Guitarist - Tommy Tedesco

In the early 1970s, 1973-1974, I performed with several recognized guitarist. These gigs took place at Discount Music Center in Orlando. They were hosted - sponsored by the Gibson Guitar Company. Most of the players were endorsers of their instruments.  

Charlie Byrd achieved success with his record Jazz Samba, recorded with Stan Getz. It climbed to number one in the Billboard Pop Albums in 1963. Stan Getz won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance of the 1963 tune, Desafinado. 

I enjoyed that gig with Charlie Byrd. My Brazilian, (bossa nova and samba influences) at the time was the music by Airto. 

Following my clinic-concert gig with Charlie Byrd, next on the list was Herb Ellis. As a young learning jazz drummer, all of those experienced guitarist were professional and without judgment of my playing. Herb Ellis had a unique straight-ahead style. His time and feel was really deep and solid. The quality of drummers he was use to playing with were Louie Bellson, Ed Thigpen and Shelly Mann. Still in my early 20s, I had enough chops, dynamics and experience to cut the gig. Though, Herb could have embarrassed me with his ability to play Oscar Pederson up-tempo renditions of tunes. Hearing and playing with Herb Ellis, I noticed his signature guitar, bongo, conga slap he would play in drummer-less bands. 

Following Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis was Barney Kessel. I noticed his style was heavier and aggressive to play-along with. I liked his sound and feel. He was easy to follow. His rhythmic comp’ing was very strong and clear. As a musician he had that hipster look with the beard and goatee. 

In Orlando, at Walt Disney Worlds, The Village Lounge, the mentioned guitarist, were employed there for a 2-week engagement. They performed with the house trio. 

Another guitar-clinician to appear at Discount Music was Tommy Tedesco.Tommy was completely self contained and didn’t use drums or bass. If you’ve seen The Wrecking Crew film, you know how entertaining he was. He played along with tracks and did (all of his guitar lick) shtick. As a legitimate recording session guitarist, Tommy Tedesco’s discography is legendary