The Bandwich Tapes

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with one of my dearest friends and musical heroes, Bill Cunningham. I have known Bill since I was a kid, and we have played together many times. He is like a big brother to me, and I have learned so much from him. We are joined by my pal, Mark Mundy. We talk about all things steel guitar. Bill also reflects on his early interest in the instrument and the influence of his father, Howard Cunningham, a renowned musician in Georgia. We discuss and talk about the history and growth of the Georgia Mountain Fair, the influence of the fairgrounds on musicians, connections and collaborations between musicians, opportunities for young musicians to get their start, and Bill's musical journey. We discuss some memorable gigs we have played together, including performances with Dennis Brown, Brad Thompson, and Kenny Smith. Bill shares his early attraction to jazz music and his love for jazz guitar players like Joe Pass and George Benson. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with my friend and musician, Steven Fink. Although we have not been in the same room together many times, I consider him one of my dearest friends. We discuss his passion project, Sonora, and his time touring and recording with The Grapes. We also talk about our love of Frank Zappa and a guy named Brooks Smith. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode, I speak with the incredible Rory Hoffman. We discuss Rory's career, musical influences, and unique playing style. Rory talks about his experience playing with various artists, including Ricky Skaggs, Kacey Musgraves, and John Cowan. He also shares his journey as a multi-instrumentalist and the advantages of having perfect pitch. Rory reflects on his family band and its impact on his musical development. The conversation concludes with Rory discussing his move to Nashville and his experiences in the music industry. Rory Hoffman discusses his journey as a musician and his challenges as a blind multi-instrumentalist. He talks about his early days in music, his move to Nashville, and how he got his name out in the music scene. Rory emphasizes the importance of showing up, doing good work, and building a network to get gigs. He also shares his experiences as a utility player, playing various instruments in different genres. Rory discusses his work in film and his collection of world and ethnic instruments. I hope you enjoy our conversation! You can learn more about Rory at roryhoffman.com Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down to talk with my friend, Tom Knight. Tom is an incredible drummer who spent years as the recording and touring drummer for TLC. He has also recorded with diverse artists such as Monica and Stevie Nicks. We discuss Tom's music journey and his voiceover artist work. I hope you enjoy our conversation! You can learn more about Tom at tomknightdrums.com Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with my friend Jim Wood. Jim and I have known each other for many years and grew up playing & singing together at the Georgia Mountain Fair. I have been lucky enough to play many gigs with him over the years, and he is one of my favorite people on the planet. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jim! Please tell your friends about the show. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with my friend Wendell Cox. Wendell has been Travis Tritt's lead guitarist and right-hand man for over thirty years. He has played every tour with him and recorded on many of his hit records. I have been lucky enough to play many gigs with Wendell over the years, and he is truly one of my favorite musicians. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Wendell! Please tell your friends about the show. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down to talk with my friend, David Ellis. David and I met years ago and have played many gigs together. He is an in-demand utility musician specializing in guitar, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, & banjo. We discuss his formative years, early bands, and current projects. We also talk about some of the more memorable gigs we have played together, like the wedding at the Stringbean murder site, The Frederick Brown Celebration, and both of us being One Degree of Kevin Bacon. I hope you enjoy my conversation with David! Please tell your friends about the show. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, get ready for an exciting conversation with Rob Meany, an incredible musician and songwriter. Join me as we journey into Rob's musical world, tracing the formation of his band, Terramara, to his influence on the Minneapolis music scene. We dive deep into his early days in Duluth, Minnesota, exploring his musical upbringing and the diverse artists who shaped his sound. From classical piano to jazz band gigs, Rob's musical journey is captivating. Tune in as we uncover the inspirations behind his songwriting process and gain insight into his recording methods. Rob's songs have also been featured in many national and international TV programs such as Supernatural (CW), Making The Movie: The Watchmen (UK), Animal Planet, Biography (A & E), Dress My Nest (Style Network), Emeril Green, Man Vs. Food (Travel Channel), among others. You can learn more about him at www.robmeany.com and hear his music on all streaming platforms. Music from Episode: Fate Won't Wait - Rob Meany & Terramara All that I Am - Rob Meany & Terramara Smoke & Mirrors - Rob Meany & Terramara Afterlife - Rob Meany Dreamers in Dreamland - Rob Meany & Terramara Beautiful Circles - Rob Meany & Terramara Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode, I speak with one of my heroes, percussionist Glen Velez. Glen is a legendary percussionist, composer, innovator, and educator. He is well-known and respected for discovering and revitalizing the frame drum. A four-time Grammy winner, he incorporated his classical training and his studies from various drum cultures to create his style of drumming and teaching. We discuss his time performing with Steve Reich and Musicians and recording with the Pat Metheny Group and Trio Globo. We also discuss his research and study of frame drums in various cultures and how he developed a groundbreaking unified language for the instrument. You can learn more about Glen at www.glenvelez.com. Music from Episode: Music for 18 Musicians - Steve Reich and Musicians Hatra - Glen Velez Snake Eyes - Glen Velez The Heat of the Day - Pat Metheny Group Giant Steps - Trio Globo Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode, I talk with my longtime friends, Coby Rosson and Courtnie Downs. I met the Rosson Family years ago when my band played at the Mall of Georgia Amphitheater. Their dad, David, invited me to their house to play music with them. Something told me that I should go. Within a minute of hearing them play and sing, I was immediately hooked on their vocal harmonies and beautiful guitar playing. Since then, we have played together in many configurations and forged a lifelong friendship. They are like siblings to me. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode, I dive into the life and career of Matthew Kaminski. Matthew Kaminski is a renowned jazz organist, pianist, and composer in Atlanta, Georgia. His musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the organ. Matthew plays with several bands in the Atlanta area and is an in-demand player on organ, piano, and accordion. He is also known for his role as the official organist for the Atlanta Braves. To learn more about Matthew, see his upcoming schedule, and purchase his music, please visit www.matthewkaminski.com. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my dear friend, the talented and versatile George Sandler. George shares his journey in the world of drumming, and we share stories (and lots of laughs) from our 20+ year relationship. We have played hundreds of gigs together, and he is truly as good as it gets. We discuss George's approach to drumming, the importance of practice and technique, and his experiences working with various artists in different genres. George also shares some valuable insights and tips for aspiring drummers looking to make it in the music industry. We also reminisce about our friendship and some of the more memorable gigs we have played, including the one where a woman brought a goat. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredibly talented musician Howard Levy. Known for his mastery of the harmonica and piano, Howard has become one of the world's most respected and sought-after musicians. During our conversation, Howard shared some fascinating insights into his musical journey and the unique techniques he has developed over the years. He discussed how he first discovered his love for music and started playing the harmonica at a young age. Howard also delved into his groundbreaking approach to playing the harmonica, known as "overblowing." He explained how this technique allows him to play notes beyond the instrument's traditional range, creating a unique and powerful sound. He even demonstrated some of his remarkable skills live on the podcast. Aside from discussing his musical techniques, Howard also opened up about his experiences performing with various artists and bands, including Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. He shared stories from his time on the road and memorable moments throughout his career. We discussed his career, including recording with Donald Fagen, his work with the incredible Trio Globo, and his current project, The Howard Levy Four. We also chat about recording together a song by my friend, Steven Fink. Furthermore, Howard discussed his passion for teaching music and his dedication to passing on his knowledge to aspiring musicians. He shared the inspiration and development of his book, "Rhythms of the Breath." Throughout the episode, Howard's passion for music and his genuine love for his craft shone through. His infectious enthusiasm and captivating storytelling made for an incredibly engaging conversation that will inspire and entertain listeners. For more information about Howard, please visit his website (www.levyland.com). Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode, I talk with the incredible Eric Tippens. Eric and I met in the late 1990s and immediately became close friends. He is a successful performer, arranger, producer, and teacher. Eric holds a Master of Church Music degree from Lee University and has studied piano and/or orchestration with greats like Eloise Phillips, Lari Goss, and more. We talk about our history with each other, playing in the studio, and chart writing. We also nerd out on our love for the Nashville Number System. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the legendary drummer, Paul Wertico. With a career spanning four decades, Wertico is best known for his work with the Pat Metheny Group, where he played a crucial role in creating their iconic sound. Join me as I delve into Wertico's musical journey, from his early beginnings to his groundbreaking collaborations. In this captivating interview, Wertico shares his insights on the art of drumming and the role and relationship of the rhythm section. He discusses his unique approach to playing, incorporating diverse influences and pushing boundaries to create innovative sounds. With anecdotes from his time with Pat Metheny and other notable artists, Wertico provides a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process. Beyond his drumming expertise, Wertico is also a passionate educator. We discuss his former role at Northwestern University and his current position as Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University in Chicago. Join me for an enlightening conversation with Paul Wertico as he imparts the wisdom and experiences from his illustrious career. Whether you're a music aficionado, a drummer seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the inner workings of the music industry, my conversation with Paul Wertico will undoubtedly leave you inspired and craving more. Check out Paul's website to learn more about him and his upcoming shows (www.paulwertico.com). Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On today's episode, I am talking with my friend and drummer, Mark Strickland. Mark and I started playing together in 2016 and have played gigs and sessions together ever since (check out his playing on Across the Wide's album, "Records and Bottles"). We discuss his journey as a musician, his house gigs at the Buckboard and Cowboys, and the relationship between drummers and bass players. We also chatted about that fateful day when we finally met and played at the Georgia/South Carolina rest area (seriously). Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

