The B’s are getting crowded.

In Episode 10 of Tone Chasers & String Benders, Chaz Charles and Dr. Porifera Glund continue their alphabetical journey through 1,000 legendary guitarists, moving from outrageous metal virtuosity and Michael Jackson-sized stages to bebop, Steely Dan precision, pedal steel and the Flying Burrito Brothers.

And somewhere along the way, they may even find the right Don Beck.

Featured guitarists in this episode:

Michael Angelo Batio – Metal virtuosity taken to its logical extreme. The famous double guitar, ambidextrous playing, sweep picking and enough technique to make two fretboards seem almost reasonable.

Jennifer Batten – Known to millions as Michael Jackson’s guitarist, but listen beyond the spectacle and there’s serious command of the instrument: tapping, harmonics, trills and little technical details everywhere. Her connection with Jeff Beck opens a larger discussion about influence and developing your own voice.

Billy Bauer – Back to the sophisticated jazz guitar of the 1940s and ’50s. Bauer worked with musicians including Lennie Tristano and Woody Herman, playing guitar that converses with the ensemble rather than trying to dominate it. An unfamiliar name becomes exactly the kind of discovery this show exists to make.

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and one of the great lessons in knowing exactly where the guitar belongs. Baxter could step forward when required, but his real genius may have been understanding how a perfectly placed guitar part can help make the entire record work.

Don Beck – Supposedly the pedal-steel guitarist associated with the Flying Burrito Brothers. Unfortunately, the first Don Beck Chaz and Glund find doesn't sound remotely like that guy. Cue an on-air investigation involving multiple Don Becks, questionable internet evidence, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman and an increasingly desperate search for the guitarist they're actually supposed to be discussing.

Featured recordings include:

Michael Angelo Batio / Manowar – “Kings of Metal” Jennifer Batten – Live at the Blue Note Jeff Beck – “Highway Jam” (discussed in connection with Batten) Billy Bauer – “When It’s Sleepy Time” Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” Steely Dan – “Bodhisattva” and early Baxter-era selections Don Beck – “War Gods” — definitely listened to; apparently the wrong Don Beck The Flying Burrito Brothers – selections from The Last of the Red Hot Burritos featuring the Don Beck they were actually looking for The Flying Burrito Brothers – “Sin City,” “Dark End of the Street,” “Juanita” and “Hot Burrito” material

Sometimes you discover a guitarist. Sometimes you rediscover one.

And sometimes you go looking for a pedal-steel player and wind up listening to “War Gods.”

Five more guitarists down.

950 to go.

Hosted by Chaz Charles and Dr. Porifera Glund.

Only on the Boneless Podcasting Network.