In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of talking with Ray Herndon, a musician whose story stretches from Scottsdale’s legendary Handlebar J to the road with Lyle Lovett and the harmonies of McBride & The Ride.
Ray and I start by digging into his family’s club, Handlebar J, which has been a Scottsdale institution for 50 years. We talk about the balance of being both a musician and a restaurant owner, and what it means to carry on the legacy of a place that has hosted countless nights of music.
From there, our conversation winds through his other passions, like competitive poker, and the surprising similarities he finds between playing cards and improvising on the guitar. Ray also reflects on his lifelong love of learning, including his in-depth exploration of Barry Harris’s concepts, his admiration for Pat Martino, and what he learned from lessons with greats like Joe Pass and Ted Greene.
We spend time swapping stories about the incredible steel guitar community, remembering players like Buck Reid, Paul Franklin, Gary Morse, Bruce Bouton, Joe Rogers, and Johnny Cox. And of course, we trace Ray’s path from nights at Mr. Lucky’s with J. David Sloan and the Rogues, to that fateful Luxembourg trip where his band first connected with Lyle Lovett, and how those relationships eventually led to McBride & The Ride.
Ray also discusses finding his own voice as a singer and songwriter, including the enduring impact of “Me and You,” a song that has remained a staple in weddings and playlists worldwide. We close by talking about what it’s like to reunite with McBride & The Ride these days and how the music has only gotten better, the pressure is gone, and the laughter comes easy, as well as his recent work with Don McLean’s band.
It was such a joy to hear Ray reflect on the twists and turns of his career, the people who shaped it, and the music that continues to inspire him.
Music from the Episode:
Amarillo Sky (McBride & the Ride)
Lovin' Her Was Easier (Ray Herndon)
Me and You (Ray Herndon)
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.
What is The Bandwich Tapes?
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with musicians for thoughtful conversations about the craft of making music.
Each episode explores the experiences, influences, and creative decisions that shape an artist’s work. From improvisation and songwriting to collaboration, recording, and life on the road, the conversations go beyond biography to focus on how music actually gets made.
Guests include instrumentalists, composers, songwriters, and producers from across the musical landscape. The tone is relaxed, curious, and musician-to-musician—an opportunity to hear artists reflect on their process, their collaborators, and the musical moments that have stayed with them.
Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for everyone. So, come along for the ride as we explore the magic of music and the incredible journeys of the people who bring it to life.