Compass

If you’ve heard Noam Pikelny’s recent work with postmodern acoustic adventurers the Punch Brothers, his second solo album – Beat the Devil and Carry a Rail – is bound to feel like a straightforward affair. That’s not to say that it’s lacking in complex ideas. Joined by his Punch brethren and other giants of the acoustic world – including Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas and Stuart Duncan – the 5-string banjo virtuoso tweaks traditional idioms – like fiddle tunes, rollicking reels and old-timey numbers – with a bright melodic approach. Then, there are originals like “All Git Out” and “Bear Dog Grit” (co-written with Chris Thile and Gabe Witcher ) that show Pikelny coloring well outside the lines while keeping the bluegrass drive intact. It all adds up to an inspired, good-humored set.