Denny Tedesco - Director And Producer Of "The Wrecking Crew", Award Winning Documentary Film, And "Immediate Family"

Episode Notes

Denny Tedesco is the Director of “The Wrecking Crew”, an award winning documentary film about the group of studio musicians based on the West Coast who played on hundreds of hit records in the ‘60s and ‘70s for The Beach Boys, The Mamas And The Papas and so many more. He is also the director of another documentary called “Immediate Family”, about the studio musicians who formed the backing band for so many of the great ‘70s singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne and others.

My featured song is “Stockbridge Fanfare”. Spotify link

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Denny and I discuss the following:

  • ‘60s music by The Wrecking Crew as the soundtrack to our lives

  • Tommy Tedesco - guitarist with The Wrecking Crew

  • Roundtable discussion

  • Liner notes and lack of credits

    • “Pet Sounds” - Beach Boys

    • The Association

    • Lou Adler - Mamas and Papas

  • Multiple sessions per day

  • 3 hours per session

  • Playing live in the studio

  • All “Michael Jordans”

  • Social interactions among the musicians

  • How they got the name

  • Making the Wrecking Crew film

    • Father had terminal diagnosis

    • Roundtable discussion

    • Broadway Danny Rose and Diner as inspiration

    • Visiting his father in the studio

    • Started the process in 1996

    • 1998: Got Dick Clark, Cher, Nancy Sinatra

    • 2006: most expensive home movie ever

    • Financed on his credit cards

    • Producing TimeLife infomercials to make a living

    • 2008: festivals. 12 audience awards. Great reviews. But in debt

    • Started selling song dedications from the movie

    • Clown school dedication

    • 2015: Picked up by Magnolia

    • Went on NetFlix

  • Influence of Wrecking Crew film on other documentaries

  • Immediate Family film

    • Features 3 of the 4 guys originally in The Section

    • Worked with all the singer-songwriters in the 1970s

    • Brought in investors

    • All the stars participated in the film

    • 3 festival


“BOBBY M AND THE PAISLEY PARADE” is Robert’s new album. Featuring 10 songs and guest appearances by John Helliwell (Supertramp), Tony Carey (Rainbow) and international sitar sensation Deobrat Mishra. Produced by Tony Carey. Called "ALBUM OF THE YEAR!" by Indie Shark and “One of the great rock sets of the year!” by Big Celebrity Buzz. "Catchy and engaging with great tunes!" - Steve Hackett (Genesis)
"This album has life and soul!" - John Helliwell (Supertramp)
"Bobby M rocks!" - Gary Puckett (Union Gap)
"Nice cool bluesy album!" - Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds)
"Robert really really really rocks!" - Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary)
"Great songs. Great performances. It's a smash!" - David Libert (The Happenings)
Click here for all streaming links. Download here.

LIVE AT STEELSTACKS is the 5-song EP by Robert and his band, Project Grand Slam. The release captures the band at the top of their game and shows off the breadth, scope and sound of the band. The EP has been highly praised by musicians and reviewers alike. 
“Captivating!” Elliott Randall (Steely Dan) 
“PGS burns down the house!” Tony Carey (Rainbow)
“Full of life!” Alan Hewitt (The Moody Blues) 
“Virtuoso musicians!” (Melody Maker) 
“Such a great band!” (Hollywood Digest) 
The album can be streamed on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and all the other streaming platforms, and can be downloaded at The PGS Store.

ALL OF THE TIME is Robert’s recent single by his band Project Grand Slam. It’s a playful, whimsical love song that's light and airy and exudes the happiness and joy of being in love. 
“Pure bliss…An intimate sound with abundant melodic riches!” Melody Maker/5 Stars) 
“Ecstasy…One of the best all-around bands working today!” (Pop Icon/5 Stars) 
“Excellence…A band in full command of their powers!” (Mob York City)
Watch the video here. You can stream “All Of The Time” on Spotify, Apple or any of the other streaming platforms. And you can download it here.

THE SHAKESPEARE CONCERT is the album by Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, recorded "live" in the studio. It’s been praised by Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Jim Peterik (Ides Of March), Joey Dee (Peppermint Twist), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan) and Sarah Class (British composer). Reviews: “Perfection!”, “5 Stars!”, “Thrilling!”, and “A Masterpiece!”. The album can be streamed on Spotify, Apple and all the other streaming services. You can watch the Highlight Reel HERE. And you can purchase a digital download or autographed CD of the album HERE

THE FALL OF WINTER is Robert’s single in collaboration with legendary rocker Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March and formerly with Survivor. Also featuring renowned guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers) and keyboard ace Tony Carey (Joe Cocker/Eric Burden). “A triumph!” (The Indie Source). “Flexes Real Rock Muscle!” (Celebrity Zone). Stream it on Spotify or Apple. Watch the lyric video here. Download it here.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM HANDBOOK is Robert's Amazon #1 Bestseller. It’s a combination memoir of his unique musical journey and a step by step how-to follow and succeed at your dream. Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. 

 

Audio production:
Jimmy Ravenscroft
Kymera Films

 

Connect with Denny at:
www.immediatefamilyfilm.com
www.wreckingcrewfilm.com

 

Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:

Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/followyourdreampodcast
Email Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com

 

Listen to the Follow Your Dream Podcast on these podcast platforms:
CastBox
Spotify
Apple

 

Follow Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:

Website - www.projectgrandslam.com
Instagram
PGS Store - www.thePGSstore.com
YouTube
Facebook - www.facebook.com/projectgrandslam
Spotify Music
Apple Music
Email - pgs@projectgrandslam.com

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Gary Lewis - Gary Lewis And The Playboys. "This Diamond Ring", "Count Me In", "Save Your Heart For Me", "Everybody Loves A Clown", "She's Just My Style", "Sure Gonna Miss Her"

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Don Randi - Member Of The Wrecking Crew. Worked With Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Linda Ronstadt, Glen Campbell, Nancy Sinatra And Many More!