Join me as I talk with one of my best pals and bandmates, Kevin Albertson. Kevin and I have known each other for a long time and have played in many different bands (Across the Wide, Timeless Highway, etc.). Kevin and I chatted about our history, his musical beginnings, and when I was his drumline instructor. He is such a talented guy and one of the funniest people on the planet. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

Today's episode is a special one for me. It features the incredible singer and even better human being, Brian Jarrett. Brian and I have been friends since elementary school and played many gigs together. He shares the amazing story of his journey, and I know you will feel inspired by his words. Stick around to the end to hear one of his original songs. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Thanks to Mark Mundy for the new theme song, "Playcation."

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down to talk with my friend and musician, Steve Ward. Steve and I met in 2011 and immediately formed a friendship and musical kinship that has lasted to this day. He is an incredible guitar player, singer, producer, and engineer. We discuss his childhood and his family's many moves while his dad was in the military. Steve shares some great stories of taking music lessons in California, his first band, "The Illinois Central", and his tenure in a traveling showband. We also reminisce about the day in 2011 when we met and first sang together. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve! Please tell your friends about the show. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

I could think of no better way to kick off this journey than interviewing this guy. Join me as I sit down to talk with my friend, musician, producer, and engineer, Mark Mundy. Mark is a staple of the Atlanta music community as an in-demand guitarist and producer. Mark plays guitar with the band, Across the Wide, and also owns Flossy Monk Studios. I have been fortunate to play many gigs and sessions with him over the years, and I have so much respect for his talent and musicality. He is also one of my best pals in the world. Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.