In addition, Steve Mandile co-wrote singles for Phil Vassar, Tim McGraw, and Shane McAnally, and previously played lead guitar in Pam Tillis' road band, Mystic Biscuit.
He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in percussion, where he studied with noted jazz educators Steve Sample, Sr and Ray Reach.
Following graduation, he worked in Birmingham, Alabama as a member of a jazz group led by Count Basie bassist Cleveland Eaton.
Mandile co-produced Nashville Star 2005 winner Erika Jo's self-titled debut album, on which Tilley also performed as a percussionist.
[9] On the first day they played for nearly 45 consecutive minutes after a teleprompter malfunctioned, covering hits like "I Want You To Want Me" by Cheap Trick and several Doobie Brothers songs.