THE WRECKING CREW

(director: Denny Tedesco; cinematographer: Rodney Taylor/Trish Govoni; editor: Claire Scanlon; cast: Herb Alpert, Cher, Glen Campbell, Dick Clark, Leon Russell, Brian Wilson, Roger McGuinn, Frank Zappa; Runtime: 102; MPAA Rating: PG; producers: Denny Tedesco/Suzie Greene Tedesco/Claire Scanlon/Jon Leonudakis/Mitchell Linden/Damon Tedesco/Chris Hope; Magnolia Pictures; 2008)

“This well-produced documentary rescues the talented but unsung group from obscurity, who were mostly known only to industry insiders.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

First-time director Denny Tedescohelms this sentimental tribute film to the legendary LA-based team of session musicians of the 1960s, known as The Wrecking Crew, a back-up band to the likes of such luminaries as Sinatra and Bing Crosby. They were known for their distinctive West Coast sound. Danny’s deceased guitarist dad Tommy, died in 1997, was a member of the Wrecking Crew. This well-produced documentary rescues the talented but unsung group from obscurity, who were mostly known only to industry insiders. They recorded with famous musicians such as the Beach Boys, the Mamas & the Papas, the Everly Brothers, Barbra Streisand, Jan and Dean, the 5th Dimension, Elvis Presley and Sam Cooke.

The film found favor on the festival circuit after premiering at the 2008 SXSW and Nashville film festivals, and has hung-around as an entertaining piece on period music. There are many clips of the group at work, an interview with Glen Campbell (a former member of The Wrecking Crew) and plenty of stories told about the Crew. If your thing is for nostalgia movies, you might be more into this piece than I frankly was.

REVIEWED ON 11/6/2015 GRADE: B-