Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier

Ep. 54: Denny Tedesco- Director of ”The Wrecking Crew” and the NEW film, ”Immediate Family.”

In 2008 Denny Tedesco took the world of music storytelling by storm with the release of the multi-award winning film, "The Wrecking Crew." That hit film told the story of a group of elite studio musicians in Los Angeles that played on countless smash hit songs and albums for every huge artist you can name. As the son of Tommy Tedesco, who is the most recorded session player in history and was part of The Wrecking Crew, Denny had a birds eye view into that world, which helped him tell that story.
Denny is back with a brand new film that shines the spotlight on a group of world class musicians that were essential to the creative output of the Singer Songwriter Era. Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel helped shape the sounds of artists like James Taylor, Carol King, and countless others. 
Featuring guests like Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Phil Collins, the aforementioned Taylor, King and many others, the storytelling is only topped by the music these timeless artists made. 
---IT IS VITAL THAT WE SUPPORT THIS FILM!---
BUY TICKETS to go see the film while it's in theatres by clicking here:  https://magpictures.com/immediatefamily/screenings
WATCH ON Video On Demand: https://magpictures.com/immediatefamily/watch-at-home
Film Website: https://www.immediatefamilyfilm.com/
A huge thank you to Denny for joining me. Please help support storytellers who shine the light on music makers. 
If you enjoyed my chat with Denny, feel free to leave a kind rating or review, follow or subscribe. I'm an indie podcaster who depends on folks like you to help with those things. Thank you so much for your support. 
 
Copyright Notification:
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
 

Ep. 53: Robin Taylor Zander

Singer-songwriter, Robin Taylor Zander, son of Cheap Trick vocalist, Robin Zander, took advantage of the instruments he grew up around by learning to play a variety of them. Spending summers on the road with his dad and soaking in the sonics of Rock from his earliest days helped form RTZ into a songwriter with an exceptional sense of melody and songcrafting. As a touring member of Cheap Trick, where he has filled in on drums, bass, and lead guitar as the need arose, RTZ has become an integral part of the band as a rhythm guitar player and background vocalist.
Robin's DEBUT album, The Distance, is out NOW, and it is an album of high caliber that I HIGHLY recommend. In our chat, RTZ talks about growing up in a Rock n Roll family, how he became part of Cheap Trick, and writing and recording his new album and much more. This is a fun chat with a genuine artist with great writing and performing prowess.
We play the first cut from the album, a catchy tune that wears its Beatles influence on its sleeve, titled, "What Am I to Do?"
Catch RTZ on the road as he plays in support of The Distance. Check out his Linktree for all the links you will need to buy music, merch, keep up with RTZ's socials and get info about shows.
Click here for RTS's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rtzmusic
 
Copyright Notification:
"What Am I to Do?" written by Robin Taylor Zander. Used by permission. 
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
 
 
 

Ep. 52: Carol Kaye- The Comprehensive Interview Pt. 2

In this final segment of my in-depth conversation with the Queen of Bass Guitar, Carol Kaye, we chat about her work with Motown, which was kept very quiet and we examine some of Carol's most iconic bass lines and how they were created. Carol talks about how her intro to "Wichita Lineman" was an accident in some respects. I get Carol's thoughts about what it was like to work the biggest artists and producers, names like Quincy Jones, Brian Wilson, Phil Spector and others. As one of the last remaining members of The Wrecking Crew, Carol talks about what it's like to look back on her struggles, her career, the people she worked with, and the music she made. This episode is not one to miss.
A BIG thank you to Carol, for sharing her gift and for sharing her time.
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
 
Copyright Notifications:
Song clips are used under the Fair Use doctrine for commentary and educational purposes. The inclusion of song clips does not imply copyright ownership.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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Omnis Gloria Christo

Ep. 51: Carol Kaye- The Comprehensive Interview Pt. 1

Carol Kaye is a towering musical legend who's considered to be one of the most prolific bassists in Rock and Pop music history. With over 10,000 recording sessions under her belt, and an integral part of The Wrecking Crew studio musicians, Carol recorded with them all- The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, The Righteous Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel (to name a few), and helped give birth to Rock n Roll by playing on songs like "La Bamba" and "Donna" by Ritchie Valens.
In the Spring of 2023, Carol and I spent two hours on the phone together, in what amounts to be one the most comprehensive interviews Carol has done. We cover lots of ground and any fan of Carol's career, legacy, and music history, will enjoy what Carol shares.
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Part 2 of this interview can be found on all the podcast platforms and is slated to be released on Monday November 20. 
A very special thank you to the wonderful Carol Kaye for being to generous with her time.
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As an indie podcaster, I would love your help. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
 
Copyright Notification:
Song clips are used under the Fair Use doctrine for commentary and educational purposes. The inclusion of song clips does not imply copyright ownership.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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Omnis Gloria Christo
 
 

J1Q #1: What was it like to sing with Elvis?

