Tommy Tedesco
Studio King
Los Angeles has long been a center for recording music. Along with record
companies, television shows and the movie industry have a great presence in L.A.
and with it a need for many studio musicians. This recording environment demands
accurate timing which in turn requires that the musicians be able to read well
and follow a conductor. Many jazz guitarists have made part of their living
working in the studios bringing with them a high level of musical literacy.
Mistakes were costly, so the best players got the bulk of the work. Tommy
Tedesco was the guitarist of choice for many of these studios. A consummate pro, Tedesco knew how to play, how to read and perhaps just
as importantly, how to comport himself in the studio. He could soothe the
most demanding conductor or at least make it appear that he was conforming to
their wishes. Legends abound of the many pranks and practical jokes Tommy
came up with, usually aimed at uninformed conductors and producers who were making absurd
demands.
Mr. Tedesco is probably the most recorded guitarist in history! Surf and Rock music, movie themes and segues along with television shows and commercials are filled with examples of his work. Studio musicians seldom get any mention in the credits so his name is unrecognized by the public. There were certainly many other guitarists working the studios at that time, Howard Roberts, Joe Pass and Herb Ellis to name a few. Tedesco played some jazz in live settings in the ‘70s to the delight of local guitarists, many of whom had never seen him work.
Tommy Tedesco died in 1997 but he left as his greatest legacy not his recordings, but his record of help and friendship to up-and-coming musicians. Many a studio career started with a referral from him. Movies and television have exposed the public to some fine guitar music. By providing a significant portion of this music Tommy Tedesco left us many good examples to learn from while raising the expectations of the public regarding guitar music.
