In "Immediate Family," director Danny Tedesco continues his exploration of American popular music's unsung heroes, shifting his focus from the 1960s to the pivotal music era of the Seventies and Eighties. This documentary spotlights four studio musicians: guitarists Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel, drummer Russ Kunkel, and bassist Leland Sklar. These musicians significantly influenced the sound of this period, contributing to recordings of major artists like James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and many others.
For those unfamiliar with these musicians, their influence permeates much of the era's music, with their talents featuring on numerous iconic albums. Their work spans a range of celebrated albums such as Carole King's "Tapestry," James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James," Jackson Browne's "Running On Empty," and more. The film celebrates these musicians' contributions, often overlooked in favor of the more prominent artists they supported.
One of the film's compelling aspects is the realization that each musician had the potential for a solo career. However, they chose the path of studio musicians, a choice that allowed them a broader creative impact than if they had pursued solo endeavors. Despite not receiving as much personal glory, their work became integral to the era's soundtrack. Even as musical trends shifted in the Eighties towards synth-based sounds, these musicians adapted and continued to thrive.
"Immediate Family" is rich in performance footage, archival material, and insights from their famous collaborators. However, the film's heart lies in the candid conversations and anecdotes shared by the musicians themselves. Danny Kortchmar, for instance, shares a memorable story about his song “All She Wants to Do is Dance,” written for Don Henley. Waddy Wachtel's anecdotes stand out, especially his tales of recording Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” and an improvised guitar solo for Steve Perry’s “Oh Sherrie.”
Tedesco’s approach as a filmmaker is more that of an enthusiastic fan than a critical journalist. While this might detract from the film in other contexts, it works here because "Immediate Family" aims to celebrate these musicians and their enduring legacy. It serves as both a nostalgic journey for those familiar with their work and an insightful chronicle of a significant chapter in American music history.
Viewers will leave "Immediate Family" entertained and likely eager to revisit their music collections to rediscover the traces of these talented musicians. Tedesco's film not only pays homage to these artists but also enriches our understanding of their substantial contributions to the music we love.
