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 administratively.

We dig into the evolving expectations placed on orchestral players, the challenges of recording and venue acoustics, and how creativity, flexibility, and technology are reshaping the field. We also reflect on the importance of great teachers, the value of building a strong repertoire, and the ongoing role education plays in both our lives.

Will’s passion for percussion extends far beyond performance—he’s a dedicated educator, chamber musician, and author. His contributions to the percussion community have had a lasting impact, and I was grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into his story.

About William James:
William James is the Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. He won the position at just 25, following studies at Northwestern University and the New England Conservatory. A versatile performer and educator, Will has played with top orchestras across the country, given solo recitals, taught masterclasses nationwide, and authored The Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll.

You can learn more about William at: williamjamespercussion.com

Music from the Episode:
Scirocco (Michael Burritt)

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 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 because Matt played on my album when I was just 11 years old. Reconnecting and talking music with him all these years later was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.

We delve into some of his most memorable collaborations, the evolution of his work as a producer and educator, and the joy he derives from mentoring the next generation of musicians. Throughout our chat, we discuss the art of musical collaboration, the emotional interplay between players, and how listening—really listening—is at the heart of great music-making.

We also share our reflections and journeys through sobriety, vulnerability's role in life and art, and why curiosity and flexibility have remained core to his creative process. I'm excited to share this inspiring, thoughtful, and profoundly musical conversation with you.

Learn more about Matt at: mattrollings.com.

Music from the Episode:
Groove With a View (Matt Rollings)
I'm Little But I'm Loud (Brad Williams)
El Padre de Papagallos (Matt Rollings)
North Dakota (Lyle Lovett)
Nobody Knows Me (Lyle Lovett)

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 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 community and connection.

We discuss his years with the Jeff Sipe Trio as well as his time playing with The Jerry Douglas Band.

He also shares his personal life, including his incredibly talented wife, and the joys and challenges of life as a touring musician. We talk about what it’s like to transition from sideman to bandleader, the importance of staying authentic as an artist, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming solo album.

This conversation highlights the deep relationships and growth that happen through music, and I came away inspired by Mike’s humility, insight, and passion for the craft. I’m thrilled to share this one with you.

You can learn more about Mike at mikesealmusic.com.

Music from the Episode:
Trumpets (Jeff Sipe Trio)
Naima (Jeff Sipe Trio)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Jerry Douglas Band)

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 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 schedule. We dig into the evolution of country music, especially the return of more traditional sounds in the '90s, and Tim reflects on how crucial it is for a musician to have a signature sound.

We also talk about his time playing in the house band at Cowboys in Kennesaw, Georgia—some great stories there—along with the memorable artists he worked with and the curveballs that come with live shows. From starstruck moments to behind-the-scenes stories about the camaraderie among musicians, Tim brings warmth, wisdom, and a lot of heart.

We also reflect on the lessons we’ve learned from seasoned players, the changes in the Nashville scene, and just how much community and connection shape our lives in music.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed catching up with Tim. This one’s packed with stories, insights, and plenty of laughs.

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, 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 collaboration, harmony, and production.

Whether we’re trading stories or diving deep into the creative process, this episode is filled with humor, nostalgia, and insight. It’s a celebration of friendship, growth, and the music that keeps us moving forward.

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback or questions, or just want to say hi, reach out at info@thebandwichtapes.com — and please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy

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 unforgettable performances at iconic venues like Niagara Falls and Laughlin, Nevada. He talks about the difficulty of performing while sick, how a small local gig blossomed into a beloved community event, and the constant learning and adapting required to grow as a performer.

We also reflect on the deep joy of live performance and the camaraderie that develops among musicians. Michael recounts hilarious onstage mishaps, the importance of shifting musical styles on the fly, and what it's like to play alongside iconic artists. The conversation highlights the shared bond that makes playing music live a rewarding experience.

Later, we explore the nuances of vocal technique, natural ability, and the physical demands of performing. We also discuss the dynamics of working in agency bands, the pressures of constant gigging, and how musicians make decisions to protect their health as they age. This is a rich, honest look at the realities of life in music and what keeps us coming back to it.

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback, questions, or want to say hi, contact info@thebandwichtapes.com. Please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy

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 crowds moving, the band brings a sense of joy and spontaneity to everything they do. Whether they’re jamming onstage or laying down tracks in the studio, their music is rooted in friendship, freedom, and big-hearted expression.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves bands that break the mold and serve up serious musicianship with a sense of fun.

Music from the Episode:
Janna - Big Love Car Wash

Learn more about Big Love Car Wash at biglovecarwash.com

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback or questions, or just want to say hi, reach out at info@thebandwichtapes.com — and please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy

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 Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss. Equally at home in jazz, folk, rock, and beyond, Viktor brings a deep sense of melody, texture, and feel to everything he touches. In addition to his work as a sideman, he’s also released his solo projects, blending cinematic soundscapes with expressive songwriting.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of genre-defying musicianship, creative collaboration, and the subtle art of supporting a song from the low end.

Music from the Episode:
For A Good Time (Viktor Krauss)
Pipe Down (Bill Frisell)
Big Shoe (Bill Frisell)
Penguins (Lyle Lovett)
Grit Lap (Viktor Krauss)
Big Log (Viktor Krauss)
Pinky Ring (Viktor Krauss)
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Viktor Krauss)
Trouble With My Lover (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss)

Learn more about Viktor and his work at viktorkrauss.com.

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback or questions, or just want to say hi, reach out at info@thebandwichtapes.com — and please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy