Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier
Conversations with musical Icons and Indies. Across genres. Across styles. Across eras. Journey to the Stage explores the winding pathways traveled by musicians, artists, composers, and songwriters. We highlight current projects by our guests, but always start our journey at the beginning.
Episodes

Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Veteran singer-songwriter Maia Sharp proves once again that she has great songcrafting and storytelling skills with her latest album, "Reckless Thoughts." Maia has written for artists like Trisha Yearwood, Bonnie Raitt and Cher. I first became familiar with Maia's work when she teamed up with Buddy Mondlock to help write and record an album ("Everything Waits to Be Noticed") with legendary vocalist, Art Garfunkel.
Maia and I had a great chat about her journey, the twists and turns and struggles as she continues to adapt to the reality of the troubadour life. To top off our conversation, we play a great cut called "Fallen Angel" from her latest album.
Keep up with Maia's tour dates, socials, and news by checking out her website: https://www.maiasharp.com/
Support Maia on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/maiasharp
Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier is an indie and self-financed podcast that was created to tell the stories of great artists, legends, and indie artists. A no-cost and easy way to support my work is to share an episode with friends and on your socials, leave a kind rating or review, and to follow, like and subscribe wherever you listen or watch. And for all who do those very kind things, I am so thankful.
Copyright Notification:
"Fallen Angel" written by Maia Sharp. 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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Journey to the Stage 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

Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
In this special episode, Sally Stevens and Ron Hicklin give us insight into the creative world of James Horner like very few can. Ron and Sally began working with James in the early 80s as studio vocalists and vocal contractors and their voices can be heard on so many Horner scores like Glory, Apollo 13, Sneakers, Jumanji, Casper, Red Heat, and many more.
The stories my guests tell, paint an intimate picture of what it was like to spend countless hours in the studio with James, his work ethic, his perfectionism and his childlike characteristics.
Ron Hicklin shares how he became a trusted partner and confidant for James and the bond that they shared.
If you are a lover of the works of James Horner, this is a must listen.
COMING SOON---- an EXCLUSIVE interview with Sara Horner that is utterly fascinating. Make sure you follow, like or subscribe wherever you’re catching this episode so you don’t miss the release date of that must-hear episode.
One of the greatest gifts of being a podcaster has been getting to know Ron Hicklin and Sally Stevens. I am so grateful for both of them, not only for allowing me to help tell their stories, but for the heart they poured into their work for us, and their friendship. Thank you both.
This episode is dedicated to two wonderful people- Sally Stevens and Ron Hicklin.
To the late James Horner- so many times, as I watch a new movie, I wonder if it would have been you scoring it if you were still with us. Thank you for the gift of so much beautiful and soul-stirring music. You are missed, maestro.
To see the tour of James’ studio by Sara Horner, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb2HWm2Jxq0
Episode with Ron Hicklin (available on all podcast platforms):
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1n9E4bVwzHbWIOTVG4UB6m?si=j5Fg_UW-SO6Fz3YIDeXL6Q
Episode with Sally Stevens (available on all podcast platforms):
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YaxBwZDMKY0ya30UoEyrs?si=-7Sb4NyvSIGMkc2gNpdUag
Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier is an indie and self-financed podcast that was created to tell the stories of great artists, legends, and indie artists. A no-cost and easy way to support my work is to share an episode with friends and on your socials, leave a kind rating or review, and to follow, like and subscribe wherever you listen or watch. And for all who do those very kind things, I am so thankful.
Copyright Notification:
Song clips used under Fair Use
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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Journey to the Stage 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

Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Beth Bombara is a wonderfully gifted singer, songwriter, musician and storyteller. While she has drawn comparisons to Aimee Mann and Jewel, she brings her unique voice that paints her songs with authenticity and warmth. Those traits shine brightly in and through the conversation we shared on a Fall afternoon.
Along with chatting about her journey as an artist and musician, we dive into her latest album, "It All Goes Up," which is one of the best albums I came across in 2023. We play my favorite song from the album, a wonderful song titled "Electricity."
I hope you enjoy this chat with Beth as much as I did. Beth Bombara is the type of artist this podcast loves to help promote and shine the light on.
The album "It All Goes Up" is OUT NOW and is available to stream on all the services. Add the album to your library, listen to it, and if you like, share it with a friend so they can check it out to. That is a HUGE help to our indie artist friends.
To support Beth on Patreon, click here: https://www.patreon.com/bethbombara
For tour dates, merch and more, click here: https://bethbombara.com/
Follow Beth on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bethbombara
Follow Beth on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/bethbombara
Connect with Beth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethbombara
Thank you for supporting indie artists like Beth by going to shows, buying merch, visiting their online store and making a purchase, and supporting them on Patreon.
Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier is an indie and self-financed podcast that was created to tell the stories of great artists, legends, and indie artists. A no-cost and easy way to support my work is to share an episode with friends and on your socials, leave a kind rating or review, and to follow, like and subscribe wherever you listen or watch. And for all who do those very kind things, I am so thankful.
Copyright Notification:
"Electricity" written by Beth Bombara. 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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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

Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
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

Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
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

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
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

Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
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

Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
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

Monday Aug 14, 2023
Monday Aug 14, 2023
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

Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
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