The Bandwich Tapes

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of talking with Ray Herndon, a musician whose story stretches from Scottsdale’s legendary Handlebar J to the road with Lyle Lovett and the harmonies of McBride & The Ride. Ray and I start by digging into his family’s club, Handlebar J, which has been a Scottsdale institution for 50 years. We talk about the balance of being both a musici...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I catch up with my former student and friend, Noah Young. Noah’s a versatile musician: drum set player, former Baylor University snare drummer, and a committed bagpiper with the Atlanta Pipe Band (where he also serves as VP). We trace his path from a Cajun-rooted musical home and an elite youth piping program, through Wesleyan School drumline and chapel band,...

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I catch up with the powerhouse duo Striking Matches (Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis). Our conversation weaves together their incredible journey, from garage jams in Georgia and formative years at Belmont University to charting their own artistic path on international stages. We talk about the early sparks : how a chance pairing at Belmont led to instant m...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with drummer Matt Starr, the acclaimed Canadian-born, Los Angeles–based musician currently touring with Sarah McLachlan. We talk about Matt’s unique musical journey, from starting violin lessons at age five through the Suzuki method to eventually discovering his lifelong calling behind the drum kit. Matt shares how his early orchestral training sh...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I reconnect with my old Belmont University neighbor and longtime friend, Jeremy Casella . Jeremy and I first met on the third floor of Pembroke Hall, and after nearly 30 years, it was a joy to sit down and trace the threads of music, friendship, and life that still connect us today. Jeremy shares stories from his early days at Belmont, discovering artists li...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I get to reconnect with my good friend and former colleague, Brock Derringer. Brock and I shared a lot of time on stage, in the pit, and the music department at Wesleyan School, and it was a blast to sit down and dig into his story. We start with Brock’s roots in small-town Thomasville, Georgia, a place with an unexpectedly rich arts scene, and trace his jour...

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled to have a conversation with my friend, Steve Cunningham.  Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Steve Cunningham draws inspiration from a wide range of artists—Led Zeppelin, Pat Metheny, Yes, and the Brecker Brothers—blending their influence with his deep appreciation for all genres of music. After relocating to Atlanta, he picked up the lap steel g...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Rita Bliss, a fantastic musician, songwriter, and banjo player whose work blends old-time, Americana, and folk traditions with a fresh, personal twist. We discuss her musical journey, the deep roots of music in her family, and how growing up surrounded by instruments and storytelling influenced her voice and perspective. Rita opens up about he...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with the incredible Maeve Gilchrist, a Scottish harpist, composer, and innovator whose work bridges folk traditions and contemporary sounds. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Maeve was immersed in Celtic music from a young age and later studied at Berklee College of Music, where she expanded her approach to the harp through jazz, improvisation, and wo...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I reconnect with my old friend and fellow musician Eddie Brumlow for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. We talk about the unexpected turns life takes and how those shifts have shaped our paths as performers and educators. Eddie opens up about the formative moments and mentors that helped shape his musical identity, the joy (and chaos) of memorable gi...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Brett Dietz, Director of Percussion at LSU, and someone who had a tremendous impact on my own family. Brett taught my son Skyler throughout his college years, and I've long admired him as both an educator and an artist. This was a special and personal conversation. We discuss Brett's journey from studying under Mich...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I reconnect with my longtime friend Chad Jeffers. We go back to our days at Belmont University, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey unfold, from growing up in East Tennessee playing in family bands to touring the world with some of the biggest names in music. Chad shares stories from his early days performing with his dad and brother, forming the ba...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I talk with producer, mixer, and engineer Rachael Moore, whose work spans some of the biggest names in music and film. Rachael has been a major force in Nashville for over a decade, collaborating with legends such as Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and T-Bone Burnett. She also produced and recorded all the music for the Showtime series George & Tammy , star...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with William James, Principal Percussionist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. We talk about his journey through the world of orchestral percussion, from early influences and summer programs to the high-pressure world of auditions. Will shares thoughtful insights on what it takes to succeed as a modern percussionist, both musically and administr...

In this conversation, I sit down with Matt Rollings to explore his incredible journey as a musician. We talk about the early family influences that helped shape his path, his time in Nashville, and the career milestones that followed. Matt opens up about the importance of feel and connection in music, and how those elements often outweigh technical precision. This episode is especially meaningful...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with guitarist Mike Seal about his incredible musical journey. We dig into his early influences, the development of his unique fingerstyle technique, and his collaborations with some truly legendary musicians. Mike reflects on the impact of his teachers on his growth, the value of music education, and how music festivals have helped shape his sense of...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk again with my musical brother, the amazing Tim Hamilton. Tim's had such a rich and fascinating career that we absolutely needed to talk again. If you haven't heard the first interview with him, I encourage you to go back and listen.  In this follow-up, Tim shares what life’s been like recently, including the highs and challenges of a packed summer gig...

In this episode, I catch up with my longtime friend Dylan Rosson for a conversation full of music and memories.  Dylan and I reflect on the evolving country music scene, the challenges and rewards of life on the road, and how our influences have guided us through it all. Dylan shares his work as a session musician, including his time touring with Scotty McCreery, and shares what he's learned about...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with Michael Watson to explore the life of a working musician. We dive into the challenges, influences, and experiences that shape a career in music, from the struggles of touring to the evolution of legendary groups like the Drifters and the Platters. Michael shares vivid stories from his time on the road with the Platters, including unforgettabl...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I catch up with the high-octane, genre-bending band Big Love Car Wash for a lively conversation about their sound, their story, and their musical chemistry. Big Love Car Wash blends funk, rock, soul, and jazz into a groove-driven experience that’s equal parts throwback and fresh. Known for their tight rhythm section, soulful vocals, and a live show that gets...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with renowned bassist, composer, and producer Viktor Krauss for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about his musical path, creative process, and the many collaborations that have shaped his career. Viktor Krauss is one of contemporary music's most versatile and respected bassists. He’s played with an astonishing array of artists, including...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the remarkably versatile vocalist and musician David Blamires for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about his global musical journey, his time with the Pat Metheny Group, and his solo career. Born in the UK and raised in Canada, David’s voice has left its mark across genres. He’s perhaps best known for his work with the Pat Metheny Gr...

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with world-renowned drummer Tom Brechtlein for an in-depth conversation about his life behind the kit, his musical influences, and the legendary artists he’s worked with. Tom Brechtlein is best known for his powerful, precise drumming and dynamic performances across jazz, rock, and fusion. He’s toured and recorded with incredible musicians, includ...

In this special re-release of The Bandwich Tapes , we revisit my conversation with Brian Jarrett, a remarkable musician, friend, and human being who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer. Brian’s passion, kindness, and unwavering love for music and community left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Before we revisit this interview, I sit down with Mark Mundy to share memories of...

To prepare for the next season of The Bandwich Tapes, I am re-releasing some of my favorite episodes.  In this riveting episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of talking with the supremely talented musician Howard Levy. Renowned for his virtuosity on both the harmonica and piano, Howard has rightfully earned his place as one of the world's most respected and sought-after musicians. Duri...