Tommy Mandel

Highlights from Part One; Bryan Adams and Ian Hunter

In part one with keyboardist Tommy Mandel, we talked about his career, but is best known for recording and playing with Bryan Adams from 1981 through 1998. Mandel studied songwriting with Paul Simon at NYU in 1969-70, in a class that included The Roches.Mandel was in the band, Stories, in the mid seventies and in 1978,  In 1979, he began recording Ellen Foley’s debut album and met Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson, playing on three albums with them from 1979 through 1981. Since then, Mandel has worked with David Johansen (aka Buster Pointdexter) of the NY Dolls, Dire Straits, John Waite, Little Steven Van Zandt, and more.

Mark Knopfler, The Clash and a Disco Hit

In 1981, Mandel also was touring with the Dire Straits and recording the live Alchemy: Dire Straits Live, we talk about the improvising of Sultans of Swing and working with Mark Knopfler. Tommy’s first solo recording with the EP, Tommy Mandel on Songshop Records contained a minor hit in the Disco clubs. Tommy has released several solo recordings since, including in 1984, Music for Insomniacs and The Secrets of Marital Bliss. We discuss the making of The Clash album Rock The Cabah, auditioning for Steve Winwood and his current activities.

Video interview with Tommy Mandel (Part 2 of 2)