Larry Goldings: Serving the Song

Episode 118 of the The Bandwich Tapes podcast, hosted by Brad Williams, titled "Larry Goldings: Serving the Song" was published on March 23, 2026 and runs 53 minutes.

March 23, 2026 ·53m · The Bandwich Tapes

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Summary

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Larry Goldings—keyboardist, organist, composer, and one of the most respected musical collaborators working today. Larry has built a career that stretches across jazz, pop, film, television, and session work, but what really stands out in our conversation is his deep commitment to serving the music first.We start by talking about some of the projects currently on his plate. From a new recording with his organ trio featuring Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart, to an unexpected and joyful children’s album with tap-dance legend Melinda Sullivan, Larry’s creative world is constantly expanding. Whether it’s instrumental jazz, singer collaborations, or more experimental projects, his curiosity keeps pushing him into new musical spaces.A major part of the conversation centers on his long-running role in James Taylor’s band. Larry shares how he first connected with James in the early 2000s and what it takes to serve those songs night after night at the highest level. Playing alongside musicians like Steve Gadd, he reflects on what he’s learned about feel, restraint, and the kind of deep musical trust that makes a rhythm section truly work.From there we head down the rabbit hole into Scary Goldings and Scary Pockets, the groove-driven projects that have introduced Larry to a whole new generation of listeners online. He talks about how those sessions began, why the format encourages spontaneity, and how collaboration and curiosity remain the driving forces behind the music.For the gearheads and music nerds—myself included—we also revisit a memorable moment from the Michael Brecker “Time Is of the Essence” sessions. Larry recalls the experience of playing alongside Elvin Jones, navigating the nerves of the session, and the unforgettable moment when the music suddenly locked into place.Along the way, we also get into the craft of organ playing itself—especially Larry’s approach to left-hand bass, and why bass players have influenced his musical language just as much as other organists. At the end of the day, everything comes back to the same principle: serve the feel, serve the song.Key TakeawaysLarry Goldings’s current creative projects, including a new organ trio record with Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart.The unexpected collaboration with tap-dance legend Melinda Sullivan on a children’s album.How Larry joined James Taylor’s band and what he’s learned from years on that stage.The musical philosophy of rhythm sections built on feel, restraint, and trust, especially alongside Steve Gadd.The origins of Scary Goldings and Scary Pockets and how those sessions reached a global audience online.A behind-the-scenes story from the Michael Brecker “Time Is of the Essence” recording sessions with Elvin Jones.Why Larry’s organ language is shaped as much by bass players as by other keyboardists.Music from the EpisodeThe Shakes — Scary PocketsTimeline — Michael BreckerSolid Jack — The Larry Goldings TrioDisco Pills — Scary PocketsArc of the Pendulum — Michael BreckerAbout the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is a long-form conversation podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with some of the most thoughtful musicians, composers, and artists working today. The show explores the stories behind the music—creative process, collaboration, career paths, and the human experiences that shape the sounds we love.Connect with the ShowEmail: [email protected]

Episode Description

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Larry Goldings—keyboardist, organist, composer, and one of the most respected musical collaborators working today. Larry has built a career that stretches across jazz, pop, film, television, and session work, but what really stands out in our conversation is his deep commitment to serving the music first.

We start by talking about some of the projects currently on his plate. From a new recording with his organ trio featuring Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart, to an unexpected and joyful children’s album with tap-dance legend Melinda Sullivan, Larry’s creative world is constantly expanding. Whether it’s instrumental jazz, singer collaborations, or more experimental projects, his curiosity keeps pushing him into new musical spaces.

A major part of the conversation centers on his long-running role in James Taylor’s band. Larry shares how he first connected with James in the early 2000s and what it takes to serve those songs night after night at the highest level. Playing alongside musicians like Steve Gadd, he reflects on what he’s learned about feel, restraint, and the kind of deep musical trust that makes a rhythm section truly work.

From there we head down the rabbit hole into Scary Goldings and Scary Pockets, the groove-driven projects that have introduced Larry to a whole new generation of listeners online. He talks about how those sessions began, why the format encourages spontaneity, and how collaboration and curiosity remain the driving forces behind the music.

For the gearheads and music nerds—myself included—we also revisit a memorable moment from the Michael Brecker “Time Is of the Essence” sessions. Larry recalls the experience of playing alongside Elvin Jones, navigating the nerves of the session, and the unforgettable moment when the music suddenly locked into place.

Along the way, we also get into the craft of organ playing itself—especially Larry’s approach to left-hand bass, and why bass players have influenced his musical language just as much as other organists. At the end of the day, everything comes back to the same principle: serve the feel, serve the song.

Key Takeaways

Larry Goldings’s current creative projects, including a new organ trio record with Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart.
The unexpected collaboration with tap-dance legend Melinda Sullivan on a children’s album.
How Larry joined James Taylor’s band and what he’s learned from years on that stage.
The musical philosophy of rhythm sections built on feel, restraint, and trust, especially alongside Steve Gadd.
The origins of Scary Goldings and Scary Pockets and how those sessions reached a global audience online.
A behind-the-scenes story from the Michael Brecker “Time Is of the Essence” recording sessions with Elvin Jones.
Why Larry’s organ language is shaped as much by bass players as by other keyboardists.

Music from the Episode

The Shakes — Scary Pockets
Timeline — Michael Brecker
Solid Jack — The Larry Goldings Trio
Disco Pills — Scary Pockets
Arc of the Pendulum — Michael Brecker

About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is a long-form conversation podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with some of the most thoughtful musicians, composers, and artists working today. The show explores the stories behind the music—creative process, collaboration, career paths, and the human experiences that shape the sounds we love.

Connect with the Show

Email: [email protected]