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]

#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

#122 - Butch Robins 06/27/2023

#122 - Butch Robins This episode features legendary banjoist Butch Robins! Butch played several years with Bill Monroe, and is also well known for his stints with the New Grass Revival, Leon Russell, and his excellent solo recordings, among others. Topics include his views on bluegrass timing, stories about Bill Monroe, his famous pre-war flathead RB-4, and what he REALLY thinks of Billy Strings. Sponsored by , , and Butch on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27284601

#121 - Victor Furtado 06/11/2023

#121 - Victor Furtado This episode features Victor Furtado, a fantastic young clawhammer player who performs and records with The Wildmans as well as his own solo material. Victor is taking clawhammer banjo to brave new places, and demonstrates many of his innovative techniques! He is a winner of the Steve Martin Banjo prize, and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Sponsored by , , and Victor on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/27108174

#120 - Alan Munde (Replay from 6/22/18) 05/31/2023

#120 - Alan Munde (Replay from 6/22/18) Enjoy this replay featuring the legendary banjoist Alan Munde! This interview originally aired 6/22/2018 in two parts as episodes 6 & 7. Alan needs no introduction- he is among the most influential banjo players, composers, and instructors of his generation. After playing with Jimmy Martin, Alan went on to record and perform under his own name, as well as with legendary bands such as Country Gazette, and taught thousands of students during his time at South Plains College. Sponsored by , , and . Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26997579

#119 - Pentatonic Power! 05/15/2023

#119 - Pentatonic Power! Explore the power of the pentatonic scale- a musical device that you've undoubtedly heard many times, but may not know how to take advantage of in your own composing, improvising, and general playing. Topics: What is a pentatonic scale, and how is it constructed? Why is it important, and how is it used? Why does it work the way it does? When you learn major pentatonic scales, you're also learning minor pentatonics! Melodic style pentatonics in the keys of Bb, F, C, G, and D 5 closed-position pentatonic shapes you can use in any key Song & audio examples Download the tablature sheet here: Sponsored by , , and Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26845923

#118 - "Screams Electric" by Ryan Cavanaugh 05/01/2023

#118 - "Screams Electric" by Ryan Cavanaugh Welcome to a Freshly Picked episode featuring a discussion with the incredible bluegrass/jazz/avant garde banjoist Ryan Cavanaugh about his new EP titled "Screams Electric" - and he does just that! The album features Ryan's typically amazing banjo prowess, as well as Doug Belote (drums), Kevin Scott (bass), Billy Cardine (electric Dobro), and Roger Tipping (electric piano). Sponsored by , , and . Ryan on the web: Link to Alan Epstein's bluegrass ensemble class in Saratoga Springs, NY: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26708241

#117 - Ben Krakauer 04/18/2023

#117 - Ben Krakauer This episode features Ben Krakauer, a creative and distinctive banjo player, composer, ethnomusicologist, and educator. Ben is best known for playing with Old School Freight Train (a band that became David Grisman's backup band for a tour!), his two all-original instrumental solo albums, and as a music professor at Warren Wilson College. Sponsored by , , and Ben on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26577201

#116 - Cameron DeWhitt 04/04/2023

#116 - Cameron DeWhitt In this episode, we welcome Cameron DeWhitt back to the show! (Listen back to episode #82 for our previous podcaster vs. podcaster episode) Cameron is a wonderful clawhammer/pitchfork style banjo player, performer, educator, and podcaster. Their podcast "Get Up In the Cool" is among the most popular in the world for a wide variety of old time and related music. Their band, The Tall Poppy String Band, has a fantastic album out and is playing tour dates across the country. Cameron also has some online banjo workshops scheduled, including the one that nobody asked for about playing rags on clawhammer banjo! Sponsored by , , and Cameron on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26441778

#115 - "Things Are Simple" by Bill Evans 03/20/2023

#115 - "Things Are Simple" by Bill Evans Today we have a Freshly Picked Epiosode featuring "Things Are Simple" by Bill Evans! With this appearance on the podcast, Bill secures his lead as world record holder for featured Picky Fingers appearances (currently at 3). We chat about his new album, and plenty of other updates including his family's scary brush with fate, his Peghead Nation courses, other musical projects, songwriters wandering off into the desert never to be seen again, and why he believes his dog witnessed a murder in Louisiana. Sponsored by , , and Bill on the web: Contact the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26283471

#114 - Keith Billik 03/07/2023

#114 - Keith Billik The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast is now 5 years old! In this episode, guest host (and featured guest from Episode #1) Davey Jones turns the mics on Keith, and subjects him to the torment and humiliation that is normally reserved for Keith's interview subjects. Learn all about the man behind the voice that usually just gets to be the one asking the questions! Keith discusses his background in music, his rise to small-time superstardom with bands such as Hot Toe Mitty, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, and now Wilson Thicket. Sponsored by , , and Keith Billik on the web: email the show: [email protected] /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/26148837

#113 - "Close Enough to Hear" by Mile Twelve 02/20/2023

#113 - "Close Enough to Hear" by Mile Twelve Welcome to a "Freshly Picked" episode, featuring a discussion with podcast veteran and banjo phenom B.B. Bowness! She will be taking us on a banjo-centric tour of the new Mile Twelve album titled "Close Enough to Hear," which was just released on February 3, 2023. There are some great songs and sounds on the album and, needless to say, some incredible banjo playing! Sponsored by and Mile Twelve on the web: Contact the show: /episode/index/show/banjopodcast/id/25989906

The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

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