The Bandwich Tapes
Brad Williams
Welcome to The Bandwich Tapes, where host Brad Williams sits down with his friends and musical heroes for candid conversations about life, music, and everything in between. Join us as we dive deep into the stories behind the songs, explore the highs and lows of the music industry, and celebrate the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite us all.
Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for everyone. So, come along for the ride as we explore the magic of music and...
Skyler Williams
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down to talk to my best buddy, my son, Skyler Williams. Skyler is an incredible musician and my favorite drummer. We discuss his musical history and playing opportunities. We also touch on burnout, dealing with difficult bandleaders, and stepping away from music.Skyler studied percussion performance at Louisiana State University and was a member of Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and the Golden Band from Tigerland. He has studied wi
Mark Little
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mark Little. Mark is an incredible Atlanta-based drummer, percussionist, and educator. Our paths first crossed when he was my drumline instructor during a marching band camp in the 1990s. Since then, we have been in a few situations together where we were either teaching or playing music. Mark possesses a deep knowledge of music and how to communicate to the next generation of performers. We discuss his path as a pl
James Raymond
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the incredibly talented musician James Raymond for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, music, and creative journey. We dive into his early musical influences, his current life in New Mexico, and how the evolution of collaboration has shaped his artistry.James opens up about the challenges and opportunities the pandemic brought to his creativity, and we talk about what it’s like to meet musical icons like David Foster and Michael McDo
Matt Mundy
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Matt Mundy to discuss his incredible musical journey, which is deeply rooted in family heritage and a love for bluegrass. We dive into the evolution of bluegrass music, breaking down the role of various instruments and how academic influences have helped shape modern sounds.Matt opens up about his early years in music, playing with family, and the joy of making music together. He also shares some memorable stories, including his experiences
Brian Stephens
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am joined by my longtime friend and fantastic drummer and producer, Brian Stephens. Brian and I talk about how we met and some gigs we have played together over the years. We also discuss his drumset approach, whether live or in the studio. Brian Stephens is the sort of creative professional who has always lived several different lives simultaneously.For more than 25 years, Brian has been a full-time freelance drummer, audio engineer, studio producer, mu
Carolyn Kendrick
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the incredibly talented Carolyn Kendrick—singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and all-around creative powerhouse. We dive into her musical journey and influences and get the inside scoop on her upcoming album, Each Machine. Carolyn and I chat about how technology and AI are shaping the music industry, the essential role rhythm plays in songwriting, and the unique collaborative spirit of the fiddling community. She also opens up about her cre
Wilson Braswell
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to speak with my friend, Wilson Braswell. Wilson is an incredible guitar player and singer and one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. He and I worked in a band together in the mid-2000s and played many gigs together.We discuss his beginnings, influences, and some of the formative gigs throughout his career. We discuss the evolution of musical tastes, great musicians' impact, and the joy of live performanc
Quick Announcement
Hello! I am taking a short break to meet with more amazing musicians and record our conversations. The Bandwich Tapes will be back on Monday, October 14th. In the meantime, please tell your friends to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other outlets. Thanks for listening!Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!The theme song, "Playcation,"
Brad Williams (with Skyler Williams) - Part 3
In the final installment of a three-part episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my son, Skyler, for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation about our shared musical journeys. We continue our discussion about the many incredible musicians and bands I have been fortunate enough to play in. We also discuss meeting George Sandler and how that relationship led to us forming The Deliverymen. We discuss my time with Across the Wide and my personal and professional love and respect for Mark Mun
Brad Williams (with Skyler Williams) - Part 2
In the final part of a two-part episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my son, Skyler, for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation about our shared musical journeys. In this episode, I dive into my gap year after high school, during which I taught drum lines and percussion ensembles. I talk about the challenges I faced as a teacher and how they shaped my understanding of communication and connection. From there, I reflect on my time at Belmont University, where I studied classical and co
Brad Williams (with Skyler Williams) - Part 1
In this two-part episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my son, Skyler, for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation about our shared musical journeys. I reflect on my early experiences, from singing at the Georgia Mountain Fair to my time on Star Search and recording an album in Nashville. I also talk about learning percussion and how my lessons with Tim Howard shaped my approach to music.Skyler and I explore the balance between utility and creativity in our craft, discussing how mentors
