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 reflecting on how those formative years in Nashville shaped his career as a songwriter and performer. We talk about the folk scene of the early ’90s, the influence of Phil Keaggy (who has since become a close friend and collaborator), and the ways great music can inspire new creativity rather than imitation.

Our conversation also dives deep into the balance of being both a musician and a family man, and how perspective shifts as you approach 50. Jeremy opens up about what it means to leave a legacy through music, including his upcoming Christmas project, and how producing other artists has become an equally rewarding part of his creative journey.

Along the way, we touch on coffee rituals, songwriting discipline, the craft of production, and the inspiration of producers like Daniel Lanois. This is a rich, heartfelt conversation with a friend who embodies both authenticity and artistry.

Music from the Episode:
Autumn in Kingston Springs (Jeremy Casella)
Beauty Leads the Way (Jeremy Casella)
Love That Will Not Let Me Go (Jeremy Casella featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama)
On the Evening Train (Jeremy Casella)

To learn more about Jeremy, visit his website.

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 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 about his musical family, the influential teachers who shaped him, and how early church gigs prepared him for a lifetime of accompanying, leading, and creating music.

Brock talks about his love of teaching, the decision to move from performance into music education, and his current work at Stillwell School of the Arts in Atlanta, where he teaches AP Music Theory and piano. We get into the challenges and changes in music education over the last two decades, the role (and limits) of technology in the classroom, and how he keeps evolving his teaching methods to meet students where they are today.

Of course, we reminisce about our time collaborating on musicals, choir projects, and the legendary “Sing-Off” events, including unforgettable Beatles and Billy Joel performances that brought students and faculty to their feet. Along the way, we swap thoughts on musical influences, Billy Joel, Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson, and the importance of process over product in mastering any craft.

This conversation is part reunion, part masterclass, and part trip down memory lane. Brock’s passion for music and dedication to his students are contagious, and I left this talk reminded of why making and teaching music matter so much.

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 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 Steel master Aubrey Ghent.

A Studio Pro with a Killer Resume. As a sought-after session musician, Steve’s guitar work has shaped hundreds of albums, TV and radio commercials, and movie soundtracks. His credits include Coca-Cola, Ford, Chevrolet, MLB, NFL, IBM, Cartoon Network, PBS, Microsoft, CNN, NASCAR, and even a recording session with the London Symphony Orchestra.

One of Atlanta’s most in-demand guitarists, Steve brings his signature sound to 150+ performances a year, effortlessly weaving through jazz, R&B, rock, funk, gospel, country, blues, pop, and western-swing in various venues around the globe.

To learn more about Steve, visit his website.

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 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 performer and a writer.

We dive into her songwriting process, the role of the banjo in her music, and the joy (and challenge) of recording and releasing new work. Rita shares some behind-the-scenes stories from recent singles and what it’s like to bring those songs to life in the studio. There’s also a lot of warmth in how she talks about live performances, that real-time connection with an audience that keeps the music breathing and evolving.

Originally from New York, Rita has carved out a unique voice in the Americana world with a sound that’s both grounded in tradition and deeply personal. Her thoughtful lyrics, intricate banjo work, and easygoing presence make her a compelling artist to watch. Toward the end of our conversation, we talk about what’s next, from upcoming shows to future releases, and it’s clear that Rita Bliss is just getting started.

To learn more about Rita, please visit her website.

Music from the episode:
Peaches & Apple Pie (Rita Bliss)
Drive You to Kentucky (Rita Bliss)
Best Bar in Texas (Rita Bliss)
We Will Sing (Rita Bliss)

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 the incredible Maeve Gilchrist, a Scottish harpist, composer, and innovator whose work bridges folk traditions and contemporary sounds. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Maeve was immersed in Celtic music from a young age and later studied at Berklee College of Music, where she expanded her approach to the harp through jazz, improvisation, and world music influences.

Maeve and I talk about her journey as an artist—from her early exposure to traditional Scottish and Irish music to her boundary-pushing projects in the worlds of contemporary classical, jazz, and film scoring. She shares how motherhood has deepened her relationship to her craft, and how she continues to evolve her voice while remaining rooted in tradition.

We explore her role as Artistic Director of the Rockport Celtic Festival, and dig into her album The Harp Weaver, a deeply personal work inspired by poetry and memory. Maeve reflects on the creative process, the power of collaboration, and the delicate balance between honoring tradition and forging new musical paths.

This is a rich and thoughtful conversation with one of today’s most original voices on the harp.

To learn more about Maeve, please visit her website.

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 reconnect with my old friend and fellow musician Eddie Brumlow for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. We talk about the unexpected turns life takes and how those shifts have shaped our paths as performers and educators.

Eddie opens up about the formative moments and mentors that helped shape his musical identity, the joy (and chaos) of memorable gigs, and the quiet victories of the classroom. We dig into what it means to teach music today, how collaboration fuels creativity, and why the communities we build through music might be the most essential part of the journey.

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 sitting down with Dr. Brett Dietz, Director of Percussion at LSU, and someone who had a tremendous impact on my own family. Brett taught my son Skyler throughout his college years, and I've long admired him as both an educator and an artist. This was a special and personal conversation.

We discuss Brett's journey from studying under Michael Burritt at Northwestern to his unexpected opportunity at LSU in 2003, where he has been teaching for over two decades. He reflects on the evolution of the percussion studio, the effects of the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic on student development, and how the landscape of music education has shifted over the years.

We delve into teaching philosophies and how Brett identifies the most minor technical issues that unlock major improvements, and why teaching is ultimately about remembering what it's like to struggle. We also cover the deceptively complex art of triangle and tambourine playing, and how Brett balances classical rigor with kindness and adaptability.

And then there's Brett the composer. He shares the backstory behind his works, such as Sharpened Stick and Headcase, and how his early days in a high school garage band with Doug Perkins (yes, that Doug Perkins) led to a lifelong love of composing. He discusses studying under legends like Stanley Leonard, David Stock, and J. Allen Yim, and how those mentors shaped his artistic voice.

Whether you're a percussionist, a teacher, or just someone who loves stories about finding your path and making an impact, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and some great laughs.

To learn more about Brett, visit his website.

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 reconnect with my longtime friend Chad Jeffers. We go back to our days at Belmont University, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey unfold, from growing up in East Tennessee playing in family bands to touring the world with some of the biggest names in music.

Chad shares stories from his early days performing with his dad and brother, forming the band Raney Nickel, and eventually making his way to Nashville. After double-majoring in music business and marketing at Belmont, he landed an internship with Reba McEntire’s company, which gave him a behind-the-scenes education in the industry. From there, his career took off, touring with The Wilkinsons, signing with RCA as part of Pinmonkey, and later joining Carrie Underwood’s band.

We discuss his experiences performing everywhere from Vegas residencies to overseas military tours, and the lessons he has learned along the way about professionalism, collaboration, and being someone others want to work with. Chad also shares how his creative energy has led him into real estate, where he now helps clients with the same focus and passion he brings to the stage.

He even tells us about a new online course he has developed to help entrepreneurs prepare for client meetings, drawing unexpected yet powerful parallels between stage presence and business success.

To learn more about Chat, visit his website at chadjeffers.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.