The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#45 - Ron Block May 09, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#44 - Jam Survival, part 2 Apr 18, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#43 - Jam Survival, part 1 Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#42 - Pau Barjau Mar 14, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

#41 - Clarke Wyatt Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#40 - Sammy Shelor Jan 30, 2020

Show notes

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: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#39 - Derek Vaden Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

Click HERE for Aaron Jonah Lewis's new album, recorded by Keith Billik

Click HERE to check out the Ol' Hippie Bluegrass Show!

#38 - Chord Melody Lesson Dec 29, 2019

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

#37 - Matthew Davis, part 2 Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

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: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Bonus - Eli Gilbert's Patreon Offer Nov 16, 2019

Show notes

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:

pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com