Shannon Wickline
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator, Shannon Wickline. We take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our enduring friendship and all the musical projects we've worked on together. Shannon shares his journey as a music producer, explaining how he can turn simple demos into polished, professional tracks. We also dive into his impressive multi-instrumental talents—whether it's keyboards, guitar, or steel guitar, Shannon plays them all wit
Brent Paschke
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with musician Brent Paschke to dive into his music career and work in music education. Brent Paschke is a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and author based in Los Angeles, California. He is best known as Pharrell Williams’ guitarist, having worked with the singer/songwriter/producer since 2001. Paschke accompanies Williams in the studio and on tour, and his guitar performances appear on such Pharrell projects as G I R L (2015 Grammy winner for Be
Matt Krahula
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Krahula. I recently stumbled upon his music and was instantly hooked.Matt Krahula, currently based in Honolulu, HI, is a true musical talent. He’s the bassist for Grammy-nominated artist Henry Kapono, the lead singer of The Nightmare River Band, and one half of the Chamber Folk duo Beyond Hope, alongside Canadian singer-fiddler Sierra Noble. After years of touring acros
Kenny Head
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I speak with my friend, Kenny Head, a talented musician and keyboard player. We reminisce about how we met and the years of playing music together. Kenny shares his experiences playing with different bands and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the gigs and appreciating fellow musicians. We also discuss his musical influences like Floyd Cramer, Chuck Leavell, and Billy Preston. Kenny reflects on his early years as a musician and his move to Tampa. We als
Drew Simpson
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I'm catching up with Drew Simpson, one of my favorite drummers on the planet. We're diving into our musical journey together, reminiscing how Drew first got into percussion playing in his dad's band and his early lessons. We then reflect on our time playing together in Mount Pisgah and the profound impact of our drummer-bass player dynamic.Drew shares some incredible stories from his touring days with Blast and Aida, giving us a peek into the theatrical mag
Kevin Wyglad
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled to talk with my friend Kevin Wyglad. Kevin and I met years ago and have since played many gigs together. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and an incredible singer. We discuss his musical beginnings and the people and experiences that shaped his musical skills and tastes. We also talk about our friendship and the importance of relationships in music. It is one of the most honest and heartfelt conversations on the podcast. I am sure you
Maria Howell
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to speak with my friend, Maria Howell. Maria and I met years ago and played in the Livin' Large band. She is one of my favorite singers and people on the planet.Maria was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, and graduated from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She worked as a jazz singer and made her film debut in The Color Purple (1985). Later, she began appearing in film and television. She lived in Okinawa, Japa
Michael LaMattina
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I'm thrilled to welcome my longtime friend and phenomenal percussionist, Michael LaMattina. Michael and I go way back when we first met at the District Honor Band in Georgia. Our shared passion for music saw us performing together in various ensembles throughout high school, setting the stage for Michael's illustrious career.Now, Michael holds the prestigious position of Principal Percussionist with The Dayton Philharmonic and serves as the Director of Perc
Luke Bulla
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled and honored to sit down with the incredible Luke Bulla, one of my all-time favorite instrumentalists and vocalists. Our conversation is a deep dive into his remarkable musical journey and the experiences that have shaped his illustrious career.Luke's life has been steeped in music from an early age. At age four, he began touring and singing with his family band and took up the fiddle at seven. His prodigious talent quickly became evident as he
Wes McElmoyle
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to have a conversation with my friend, Wes McElmoyle. Wes and I crossed paths years ago, and since then, my admiration and respect for him have only grown, both musically and personally. Introduced by our mutual friend, Steve Ward, I've had the privilege of sharing the stage with Wes numerous times, each experience more memorable than the last.Wes is an extraordinary violinist, possessing a touch and tone that stand out as some of the best I’ve
Art McNaughton
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to have a conversation with my multifaceted friend, Art McNaughton. To me, Art epitomizes the term "Renaissance Man." He is not only a talented musician but also a distinguished visual artist and graphic designer, among other things. Our paths crossed years ago, and since then, we have shared the stage for numerous gigs. His boundless energy and meticulous attention to music have always amazed me, making every performance with him a jo
Jody Abernathy
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to sit down with my dearest friend, Jody Abernathy. Our friendship started back in 2013, and from the very beginning, I felt a profound connection with Jody, both musically and personally. Over the years, we had the incredible pleasure of playing and singing together in the band Across the Wide, a period that stands out as the most musically joyous time of my life.During our conversation, we delve into Jody's diverse musical tastes and his uniq
Stanton Moore
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the honor of chatting with the incredible Stanton Moore. Stanton Moore is a GRAMMY award-winning artist, teacher, and performer. Born and raised in New Orleans, he is a dedicated drummer, performer, and educator who is especially connected to the city, its culture, and its collaborative spirit. In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic, which continues to amass a worldwide audience via recording and touri
Adam McKnight
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dear friend Adam McKnight, a gifted musician and singer whose talent knows no bounds. As we embark on a journey down memory lane, Adam and I reminisce about the countless gigs we've shared together and the indelible mark they've left on our musical journeys.Adam's story is one of resilience, determination, and unbridled passion for music. From his humble beginnings in South Carolina to his bold leap into the
Tim Sweatman
In thisepisode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the immensely talented Tim Sweatman. As a gifted songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and engineer, Tim's influence on my musical journey has been nothing short of profound.Our conversation is a nostalgic journey through the annals of music history, as Tim and I reminisce about our shared love for music and the countless adventures we've experienced together along the way. From our earliest days as budd
Bill Cunningham
In this installment of The Bandwich Tapes, I am joined by my friend Bill Cunningham. Together, we embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Bill's remarkable life and illustrious career, exploring the profound impact of music, friendship, and mentorship along the way. We are also joined by my friend, Mark Mundy.Bill, a true virtuoso of the steel guitar, has been a guiding light in my musical journey since my earliest days. His influence, wisdom, and unwavering support have shape
Steven Fink
In this special episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and fellow musician, Steven Fink. While our paths may not have crossed in person as frequently as we would have liked, Steven holds a special place in my heart as one of my closest friends.Our conversation takes us on a journey through Steven's musical endeavors, from his passion project, Sonora, to his experiences touring and recording with The Grapes. With each anecdote and revelation, Steven
Rory Hoffman
In this captivating episode, I have the distinct honor of speaking with the remarkable Rory Hoffman. A true virtuoso in every sense of the word, Rory's musical journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a prodigious multi-instrumentalist to his illustrious career as a sought-after session musician, Rory's talent and tenacity have propelled him to the forefront of the music industry.Our conversation takes us on a mesmerizing voyage through Rory's storied career, as he share
Tom Knight
In this electrifying episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the extraordinary Tom Knight. Renowned for his unparalleled talent and versatility behind the drum kit, Tom's musical journey has taken him to the heights of success, from recording and touring with TLC to collaborating with an array of iconic artists such as Monica and Stevie Nicks.As we dive into our conversation, Tom regales us with tales from his illustrious career, sharing insights into the
Jim Wood
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend, Jim Wood. Our musical journey traces back to our formative years, where we first crossed paths and began playing and singing together at the iconic Georgia Mountain Fair. Since then, our shared passion for music has forged a bond that transcends time and distance.Jim's remarkable talent and infectious enthusiasm have made him a cherished collaborator and one of my favorite people on the planet. Togeth
Wendell Cox
In this special episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the immense pleasure of sitting down with the incomparable Wendell Cox. For over three decades, Wendell has stood as the steadfast lead guitarist and right-hand man to country music icon Travis Tritt, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music with his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.Our conversation takes us on a journey through Wendell's illustrious career, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise as one of the most
David Ellis
In this captivating episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend, the immensely talented David Ellis. With a musical prowess that knows no bounds, David has established himself as an in-demand utility musician, wielding his mastery over guitar, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo with unparalleled skill and finesse.Our conversation takes us on a journey through David's musical odyssey, from his formative years to his current endeavors. We explore the earl
Rob Meany
In this exhilarating episode of The Bandwich Tapes, prepare to be amazed by Rob Meany. A consummate musician and masterful songwriter, Rob's talent knows no bounds, and our conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and musical evolution.We kick off our exploration by delving into the origins of Rob's band, Terramara, and its profound impact on the Minneapolis music scene. From there, we rewind the clock to Rob's formative years in Duluth, Minnesota, where his musical jo
Glen Velez
In today's episode, I have the extraordinary privilege of speaking with one of my personal heroes, percussionist Glen Velez. Renowned as a legendary percussionist, composer, innovator, and educator, Glen's influence on the world of music is nothing short of profound.Glen is perhaps best known and revered for his groundbreaking work with the frame drum, a musical instrument that he discovered and revitalized with his innovative approach. With a remarkable four Grammy Awards to his name, Glen's co
