The Bandwich Tapes

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with legendary percussionist Luis Conte for a conversation that goes far beyond music, into life, freedom, faith, and the deep roots of rhythm.  Luis has played with just about everyone, from James Taylor to Pat Metheny, and has been a defining voice in modern percussion for decades. But what struck me most in this conversation is not just what he’s played, it’s how he thinks about music and where it comes from.

We begin with where he is today, working out of his home studio and navigating the modern recording world. Luis strikes a balance between convenience and connection, the trade-off between recording alone and the magic that happens when musicians are in the same room together.  From there, we get into one of my favorite parts of the conversation: the relationship between drummer and percussionist. Luis has such a simple and powerful philosophy: don’t overthink it. Listen. Let the music tell you what to play. It’s a reminder that great musicianship is often about awareness, not complexity.

Luis then shares his incredible personal story, growing up in Cuba, being immersed in music from an early age, and eventually leaving the country as a teenager. What follows is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and ultimately freedom. His reflections on that experience are deeply moving and provide valuable context for the way he approaches music and life.

We also talk about his journey into the Los Angeles music scene, the importance of relationships, and what it really takes to build a career: not just playing well, but being someone people want to be around. Along the way, he shares stories about working with some of the greats, including the late Carlos Vega, whose impact on musicians runs deep.  Toward the end, we get into his work with Pat Metheny and the idea of trusting great musicians to bring their own voice to the music. It’s a theme that runs throughout the entire conversation. Music isn’t something you force; it’s something you respond to.

This is a conversation about feel, about listening, and about the life experiences that shape the way we play.

Key Takeaways
Luis Conte explains why listening, not thinking, is the foundation of great percussion playing.
He shares the nuanced role of a percussionist alongside a drummer and how to complement the music.
Luis reflects on his journey leaving Cuba and the profound meaning of freedom in his life and career.
We discuss how early musical exposure shaped his instincts long before formal training.
Luis emphasizes that relationships, attitude, and reliability are just as important as musicianship.
He shares stories about Carlos Vega and what made him such a special musician.
Luis talks about working with Pat Metheny and the importance of trusting artists to bring their own voice.
Music from the Episode
Santiaguero - Ropa Vieja ft. Luis Conte & San Miguel
La Aguita - Ropa Vieja ft. Luis Conte & San Miguel
America Undefined - Pat Metheny
About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, composers, songwriters, and creative artists I admire for honest conversations about craft, collaboration, career, and the deeper musical ideas that shape their work. It’s a show about process, perspective, and the stories behind a life in music.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with conductor, composer, and longtime contemporary music advocate Brad Lubman for a wide-ranging conversation about interpretation, rehearsal, composition, and the deeper responsibilities of making music with other people.

Brad first came onto my radar through his work conducting Steve Reich's music, but this conversation quickly opened into something much larger. He talks about the way audiences often associate him with Reich’s music, while reminding us that he had already built a substantial life in new music long before that connection began. From there, we get into a fascinating discussion about what conductors actually do, and why he resists the idea that great conducting is about imposing personality on a score. For Brad, the work begins with the composer’s intentions and the discipline of bringing those intentions to life as clearly and honestly as possible.

We also spend time on Brad’s path as both a percussionist and a conductor, including how his early love of drums and rock music, and later of orchestral music, shaped the musician he became. He reflects on what percussion taught him about immediacy, time, and gesture, and how those lessons still inform the way he teaches conductors today. His thoughts on rehearsal are especially compelling: the idea that a conductor’s role is not to dominate but to create conditions in which musicians can play with confidence, clarity, and artistry.

A particularly rewarding part of this conversation centers on Brad’s own music, especially his powerful piece Tangents for two pianos and two percussionists. He shares the origin of that work, how it emerged during a moment when he was considering stepping away from composition, and why it marked the beginning of a new phase in his musical language. We also talk about his long association with Steve Reich, Ensemble Signal, and the kinds of life-changing moments that can come from simply doing your work well and being ready when the right people are listening.

By the end of the conversation, what comes through most clearly is Brad’s seriousness of purpose and his belief in music as a communal act. Whether he is conducting, composing, teaching at the Eastman School of Music, or building programs with Ensemble Signal and major orchestras around the world, he approaches music with precision, humility, and an unwavering sense of service to the score and the people making it.

