henry! Casey has been exposed to banjo music her entire life (via her parents Murphy and Red Henry), and has been teaching and playing professionally since her teenage years. She is best known for her performances and recordings with such groups as Uncle Earl, the Dixie Bee Liners, Casey & Chris and the Two Stringers, and her many lessons taught both privately and through the Murphy Method instructional platform. Sponsored by , , and Casey on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27880095

#125 - Riley Baugus 08/14/2023

#125 - Riley Baugus Riley Baugus is one of the top Old Time clawhammer banjoists, singers, guitarists, and open-back banjo builders out there on the scene today! He is best known for his solo work, as well as collaborations with Dirk Powell, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, T-Bone Burnett, and many more! Recorded at Midwest Banjo Camp. Sponsored by , , and Sale on all Picky Fingers Merch! Go to and use coupon code "summer23" for 23% off your entire order! Valid now through August 31. Riley on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27747048

#124 - "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" Revisited! Feat. Tony Trischka & Pete Wernick 07/25/2023

#124 - "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" Revisited! Feat. Tony Trischka & Pete Wernick Today's episode looks at the "behind-the-scenes" journey of making the best banjo book in existence: The Masters of the 5-String Banjo! Published nearly 40 years ago and written by banjo legends Tony Trischka & Pete Wernick, the book featured everything a true banjo nerd could want to know: in-depth interviews with the top players of the day, tablature of signature tunes, detailed photos, and a comprehensive table with details on nearly 50 additional professional banjo players. Sponsored by , , and . Tony on the web: Pete on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27561246

#123 - Murphy Henry 07/10/2023

#123 - Murphy Henry This episode's guest is the great bluegrass banjoist, author, and educator Murphy Henry! Murphy made a name for herself with her energetic banjo playing and singing, and has broadened her reach in recent years to writing (including her 2013 book "Pretty Good For a Girl" about the history of women in bluegrass) and of course teaching: she founded The Murphy Method, which has taught untold scores of banjo players worldwide, along with a steady stream of private students. Sponsored by , , and Murphy on the web: Contact the Show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27423504

The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

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