TOMMY TEDESCO, KING OF SESSION GUITARISTS

Until I saw this clip, the only footage I'd ever seen of Tommy Tedesco was his Hot Licks instructional video, which I have on VHS because it doesn't seem to be on DVD. (I just remembered-- he was in the band on the old "Fernwood Tonight" show, so if that ever comes out on DVD I'll snap it up.)

Tedesco was, and is, one of my favorite guitarists. It's difficult to assess his impact because his entire career was in the shadows; he played on countless records, as well as TV and film soundtracks. Many of my favorite TV show themes and background music featured Tommy. The TAMI show concert, just out on DVD, has a backup "orchestra" with Tedesco on guitar. I saw this concert film years ago, and remembered that after the Stones segment, the pit band played a long instrumental "raveup" with killer guitar soloing that sounds like Tommy to me. (If anyone can confirm or deny this, please comment!)

Watching the DVD, I was reminded of how years ago session guitarists like Tommy got on my radar, and how I quickly assimilated them into my mental picture of what the guitar could do. I already had the usual rock guitar heroes of the day in my brain, Page, Clapton, Hendrix, et al, but hearing Tedesco confused the issue for me. Those rock guitarists were great, but were they better than this guy who seemed to be able to play expertly in any style?

Recently, I've been planning out my playing for a recording session where I'm playing a version of Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight." I've been trying to decide which direction to go on that track, and kicking around some ideas-- Jeff Beck Yardbirds fuzz? Danny Gatton trash with slapback? When I heard Tedesco's playing on the TAMI show finale, it all came together for me. I've never heard any rock guitar better than what he played there-- it's essentially the sound of a jazz guitarist slumming. If I can get some Tedesco-esque picking on this recording, my job will be done. Thanks, Tommy!