Very few people had the distinct pleasure of singing with the King of Rock n' Roll, Elvis Presley, but both of my guests DID! Ron Hicklin and Sally Stevens are two living legends in the vocal world. Many have heard of "The Wrecking Crew" studio musicians who played on endless smash hits on some of the greatest music ever made. Sally and Ron, and their respective team of vocalists are the equivalent to that famous group of musicians. 
Listen in as Ron and Sally answer the question: What was it like to sing with Elvis Presley?
To hear my interview with Sally Stevens, look for episode 19. And to hear my interview with Ron Hicklin, listen to episode 28 wherever you listen to podcasts. 
J1Q (Just 1 Question) is the new mini-episode sub-podcast of Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier. While my main podcast will continue (season 3 launches Nov. 6, 2023!), I will drop occasional J1Q episodes. 
----A BIG THANK YOU to the GREAT Texas band, Blue Water Highway, for the use of an instrumental version of their song, "Year of the Dragon" from their album by the same name. If you don't know their music, you are missing something special. You can find them on all the streaming services, social media platforms and their website, https://www.bluewaterhighwayband.com/
 
Copyright Notification:
Podcast theme song "Year of the Dragon" written by Zack Kibodeaux. Used by permission.
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage and J1Q. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo

Ep. 50: Phil Keaggy (Part 2)

In this concluding portion of my in-depth conversation with legendary guitarist and artist, Phil Keaggy, we cover a wide range of topics. We talk about what makes his playing style unique, what it was like to meet and play music with Paul McCartney, and what Phil prefers these days to being on the road. The conversation moves to things like when Phil feels most creative, what advice would he would share with his younger self, and the joy of collaboration, and much much more. 
Phil plays two beautiful songs in-studio for us and we hear from Choir drummer and lyricist, Steve Hindalong, Phil's long-time pal, Randy Stonehill, and a special message from a 50 year fan of Phil's, Dan Morrow.
A special thank you to Phil for his time, his music, his voice and his friendship.
To purchase the Randy Stonehill Tribute album Phil talked about, click the link below:
https://randystonehill.bandcamp.com/album/theres-a-rainbow-somewhere-the-songs-of-randy-stonehill
Visit Phil's AMAZING Bandcamp page where you can support Phil buy buying music like his BRAND NEW album, Pilgrimage, which features collaborations with Jeremy Casella and other great and talented folks. Click below.
https://philkeaggy.bandcamp.com/
 
Copyright Notification:
All songs and song clips, along with studio performances, used by permission and/or under the Fair Use Doctrine for commentary and educational purposes. No claim to ownership is implied by their inclusion. 
"Round About You" Written by Steve Hindalong. Performed by Phil Keaggy, Steve Hindalong and Derri Daugherty. Used by permission. From the album, "At the Foot of the Cross."
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
 
 
 
 

Ep. 49: Phil Keaggy (Part 1)

This UpClose and Personal conversation with legendary guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, Phil Keaggy, is truly one of the greatest I've had since starting Journey to the Stage. Phil has won 7 GMA Dove Awards and has been nominated for multiple Grammys. Our chat is filled with laughs and wonderful storytelling by one of my great musical heroes. We cover lots of ground in Part 1 of this extensive deep dive into the events that have helped shape Phil, both as a man, and as an artist. With several friends stopping by to express their affection for Phil and a handful of in-studio performances of some of my favorite songs from Phil's vast catalogue, this is something any Phil Keaggy fan would not want to miss. 
The greatest part of this conversation for me, is the friend that I have gained in Phil. He is a thoughtful and considerate friend, who loves God and loves people. 
To keep up with all things Phil, visit: http://www.philkeaggy.com/
Phil has THEE greatest Bandcamp page (a place where you can purchase music) I've ever seen. Maintained by Tom Gulotta, there are TONS of live shows, outtakes and Phil's vast catalogue of music.
Visit his page here: http://www.philkeaggy.com/
 
