The L.A. Mellow Mafia: Studio Legends Behind a 70s Soundtrack

In the 1970s, Los Angeles was a hub for a new wave of music that captivated listeners with its smooth, harmonious soft-rock sound. This soundscape was shaped significantly by a tight-knit group of studio musicians, known colloquially as the 'Mellow Mafia'. This elite group included the likes of Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Russ Kunkel on drums, Leland Sklar on bass, and Waddy Wachtel also on guitar. Their influential contributions spanned across the works of renowned artists such as James Taylor, Carole King, and Fleetwood Mac, to name just a few.

The Beginnings of the Mellow Mafia

The 'Mafia' members converged in Los Angeles and, by the early 1970s, found themselves repeatedly crossing paths in the city's recording studios. They aligned with the same engineers, contributed to the same sessions, and, endorsed by producer Peter Asher, quickly became sought-after for their exceptional musical talents and ability to translate live energy into studio recordings.

Classic Tracks and Documented Legacy

Invaluable to legendary albums like Carole King's 'Tapestry' and James Taylor's 'Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon', the Mellow Mafia's influence extended to around 5,000 albums, either as individuals or collectively. The new documentary 'The Immediate Family', directed by Denny Tedesco, now showcases the story of these musicians, illustrating their craft and careers through interviews and archival treasures. Apart from solidifying their legacy, the documentary shares a name with their current group, which includes Steve Postell and will be releasing a new album titled 'Skin in the Game'.

Intimate Journeys Through Song Stories

Through a recent Zoom call, the group reflected on their experiences creating some of the most memorable tracks of the time. The documentary dives deep into these histories, revealing how songs like 'Werewolves of London' and 'Edge of Seventeen' came to life through a mix of spontaneous creativity and meticulous studio work.

documentary, musicians, classics