Courtnie Downs & Coby Rosson
In today's episode, I am thrilled to be joined by two of my dearest friends, Coby Rosson and Courtnie Downs.My connection with the Rosson Family traces back to a serendipitous encounter at the Mall of Georgia Amphitheater, where my band was performing. It was there that I had the pleasure of meeting their father, David, who extended a warm invitation for me to join them at their home for a musical jam session. Something within me urged me to accept, and from the moment I heard them play and sing
Matthew Kaminski
In today's captivating episode, we delve deep into the extraordinary life and illustrious career of Matthew Kaminski.Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Matthew Kaminski is a name synonymous with jazz mastery. From his early days tinkering with the organ as a budding musician to his current status as a renowned jazz organist, pianist, and composer, Matthew's musical journey is nothing short of remarkable.With his virtuosic command over the organ, piano, and accordion, Matthew has become a fixture in
George Sandler
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my cherished friend, the incredibly talented and versatile drummer, George Sandler. Together, we embark on a journey through George's illustrious career in the world of drumming, peppered with anecdotes and laughter from our enduring 20+ year friendship.George's drumming prowess is unmatched, and our shared experiences of playing hundreds of gigs together serve as a testament to his exceptional skill and musicianship
Howard Levy
n this riveting episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down 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 most respected and sought-after musicians in the world.During our conversation, Howard treated us to a fascinating journey through his musical odyssey, sharing anecdotes and insights that offered a glimpse into the depth of his artistry. He rega
Eric Tippens
In this installment of The Bandwich Tapes, I am joined by the incomparable Eric Tippens. Eric and I's friendship dates back to the late 1990s, where our connection was immediate and profound. Since then, Eric has established himself as a multifaceted force in the music industry, excelling as a performer, arranger, producer, and educator.Armed with a Master of Church Music degree from Lee University, Eric's musical prowess is undeniable. He has honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed mento
Paul Wertico
In this electrifying episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the immense pleasure of sitting down with none other than the legendary drummer, Paul Wertico. With a career spanning an impressive four decades, Wertico's name is synonymous with excellence in the world of percussion, particularly for his groundbreaking contributions to the Pat Metheny Group, where his drumming played a pivotal role in shaping their iconic sound.Join me as I embark on a deep dive into Wertico's remarkable musical journe
Mark Strickland
On today's episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and exceptionally talented drummer, Mark Strickland. Our musical journey together began back in 2016, and since then, we've been a dynamic duo, sharing stages and recording sessions. You can experience Mark's incredible drumming skills firsthand on Across the Wide's album, "Records and Bottles."During our conversation, Mark and I delve into his fascinating journey as a musician, tracing the paths that led him to where he is t
Kevin Albertson
Come along with me on a journey as I sit down for a chat with one of my dearest friends and long-time bandmates, Kevin Albertson. Kevin and I share a bond that stretches back through the years, having crossed paths in various musical endeavors, including our time together in bands like Across the Wide and Timeless Highway.During our conversation, Kevin and I delve into our shared history, reminiscing about our musical beginnings and the adventures we've embarked upon together. We even share a fe
Brian Jarrett
Today's episode holds a special place in my heart as I have the honor of featuring the remarkable singer and extraordinary human being, Brian Jarrett. Brian and I have been friends since our elementary school days, and our musical collaboration has spanned countless gigs and memorable moments.In this episode, Brian generously shares the incredible story of his journey, offering insights and inspiration that are sure to resonate deeply with our listeners. From his humble beginnings to his triumph
Steve Ward
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my friend and fellow musician, Steve Ward. Steve and I met in 2011, and from that moment, we formed a friendship and musical kinship that has endured to this day. He is an incredibly talented guitar player, singer, producer, and engineer.Our conversation covers Steve's fascinating childhood, marked by frequent moves due to his father's military career. He shares some memorable stories from his time taking music lessons in California, his fir
Mark Mundy
I can think of no better way to kick off this journey than by interviewing the incredibly talented Mark Mundy. Join me as I sit down with my friend, musician, producer, and engineer, to delve into his impressive career. Mark is a staple of the Atlanta music community, known for being an in-demand guitarist and producer. He plays guitar with the band Across the Wide and owns Flossy Monk Studios.Over the years, I've had the privilege of playing countless gigs and sessions with Mark. His talent and
The Bandwich Tapes - Trailer
This podcast arose as a way for me to stay in touch with the many incredible people I have met throughout my musical journey. Most of the guests are people with whom I have played gigs, sessions, or other events. Guests have shaped my musical identity as a performer, listener, or both.All of the guests are my heroes.