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Your fresh new window into the world of music thru the eyes of the folks that make it happen
47 Episodes
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Count It Off – Ep. 47: Stories from the Road with some Great ArtistsIt’s story time this week on Count It Off. An ice storm in Nashville threw us a major curveball and pushed our next guests back a week, so we’re digging into the vault and sharing a few favorite road memories instead. From playing a black tie show on guitar with Willie Nelson, to lighting up a cigar with Michael Jackson’s legendary manager Frank DiLeo, to the high-wire act of trying to remember all 14 verses of Marty Robbins’ El Paso with the Gatlin Brothers—this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes moments, close calls, and musical mayhem.Love Toby Keith? Beach Boys? Dionne Warwick? Bo Diddley? These are the stories of my time with them.Got a story of your own or want to chime in? Email us at radiojeffro@gmail.com or drop a post on the Count It Off Podcast page on Facebook. Pull up a chair—this one’s all about the tales you only hear when the mics are already rolling. 🎸🎶
Episode 46: Marcia Ramirez — Songs, Stories & Life on the RoadIn this episode, we sit down with Marcia Ramirez, an accomplished songwriter and touring musician whose career has taken her across stages with some of music’s most respected artists, including Rodney Crowell, Pam Tillis, Christopher Cross, and Patty Loveless.Marcia shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road, insights into the craft of songwriting, and the lessons she’s learned working alongside legends. From the creative process to the realities of touring, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to build a lasting life in music.Whether you’re a songwriter, a music fan, or someone who loves hearing real stories from the road, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and heart.🎙️ Tune in to hear how Marcia Ramirez continues to shape songs, careers, and moments that matter.
Count It Off Ep 45 - Matt StellCountry hitmaker Matt Stell joins the podcast to talk about the road from small-town beginnings to landing two #1 Billboard hits. He shares the stories behind his biggest songs, playing the Opry, the lessons learned chasing success in Nashville, and what’s next in his evolving music journey. A candid conversation about grit, growth, and staying true to your sound. 🎙️🎶
Count It Off – Episode 44 welcomes acclaimed musician and composer Tom Lieberman for an in-depth conversation spanning a remarkable career. Tom reflects on his ten-year tenure with A Prairie Home Companion, shares insights from his work on Disney’s Bear andthe Big Blue House, and discusses the evolution of his jazz trio Rio Nido. The episode explores the discipline, creativity, and collaboration behind long-running musical projects, offering thoughtful perspective and memorable stories from one of the industry’s most versatile artists. Don't miss it!
Count It Off Ep. 43 - Jeffro checks inHey everyone, welcome back to the show! With the holidays in full swing, I thought this was the perfect time to do a little check-in. Things are busy, a little chaotic, hopefully cozy—and I'm just taking a moment to slow down and catch up. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, traveling, or hiding out with a warm drink somewhere, we’re really glad you’re here. Let’s all relax and reflect a little bit.
Ep 42 - Ryan Story: "The artists that thrive can still play live."Today we’re talking with Ryan Story — LA-based pop artist, songwriter, and all-around good vibe generator. Ryan’s got a great story. He grew up on the east coast of Florida, sharpened his craft in Nashville and finally made the big leap to the bright lights of Hollywood.In this episode, we check out some of his great pop songs and get into his path, what surprised him, what pushed him, and what kept him going. And of course, the big question every creative asks at some point: how do you actually make it in LA?Grab a coffee, settle in and let’s dive into "the story behind the Story."
EP 41: "Why isn't this guy a major star already?"This week we’re hanging out with Rusty Van Sickle and his 19-year-old son, Whitley—two generations of songwriters cut from classic country cloth. We'll hear a few great songs and explore everything from the legends that shaped Rusty’s sound to the Nashville scene today, with a special nod to Keith Whitley, young Whitley’s namesake. Expect plenty of laughs, a couple of “dang, that hit me right in the feels” moments, and a whole lot of heart. And when Rusty lets that rich baritone loose… yeah, you’ll hear why we call it ready-for-stardom. Tune in and enjoy the ride.
