Tom Brechtlein

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 [e-mail] — and please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy