Reverend Timothy J. Mercaldo is a professional musician and, for more than 35 years, an evangelical minister who uses music as his primary way to connect with people. With music and worship as centerpieces of his life, Tim founded WorshipPlus to equip local churches and Christian organizations to think creatively, that is, to use the creative arts to enhance their worship experiences and outreach events. In this episode, Tim talks with Mike and Kevin about how playing music, in particular the piano, has impacted his life as well as the people he encounters wherever he plays or prays.

Howard R. Paul is one of those rare individuals with the talent and energy to successfully navigate a dual career as business person and jazz musician. Paul has established himself as both as an internationally acclaimed guitarist, whose CDs include “Tony Monaco/Howard Paul: New Adventures,” “Bob James & Howard Paul: Just Friends: The Hamilton Hall Session,” and “Ali Ryerson: Jammin’ At The Jazz Corner,” and a respected manufacturing executive as president of archtop jazz guitar maker Benedetto Guitars. Paul is a pillar of the Savannah, Georgia music community, having served as Savannah Jazz Festival chair and president of the board of directors of the Savannah Jazz/Coastal Jazz Association for a combined twelve years. In this episode of Music Life & Times he talks about the evolution and challenges of sharing life between music and business.

Through 20-something years of his post-graduate professional music career, Bassist Chris Riggenbach has compiled an impressive resume based on his versatility. Playing cello as a youngster, he graduated to electric bass in high school, then in college took on upright bass in order to play with jazz combos. His versatility has found him in everything from orchestras for musicals to jazz trios touring Europe, and includes 10 years on cruise ships backing a host of celebrity performers as well as leading his own jazz trios. Like so many accomplished musicians, Chris gives back to the community as an educator, currently teaching jazz bass and directing jazz combos at Atlanta's Emory University and Oglethorpe University. His goals for his future: keep refining his craft and keep sharing the joy of music with audiences and fellow musicians.