In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with world-renowned drummer Tom Brechtlein for an in-depth conversation about his life behind the kit, his musical influences, and the legendary artists he’s worked with.

Tom Brechtlein is best known for his powerful, precise drumming and dynamic performances across jazz, rock, and fusion. He’s toured and recorded with incredible musicians, including Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Robben Ford, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Kenny Loggins. Whether driving a high-energy fusion groove or delivering subtle textures in a ballad, Tom’s approach to drumming is thoughtful, expressive, and always musical.

This episode is a must-listen for music fans and aspiring drummers alike — Tom shares stories from the road, insights on developing your voice as a player, and reflections on what it means to keep growing as a musician over the decades.

Music from the Episode:
The Golden Dawn (Chick Corea)
Condition Red (Wayne Shorter)
The Brother (Robben Ford & the Blue Line)

Learn more about Tom and his work at tombrechtlein.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 special re-release of The Bandwich Tapes, we revisit my conversation with Brian Jarrett, a remarkable musician, friend, and human being who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer. Brian’s passion, kindness, and unwavering love for music and community left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Before we revisit this interview, I sit down with Mark Mundy to share memories of Brian—his infectious energy, his generosity, and the many ways he enriched our lives. This conversation is a tribute to the joy he brought into the world and a reminder of the lasting impact of his spirit.

Brian may no longer be with us physically, but his music, laughter, and legacy will continue to resonate. We love you, Brian, and we will miss you dearly.

To prepare for the next season of The Bandwich Tapes, I am re-releasing some of my favorite episodes.

In this riveting episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of talking 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 world's most respected and sought-after musicians.

During our conversation, Howard took us on a fascinating journey through his musical odyssey, sharing anecdotes and insights that offered a glimpse into the depth of his artistry. He told us tales of his early musical explorations, recounting how his passion for music ignited at a tender age and led him to pick up the harmonica.

A true pioneer in his field, Howard delved into the innovative techniques he has developed over the years, including his groundbreaking approach to playing the harmonica known as "overblowing." Through live demonstrations, Howard showcased the remarkable capabilities of this technique, pushing the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve and creating a sound that is uniquely his own.

Our conversation also ventured into Howard's illustrious career, from his collaborations with luminaries like Béla Fleck and the Flecktones to his work with the exceptional Trio Globo and his current project, The Howard Levy Four. We even touched upon our shared experience of recording a song by the talented Steven Fink, adding another layer of connection to our dialogue.

Beyond his remarkable performances, Howard's passion for teaching and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians shone brightly. He spoke eloquently about his book, "Rhythms of the Breath," and his joy in sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians.

Throughout the episode, Howard's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for music were palpable, infusing our conversation with warmth and inspiration. It was truly a privilege to delve into Howard Levy's musical world, and I have no doubt that listeners will be captivated by his talent, wisdom, and boundless creativity.

For more information about Howard Levy and his upcoming projects, visit his website at 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.