The Bandwich Tapes

Brad Williams

Join host Brad Williams as he interviews his friends and musical heroes. read less
MusicMusic

Episodes

Tim Sweatman
May 24 2024
Tim Sweatman
On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled to be joined by a guy who greatly impacted me as a music listener and player.  Tim Sweatman is a talented songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and engineer.  Tim and I reminisce about our shared love for music and our musical journey together. We dive into our diverse musical influences, from George Jones to George Clinton, and our wide-ranging taste in genres. We discuss the importance of playing with musicians who are better than us to improve our skills. We also touch on the underrated guitar playing of James Taylor and the session musicians who played on his records. We explore the influence of drummers like Carlos Vega and Jeff Porcaro and guitarists like Dan Huff and Michael Landau. We reflect on the decline of melodic playing in modern music and the importance of melody in songwriting. Tim and I share our love for music and experiences playing and recording together in this conversation. We discuss our favorite bands and musicians, including Chicago, Terry Kath, Christopher Cross, and Toto. We also discuss our experiences with recording technology, from using TASCAM cassette recorders to modern digital audio workstations. We share our thoughts on the importance of good drum and snare drum sounds and the role of dynamics in music production. Additionally, we mention the use of AI technology in music production and mastering.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. Please tell your friends about the show.The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.
Howard Levy
Feb 24 2024
Howard Levy
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.
Paul Wertico
Feb 10 2024
Paul Wertico
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.