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 Garth

In 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 instrument

In 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 Greenwood

In 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!

In 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 Stories

Nashville 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 Strings

This 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.

You 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 Gatlin

In 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.