Count It Off Ep 40 : Russ Pahl - steel guitar master If you’ve listened to country radio anytime in the last 25 years, odds are you’ve heard the unmistakable shimmer of Russ Pahl’s steel guitar—whether you knew it or not. Nashville may be full of pickers, but Russ is the guy other players point to when they talk about tone, taste, and pure musical magic.Raised on the warm hum of the folk era, hooked by the British Invasion’s spark, and ultimately reeled in by the twangy, string-bending heroes of classic country, Russ followed a sonic trail that led straight to the steel guitar. And once he picked it up, the instrument—and the industry—were never quite the same.How influential is he? In one recent year, of the ten country songs that hit #1 and featured steel guitar, Russ played on eight of them. Eight! That’s not a résumé—that’s gravitational pull. He's played on records for everyone from Carrie Underwood to CeLo Green and with producers like Dan Auerbach and T-Bone Burnette. We talk about his approach to each project and you'll hear his respect for the pioneers of this truly quirky invention.So settle in and let’s talk with the man who made the steel guitar modern again: Nashville’s go-to string magician, Russ Pahl.
Ep. 39 - Chris talks GarthIn this episode, Count It Off sits down with legendary guitarist Chris Leuzinger—the man whose playing you’ve heard on every Garth Brooks album and across countless miles of tour dates. Chris takes us back to those early days in the studio, sharing how the very first Garth tracks came together, the sparks of creativity that shaped them, and the moments none of them realized they were making history.He opens up about Garth’s genuine kindness and generosity behind the scenes—the quiet gestures, the encouragement, the way he made every musician feel valued. We also shine a light on the incredible players, producers, and studio wizards who helped build Garth’s unmistakable sound. From spontaneous late-night sessions to the chemistry that only happens when the right people end up in the same room, Chris brings us stories that are funny, heartfelt, and downright iconic.If you love music, behind-the-scenes magic, or just a great story well told, this one’s a must-listen.
Count It Off — Episode 38: Jake Shimabukuro - ambassador of Hawai'i's signature stringed instrumentIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jake Shimabukuro, widely celebrated as the world’s #1 ukulele virtuoso. We'' hear some of his music and follow Jake's shares stories from his upbringing in Hawai‘i, the deep love for practice that shaped his musicianship, and the early YouTube moments that launched him onto the global stage. We dive into his unforgettable tours with legends like Jimmy Buffett and Tommy Emmanuel, as well as his recent travels across China, Japan, Europe, and beyond. His young fans overseas look up to him like their Shohei Ohtani superhero and you'll hear his modesty and gratitude for those future players.Join us for an uplifting, music-filled conversation as Count It Off welcomes Jake Shimabukuro to Episode 39.
Episode 37: On the Road with Lee GreenwoodIn this week's show, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to play in Lee Greenwood’s band. From long bus rides and late-night diners to the goosebumps moment when “God Bless the U.S.A.” kicks in, we’ve seen it all. We’re sharing stories from the stage, memories from the road, and what it’s like working with a true American legend who still gives it everything, every night.Lee is a consummate artist and is generous to his band - we'll even hear a song of mine he sang for my demo. Take a Morning Ride with us :)
🎙️ Ep 36 - Key West, Jimmy Buffett, Trop Rock music and the musical side of the southernmost point Join us as we meet the founders of Trop RockN Duval, a week-long festival of beach music. We join artists, songwriters and even a local 5th generation Bahamian Conch. One of the fastest growing genres of music, Trop Rock comes to Key West the last week of October every year and artists from all over the world come to perform for their fans and the lucky tourists who happen in to hear live original music in dozens of venues.This is a fun one... so join us!
🎧 Episode 35: Me, Myself & AI — One Musician’s First Steps into the Hot/Bold/Scary New TechnologyIn this episode, we dive into my first experiences using artificial intelligence as a musician — the tools that sparked new ideas, the challenges that test our industry and the questions that keep me curious. It’s a look at creativity in the age of algorithms: where inspiration meets automation, and where humans still make the magic happen. We'll include listener feedback and do some impromptu testing.Hope you'll enjoy the new hot topic!
🎙️ Scott Joyce: Road Songs & Honky Tonk StoriesNashville songwriter and touring musician Scott Joyce joins us to share about his life on the road with Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Tracy Lawrence. From backstage laughs to songwriting magic, Scott brings the journeys, the heart, and the country charm of a Music City career that’s taken him from Texas to the biggest stages anywhere. 🤠🎸Turn it up and ride along — this one’s pure Nashville gold.