Key Takeaways
Brad Lubman offers a thoughtful distinction between “interpretation” and serving the composer’s intentions, arguing that great conducting begins with fidelity to the score rather than ego.
He explains why so much of what audiences hear as a conductor’s influence is actually shaped in rehearsal, not just in performance.
Brad reflects on how his background as a drummer and percussionist sharpened his sense of time, touch, and physical gesture.
We talk in depth about his piece Tangents and why that work marked a turning point in his life as a composer.
Brad shares how key moments in his career — including his connection to Steve Reich and the New York premiere of City Life — came through preparation, reputation, and musical trust.
He discusses the communal nature of orchestral music-making and his belief that an ensemble can model cooperation at the highest level.
The conversation concludes with a look at his current work as a teacher, conductor, composer, and advocate for contemporary music worldwide.
Music from the Episode
Music for 18 Musicians (Pulse) - Steve Reich (Ensemble Signal - Brad Lubman, Conductor)
Radio Rewrite (I. Fast) - Steve Reich (Ensemble Signal - Brad Lubman, Conductor)
Double Sextet (I. Fast) - Steve Reich (Ensemble Signal - Brad Lubman, Conductor)
Tangents - Brad Lubman (Icaras Quartet)
About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, composers, songwriters, conductors, and creative artists I admire for honest conversations about craft, collaboration, career, and the deeper ideas that shape their work. It’s a show about process, perspective, and the stories behind a life in music.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down in person with drummer Joe Dyson, the first in-person conversation I’ve recorded for the show, and it couldn’t have been with a better musician or person.  Joe is currently on the road with Pat Metheny, and we talk about the experience of being inside that music night after night, how the band continues to grow, how chemistry develops on the road, and what it truly means to live inside the music.

We begin at the very beginning, Joe’s earliest connection to the drums, growing up in church, watching his family play, and learning through imitation long before formal instruction. That foundation, playing with purpose, listening deeply, and serving something larger than yourself, continues to shape everything he does today.  From there, we dive into the cultural impact of growing up in New Orleans and the moment Joe realized just how unique that musical environment is. His reflections on culture, identity, and the preservation of tradition are powerful and deeply personal.

One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation centers around mentorship, specifically his relationships with Alvin Batiste and Donald Harrison. Joe shares incredible stories about how these mentors shaped him, not just musically, but philosophically, and how their lessons continue to reveal themselves years later.  We also spend time talking about listening, not just as a musical skill, but as a life skill. Joe makes a compelling case that listening is at the center of everything: collaboration, groove, communication, and even being a better human being.

We get into his artistic philosophy, how he balances honoring the lineage of great drummers like Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, and Philly Joe Jones while still pushing forward creatively. His perspective on imitation, emulation, and innovation is something every musician can learn from.

Joe also shares the incredible (and almost missed!) story of how he connected with Pat Metheny, starting with an email he nearly ignored, and what it’s like working with an artist of that level in both live and studio settings.

We wrap up by talking about his debut album, Look Within, and how stepping into the role of a bandleader changed his perspective, not just musically, but also in how he approaches collaboration and supports other artists.

This is a conversation about growth, humility, and the lifelong process of becoming a musician.
Key Takeaways
Joe Dyson explains why listening is the most important skill a musician can develop—on and off the stage.
He shares how growing up in church shaped his sense of purpose and connection to music.
Joe reflects on the unique cultural identity of New Orleans and its lasting influence on his playing.
He discusses the profound impact of mentorship from Alvin Batiste and Donald Harrison.
Joe breaks down the process of musical growth: imitation → emulation → innovation.
He tells the story of nearly ignoring the email that led to working with Pat Metheny.
Leading his own band gave him a deeper respect for collaboration and the responsibilities of being a bandleader.
Music from the Episode
Pious Walk - Joe Dyson
Forward - Joe Dyson
Fleeting Faith - Joe Dyson
In On It - Pat Metheny Side Eye III
Naysayers - Joe Dyson
About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, composers, songwriters, and creative artists I admire for honest conversations about craft, collaboration, and the deeper musical ideas that shape their work. It’s a space to explore process, perspective, and the human side of a life in music.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Mark Kibble of Take 6, a group whose music has been part of my life since the very beginning of my musical journey.   We start with a full-circle moment, me seeing Take 6 live as a teenager, and now getting to sit down and talk with Mark about his career, his process, and the music that continues to inspire him.

We begin with his work on Pat Metheny's latest project, in which Mark contributed vocal arrangements that add an entirely new dimension to Pat's sound. Mark walks through the process, receiving tracks, interpreting harmonic language, and building a choir sound that fits seamlessly into a complex musical landscape.   From there, we zoom out and talk about what it means to be a collaborator, how Mark approaches working with other artists, what he listens for, and how he balances his own voice with the music's needs. His perspective is simple but profound: it's not about him. It's about making the music better.

