Beat the Devil & Carry a Rail

• Track Listing

Noam Pikelny is undeniably the next big thing to happen to the 5-string banjo. A player of unparalleled technique, Noam confounds listeners with his mastery of the instrument. As a member of Punch Brothers he has helped to broaden the awareness of the banjo in the mainstream, earning the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music and a coveted appearance on Late Night with David Letterman in the process. On his long-awaited sophomore recording, Noam delivers a set that is as dazzling for it's virtuosity as it is engaging for it's melodic sensibilities. In addition to an all star cast of instrumentalists including Bryan Sutton (guitar), Chris Thile (mandolin), Tim O'Brien (mandolin, fiddle) and Jerry Douglas (dobro), he also shares the spotlight with guest vocalists Aoife O'Donovan (Crooked Still) on a delightful rendering of Tom Waits' 'Fish and Bird' and Tim O'Brien on a re-working of the Henry Thomas classic 'Bob McKinney'. Other standout tracks include a banjo duet with Steve Martin on the old-time standard 'Cluck Old Hen' and a mind boggling, instrumental powerhouse trio featuring Chris Thile and Bryan Sutton on the original 'Bear Dog Grit'.