Copyright Notification:
All songs and song clips, along with studio performances, used by permission and/or under the Fair Use Doctrine for commentary and educational purposes. No claim to ownership is implied by their inclusion. 
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
 

Ep. 48: Florence Dore

Florence Dore and I sat for a great conversation about her journey as a singer, songwriter, author and professor. Florence's latest album, "Highways and Rocketships" is a delightful blend of Rock, Americana and Folk. The songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with melodic hooks, superb musical performances, and Florence's lovely voice and creative lyrics. With production and creative assistance by original dB and current Steve Earl band drummer, husband Will Rigsby, this album was destined to be the easy album to love that it is. 
Florence and I chat about how her three seemingly disparate career paths form a unified, satisfying and creative pallet for her to be able to express herself on.  We play two great songs from her latest album that you will truly enjoy. 
To keep up with tour dates, latest news, buy music and merch, please visit https://www.florencedoremusic.com/
Like Florence's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fdmusic100
Follow Florence on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/florencedoremusic/
Follow Florence on Twitter: https://twitter.com/florence_d
---See Florence on the road! Buy some merch, say hello. Thank you for supporting artists buy buying their music---
Copyright Notification:
"Lighter" written by Florence Dore. Used by permission. 
"Sweet to Me" written by Florence Dore. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
 
 

Ep. 47: John Schlitt (Part 2)

In the final segment of the UpClose & Personal conversation with multi-Grammy and multi-Dove Award winning vocalist, John Schlitt, we dig into the Petra years. From his arrival as Petra's new vocalist and working with power producers, John and Dino Elefante, John peels the curtain back and and gives us unfettered access to what went on behind the scenes. We touch on some of Petra's biggest albums like, Back to the Street, This Means War, Petra Praise, and Beyond Belief. John shares with us what the last days of Petra were like and what lead up to retirement of the greatest Christian Rock band of all-time. 
We end our conversation talking about John's great solo career and play a cut from his latest solo album, "Go." With Petra's 50th Anniversary in full swing, we dig into that and what lies ahead.
A BIG thank you to John for being so generous with his time and for sharing a word of encouragement for a friend and fellow Petra fan, Thor Lundberg, who is battling ALS.
This episode is dedicated to my friend and brother, Thor Lundberg, who loves Petra.
To keep up with ALL of John's bands and projects, please visit https://www.johnwschlitt.com/fans/index2.htm
Get your tickets for PETRA'S 50th Anniversary Tour! https://www.petraband.com/
 
Copyright Notification:
"Go" Written by Mark Lee Townsend, John Schlitt @2019 House of Rexford Music – BMI, DBabe Music – SESAC. Used by exclusive permission. 
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo

Ep. 46: John Schlitt (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this Upclose & Personal conversation with multi-Grammy and multi-Dove Award winning vocalist John Schlitt, we spend considerable time walking through his formative years and the impact of bands like The Beach Boys and Beatles. Long before he was the vocalist of the most powerful and impactful band in Christian Rock history, John found success in the Rock band, Head East, where drug and alcohol abuse would bring him to the lowest of low points. But that is NOT the end of John's journey, and John shares about how he disappeared for several years, only to be found by Petra founder, Bob Hartman. 
John shares his deep and personal feelings about the Petra songs, "Thankful Heart" and "Prayer," and we chat about the first time I saw Petra on the Back to the Streets Tour on 9/25/86 at Point Loma Nazarene College (San Diego) and a moment that has stuck with me for 37 years. 
There is MUCH to come in Part 2 that you DO NOT want to miss. Part 2 releases on July 3, 2023. 
To keep up with ALL of John's bands and projects, please visit https://www.johnwschlitt.com/fans/index2.htm
Get your tickets for PETRA'S 50th Anniversary Tour! https://www.petraband.com/
A very special thank you to John Schlitt for being so open and transparent, and so generous with his time. I met John first in September of 1986 just before the band was going to take the stage. He was so kind to my 16 year old self and he asked me to pray for him and the band. Each time I've chatted with John since, he has always been genuine. I truly thank the Lord for him, Bob Hartman, the rest of the band, for the immeasurable impact the ministry of Petra had on a kid with long hair who was trying to figure out where he fit in the church.
 
Copyright Notification:
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo