Immediate Family

Denny Tedesco delivers again. This time, his film beautifully explains the nuances that allowed this group of gifted musicians to become the worst kept secret among the 1970s and 80s music industry. Unlike the era the Wrecking Crew worked in, by the early 70s the musicians who recorded the album got listed on the album. And so brilliance could be discovered.

Kootch Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel and Waddy Wachtel became the sound of the seventies, playing both on the albums and on the road with Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Don Henley and many more. Their unselfish, humble approach as well as desire to make the best song possible endeared them to the stars they worked with, and made stars of themselves over time.

Incredibly, their time working with and around each other bound them into a close friendship, which endures to today (along with late comer Steve Postell). A wonderful story beautifully told. Fun to see at a theatre to see everyone smiling and swaying to all the great music!

Just when I thought no one could top "The Wrecking Crew," along comes its creator - Tedesco - and does it, anyway! Waddy Wachtel, Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkel, THE Primo Session musicians of the 1970's, take you back to that simpler time (in our 20s?) and all that fantastic music they created. Yeah, the "stars" had a *little* something to do with it, but these maestroes of the guitar, bass, keybord and drums put in much more than is revealed in to liner notes. This film does NOT get bogged down in sentimentaliy, though. It's true, up front, in-yo-face REAL. Can't go wrong with that! You will enjoy 140 minutes of pure bliss with this one!

This film places you at the table and in the studio with the musicians that defined an entire era in popular music. Immediate Family is brimming with talent, intimacy, fellowship, laughter, tears and the genuine warmth that flows among professionals truly and undeniably committed to their profession. As with Denny's love letter to his dad and the remarkable 60s era musicians profiled in his previous documentary, The Wrecking Crew, Immediate Family brings us up close and personal with the craftsmen that succeeded them into the following two decades. These players are all master musicians and performers whose contributions to American music simply can't be overstated. It's an educational and inspiring journey worthy of the viewer's respect and admiration. Enjoy the ride!