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PODCAST

The Bandwich Tapes

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

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All Episodes

55:48

Chris DeChiara: Rock Roots, Classical Depth, and the...

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/20

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with percussionist Chris DeChiara, whose musical journey spans from teenage rock bands to drum corps, classical training, and ultimately, more than two decades with the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C. I first discovered Chris after hearing him on a Classical Breakdown episode, and I was blown away by his playing, his sound, and the way he talked about percussion. I reached out immediately, and I’m so glad he agreed to come on the

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45:16

Jake Banfield: From Basketball Dreams to Country #1s

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/17

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Jake Banfield, a singer, songwriter, and performer with deep Oklahoma roots who turned a career-ending basketball injury and the stillness of quarantine into a brand-new life in music. Jake and I discuss his new album, Open Bars, how growing up in small towns influenced his writing voice, and why moving to Nashville after writing stints in LA sharpened both his craft and his confidence.We delve into co-writing versus writing for

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55:58

Alwyn Robinson: The Sound of “Marshall”

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/13

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with drummer, singer, and songwriter Alwyn Robinson, whose story travels from East Texas to Boulder, Colorado, and now to Brooklyn, New York.You may know Alwyn from his work with Leftover Salmon or his performances with Billy Strings, but now he’s stepping forward with a new solo album called Marshall, out Friday, November 14. The record is a beautiful reflection of what Americana means to him, rooted, soulful, and full of texture.We discuss

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52:27

John Mailander's Musical Journey

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/10

In this episode, I’m joined by John Mailander, a fearless and lyrical fiddler/violinist whose work bridges bluegrass, jazz, ambient improvisation, and songcraft. We trace his path from San Diego to Berklee (where he studied American Roots with mentor Darol Anger) to Nashville, where he found a close-knit community that’s as experimental as it is supportive. John discusses the city’s “weirdo music” scene, ambient nights, free improvisation, and oddball collaborations, and how that energy

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0:51

Quick Announcement!

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/06

I’m excited to announce that for the six weeks, I’ll be releasing two episodes every week, one on Monday and another on Thursday. That means twice the music, twice the stories, and twice the fun.If you haven’t already, make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss any of the upcoming episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please share it with a friend. That’s the best way to help it grow.Thanks again for listening and for being part of The Bandwich

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86:39

Behind the Drums: Paul Leim's Musical Legacy

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/11/03

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with legendary session drummer Paul Leim, whose six-decade career quietly powers a staggering piece of the soundtrack to our lives. Paul has played on more than 12,000 songs across over 2,000 releases, with 1,400+ silver/gold/platinum certifications, and global sales topping 540 million units. His discography encompasses over 150 combined GRAMMY nominations and wins, as well as 40+ major film/TV awards, and credits on more than 150 films and

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54:09

From Classical to Bluegrass: Trish Imbrogno's Musical...

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/10/27

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I reconnect (30 years later!) with bassist and singer Trish Imbrogno. We apparently shared the same summers at the Chautauqua Institution as teens, then each took “classical first” career paths before veering joyfully into other sounds. Trish tells the story of leaving a busy classical schedule to become a bluegrass/Americana bassist and bandleader and why she’s never looked back. We explore topics such as discipline, groove, ensemble trust, the debate

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60:36

Reconnecting Through Music with Wayne Viar

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, I reconnect with drummer and percussionist Wayne Viar, a true chameleon equally at home on rudimental snare, timpani, orchestral percussion, hand percussion, and straight-ahead drum set grooves. Raised in Richmond, Virginia, Wayne followed his older brother into the school band and studied at East Carolina University under the guidance of Mark Ford. He marched in the early 1990s with Santa Clara Vanguard in the front ensemble. Those years sharpened the two traits that still

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47:35

The Unfaithful Servants - Band-Forward

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/10/13

In this episode, I shine the spotlight on The Unfaithful Servants through a conversation with singer, guitarist, and songwriter Dylan Stone From Vancouver Island’s roots scene to a week immersed at IBMA in Chattanooga, the Servants have built a sound that slips past easy labels: tight three- and four-part harmonies, fearless arrangements, and a blend of bluegrass, folk, alt-country, and Americana that still feels unmistakably like one band.Dylan walks me through the Servants’ arc: his

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54:59

Niia: A Journey Through Jazz and Self-Discovery

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/10/06

Niia joins me to unpack her forthcoming album—a modern, live-first take on jazz that blends an acoustic rhythm section with subtle, future-leaning electronic colors. Trained as a jazz vocalist and raised at the piano, she set out to create something timeless, without relying on retro tropes or trend-bound sounds. The result is a record that breathes: spacious mixes, genuine dynamics, and arrangements that allow for interplay while keeping the vocal narrative at the center.We trace her path

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51:46

From Music to Recovery: Arnold McCuller's Journey

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/29

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the legendary vocalist Arnold McCuller, whose voice has graced stages and recordings alongside artists such as James Taylor and Phil Collins, among others. While we reflect on some of his most iconic musical moments, our conversation centers on his current mission as a recovery coach and interventionist, as well as his involvement with Harmonium. This powerful organization supports creatives in recovery.We talk about the unique

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59:50

Todd Meehan

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/22

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Todd Meehan, Professor of Percussion and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Baylor University. Todd is a dynamic performer, educator, and advocate for contemporary percussion, whose career blends artistry, scholarship, and leadership.We talk about his journey as a percussionist, including what first drew him to the instrument, his time as a student and performer, and the ways he continues to push the boundaries of what percussion can

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56:05

Ray Herndon

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/15

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 musician and a restaurant owner, and what it means to carry on the legacy of a place that has hosted

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62:16

Noah Young

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/08

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, to the intensity of a Big 12 college drumline—and how all of it shaped his musicianship,

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67:14

Striking Matches

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/01

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 musical chemistry, their first gig at the Bluebird Café, and how harmonies, slide guitar, and raw

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56:07

Matt Starr

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/25

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 shaped his listening skills, ensemble awareness, and approach to sound, lessons that continue to

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50:42

Jeremy Casella

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/18

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 like Béla Fleck and Brooks Williams, and crossing paths with classmates like Brad Paisley, while

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51:11

Brock Derringer

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/11

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 journey from a 10-year-old piano student to becoming a versatile musician and educator. He shares

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83:37

Steve Cunningham

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/04

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 guitar, diving into the styles of David Lindley, western-swing legend Tom Morrell, and Sacred

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48:42

Rita Bliss

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/07/28

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 her move to Austin, the vibrant music scene there, and how it’s influenced her as both a

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108 results

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