#40 – Sammy Shelor
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.
#39 – Derek Vaden
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.
#38 – Chord Melody Lesson
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!
#37 – Matthew Davis, part 2
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.
Bonus – Eli Gilbert’s Patreon Offer
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!
#36 – Matthew Davis, part 1
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.
#35 – BB Bowness
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.
#34 – Gina Furtado
A conversation with one of today’s most exciting banjo players!
#33 – Mike Sumner
One of the most in-demand banjo sidemen and winner of multiple banjo championships.
#32 – Microphone Shootout!
Hear samples and comparisons of 15 popular banjo microphones for live use.
#31 – Tony Trischka
Sage wisdom and stories from a banjo legend
#30 – Grace van’t Hof
Talkin’ banjo (and uke!) with the new banjo player from Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, and Sinner Friends!
#29 – James McKinney
Stories, tips, and demonstrations from a banjo master
#27 – Sam Guthridge
Guest host Aaron Jonah Lewis chats about banjos and music with the banjo player from The High and Wides!
#28 – Janet Beazley
A conversation with the brilliant teacher and banjo player for Chris Stuart & Backcountry
#26 – Jens Kruger
A conversation with the renowned Swiss banjo player/composer and winner of the 2013 Steve Martin prize.
#25 – Joe Troop
Talking banjo with Joe Troop of Che Apalache!
#24 – Left Hand Boot Camp
Play your best by getting in shape!
#23 – Billy Failing and Andy Lytle
2 for 1 episode! Interviews with both the banjo player and sound engineer for Billy Strings.
#22 – Aaron Jonah Lewis
Aaron demonstrates his mastery of multiple eclectic banjo styles!
Bonus – Who is AJL?
A quick intro to the next episode, with a special Announcement
#21 – Chris Pandolfi
The banjo player for the Infamous Stringdusters discusses his approach and playing tips!
#20 – Bradley Laird
Podcaster meets Podcaster!
#19 – Bill Evans
A conversation with the prolific banjo performer, teacher, and author.
#18 – Kyle Tuttle
Talking banjo with one of today’s most in-demand players