We spend time reflecting on the longevity of Take 6, how a group can stay together for decades, navigate challenges, and still maintain both musical excellence and deep personal relationships. Mark shares that their foundation goes far beyond music; it's rooted in purpose, faith, and a genuine commitment to each other as family.  We also talk about influence, how artists like Jacob Collier are carrying the torch forward, and how meaningful it is to see a new generation connect with the music that Take 6 has been making for decades.

There are some great moments of reflection, too, working with legends like Joe Sample, collaborating with Lalah Hathaway, and the challenge (and joy) of continuing to grow as a vocalist over time.  We also get into vocal health, longevity, and what it takes to sustain a career at the highest level—physically, mentally, and creatively.

This is a conversation about harmony in every sense of the word: musical, personal, and spiritual.

Key Takeaways
Mark Kibble breaks down how he approached arranging vocals for Pat Metheny's latest project.
He shares why collaboration is about serving the artist—not showcasing yourself.
The longevity of Take 6 is rooted in purpose, faith, and treating each other like family.
Mark reflects on the group's influence on artists like Jacob Collier.
Great arranging is about fitting into the music—not competing with it.
Vocal longevity requires discipline, rest, and learning how to pace yourself.
Coaching others reinforced the importance of finding your own authentic voice.
Music from the Episode
Biggest Part of Me - Take 6
Don't Look Down - Pat Metheny
U-Turn - Joe Sample with Take 6
Someday We'll All Be Free - Take 6 with Lalah Hathaway
Come Unto Me - Take 6
About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, composers, and creative artists for honest conversations about the craft, the process, and the stories behind the music. It's about digging deeper—into how great music gets made and the people who make it.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with percussionist and educator Shawn Galvin for a wide-ranging conversation about orchestral life, teaching, and the deeper thinking behind great musicianship. I first learned about Shawn through my son Skyler, who studied with him at LSU, so this conversation felt especially meaningful for me.

We begin by talking about Shawn’s approach to teaching and how he balances technique with musicality. His philosophy is simple but powerful: musical intent should always lead the way. Instead of practicing technique in isolation, Shawn encourages students to pursue musical ideas first—and then let the technical work follow to serve those ideas.

From there, we dig into orchestral percussion itself, how the role of percussionists continues to evolve, and how skills like drum set playing have increasingly become part of the orchestral vocabulary. Shawn shares fascinating insights into audition repertoire, why certain excerpts appear on audition lists, and how percussionists today must be prepared for a wider range of musical demands than ever before.

We also spend time on Shawn’s own musical lineage. Growing up in western Pennsylvania with a father who was both his band director and percussion teacher gave him an early immersion in music education. Later, studying with legendary Pittsburgh Symphony timpanist Stanley Leonard became a foundational experience that shaped the way he thinks about sound, tone production, and the role of percussion in the orchestra.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Shawn talk about timpani as a gateway into orchestral thinking. Because timpani sits inside the harmonic and structural core of so much orchestral repertoire, studying it opens a deeper understanding of how orchestras actually function musically. That perspective carries into everything from bass drum sound production to phrasing inside the orchestra.

We also explore the many dimensions of Shawn’s career—from his years performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to his work with the North Carolina Symphony, his teaching at LSU, and his leadership role with the Spoleto Festival Orchestra, where he helps audition and mentor the next generation of orchestral musicians.

This is a thoughtful conversation about musicianship, mentorship, and the long arc of a life spent in music.

Key Takeaways
Musicality should lead technique — technical work becomes more meaningful when it serves a clear musical idea.
Orchestral percussion continues to evolve — drum set and broader stylistic fluency are now part of many orchestral expectations.
Studying timpani deepens understanding of the orchestra — it connects percussionists directly to the harmonic and structural core of the repertoire.
Great teachers shape more than musicians — the process of learning music develops discipline, listening, and collaboration skills that transfer far beyond music.
Mentorship matters — Shawn’s studies with Stanley Leonard helped shape his musical thinking and approach to teaching.
Professional musicianship requires adaptability — orchestral players must be ready for a wide range of tempos, conductors, and interpretations.
Music careers can take many forms — performing, teaching, and arts leadership can all intersect in meaningful ways.
Music from the Episode
Queen - Molly Joyce (Shawn Galvin, percussion)
Five Gestures - Brett William Dietz (Shawn Galvin, snare drum & LSU Hamiruge Percussion Ensemble - Dr. Brett Dietz, conductor)
Letter from Home - Pat Metheny Group (Shawn Galvin, vibraphone)
About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams, featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the influences, decisions, and experiences that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com