🎸 Episode 33: Luc Nyhus: Stories from the StringsThis week, we sit down with Luc Nyhus — a Nashville guitarist, songwriter, and road warrior whose playing has lit up stages with Big & Rich, Elle King, Sam Barber and more.Luc opens up about life on the road, the lessons learned between gigs, and how he's learned to put his heart in his songs..His story is one of passion, hustle, and a deep love for the music that connects us all.🎶 A warm, genuine conversation with one of Nashville’s most soulful guitar storytellers.
🎧 Episode 32: Phil Solem: Behind the ClapsYou know the song — the one that made millions of people clap along every Thursday night. But there’s a lot more to the story than just the Friends theme.In this episode, we sit down with guitarist Phil Solem, singer, songwriter, and one half of The Rembrandts, to talk about how “I’ll Be There for You” became one of the most recognizable songs in television history. Phil shares the story behind the hit, the unexpected whirlwind that followed, and how he’s continued to evolve as an artist beyond the ‘90s spotlight.From the Los Angeles music scene to global fame — and everything in between — we dive deep into the challenges of the music biz, the cast members of the show and share the effect of a song that still brings people together decades later.Tune in for stories, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at the man who helped define the sound of friendship.
🎙️ Episode 31: Harmony, Heritage & Heart with Rudy GatlinIn this episode, we sit down with Rudy Gatlin of the legendary Gatlin Brothers to talk about a lifetime in music, family, and faith. From their early days singing in small Texas churches to becoming Grammy Award–winning artists and Grand Ole Opry members, the Gatlins have left an indelible mark on country and gospel music.Rudy shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road, what it was like growing up in a family where harmony was both musical and personal, and how he’s navigated decades in an ever-changing industry. We also dive into his personal passions off the stage, lessons learned from a life in the spotlight, and what continues to inspire him today.Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Gatlin Brothers or just discovering their music, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the man behind the songs — filled with humor, wisdom, and a whole lot of harmony.
Count It Off – Episode 30: Joe Soucheray of Garage LogicOn this episode of Count It Off, we’re joined by none other than Joe Soucheray, the voice behind Garage Logic, the Mayor of Gumption County and Flashlight King himself. If you’ve ever tuned into GL, you know Joe’s got a knack for mixing common sense, humor, and a little bit of curmudgeonly wisdom into conversations that just stick with you. The show pulls hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners from around the globe and ranks in the top 25% of all podcasts.We talk about how Garage Logic came to be, how good podcasts succeed and what keeps Joe fired up to hit the mic after all this time. Whether you’re a long-time citizen of Garage Logic or just curious what it’s all about, this one feels like hanging out in the mayor’s office—coffee, chatter, and plenty of laughs included. Don't miss this one.
🎙️ Count It Off – Episode 29 : Erica Sunshine LeeIn this episode of Count It Off, we sit down with the unstoppable Erica Sunshine Lee — a powerhouse singer-songwriter known as the Georgia Gypsy. From her small-town Southern roots to touring across the globe, Erica’s journey is fueled by grit, passion, and a love for telling stories through song.She’s earned #1 chart-topping songs, penned heartfelt ballads, rowdy anthems, and everything in between, earning fans worldwide with her fearless honesty and undeniable stage presence. In this conversation, Erica opens up about life on the road, the inspirations behind her songs, and what it really takes to carve out an independent career in today’s music industry.Whether you’re chasing your own creative dreams or just love a good story wrapped in melody, this episode will leave you inspired to count it off and dive in.✨ Listen now and join the ride with Erica Sunshine Lee.
🎹 Count It Off Ep 28: Funk, Faith & Purple Keys with Tommy BarbarellaThis week we’re hanging out with the one and only Tommy Barbarella — keyboardist, composer, and longtime member of Prince’s legendary New Power Generation. We dig into what it was like holding down the keys for one of the greatest artists of all time, the magic (and madness) of life on tour, and how Tommy found his own sound outside the Purple universe.We’ll hear how Tommy has expanded to composing and scoring everything from orchestral works, commercial videos and even an epic Super Bowl ad.From Twin Cities beginnings to the biggest stages in the world, Tommy shares stories that are equal parts funny, wild, and inspiring. We talk about the pressure of keeping up with Prince’s genius, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and how collaboration fuels his creativity to this day.If you love Prince, music history, or just want to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from the guy who helped shape the soundtrack of a generation, this one’s for you.
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