Watching 'Immediate Family'

Session musicians who have worked behind the scenes on countless masterpieces.
Walking together on the musical journey that continues today,
a music documentary that follows their trajectory.
(Quoted from the official movie website)

I recently went to see 'Immediate Family.' As a fan of 70s Western music, I thought it was a film I couldn't miss, but it exceeded my expectations. I am very happy that I was able to see it, as opportunities to encounter such music documentaries are rare.

I am very happy that I was able to see it.
Being able to feel the presence of the people who supported so many masterpieces, the background of the songs I have been familiar with for many years, and the atmosphere of the era made me realize once again the depth and charm of music.

As the session men have all aged, reflecting on past tours and discussing behind-the-scenes stories of recordings, I was moved by the many episodes I hadn't known before—how they looked at each other, inspired each other, and elevated one another.
There were many photos and videos from the 70s that I was seeing for the first time, and those were also a valuable experience for me.

I listened intently to the music playing, thinking things like, 'Danny Kortchmar means James Taylor and Carole King, right?', 'Was it Russ Kunkel on drums for this song?', 'This guitar is Waddy Wachtel,' and 'Ah, so this bass was Leland Sklar...' I watched while picking up such discoveries one by one.

Renowned musicians such as James Taylor, Carole King, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, and Keith Richards share their memories and episodes with them.

What was particularly impressive were the words Stevie Nicks said about guitarist Waddy Wachtel. The deep trust and affection in her statement, 'I can't imagine my musical life without him,' made me feel the special bond the two have built over many years.

The words and expression of Russ Kunkel, who spoke of his regret at being away from home often on long tours and not having enough irreplaceable time to spend with his family, also remained in my heart.

And with their respective thoughts in their hearts, they return to their daily lives as session musicians once again.

After watching it, a warm emotion quietly filled my heart...

At the restaurant I went to for lunch after the movie, even though it was bustling with young customers, nostalgic Western music was playing for some reason, and James Taylor's songs played repeatedly, making me listen intently each time.
'Why is 70s music playing in 2026? Could this selection be for me?' I happily misunderstood it in my own way.
Such a small coincidence made that day even more special.

Legendary session musicians who have supported countless masterpieces from the shadows. As a music fan, I am very happy that a work has been created that shines a spotlight on their existence.

Until now, my focus had always been on the songs themselves, and I had never thought deeply about the existence of the session musicians who support those works. Watching this movie has given me a chance to turn my eyes toward them, and I feel like I can enjoy music even more than before.

I have posted some of the songs that played in the movie.


Country Road (1970)
James Taylor

It's Too Late (1971) Carole King

Running on Empty (1977)
Jackson Browne

Edge of Seventeen
(1981)
Stevie Nicks