The Immediate Family, a collective of iconic session musicians renowned for their contributions to the world’s top-tier artists, has been lured to Savannah, Georgia, by none other than four-time IMC and RMA award-winning vocalist and songwriter, Thomas Claxton. Gather with fellow aficionados of legendary music and prepare for an evening of unparalleled performances that will leave you spellbound. Venues have been carefully selected for an enhanced and intimate experience.

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hen it comes to the most overused phrases of the past 30 years, “soundtrack of our lives” is surely near the top of the list. Yet, for the members of The Immediate Family, it’s a completely apt description of the members’ collective contribution to popular culture.

Since the early 1970s, this group of A-list session musicians has routinely been at arm’s length (in the studio or on stage) from some of the foremost singer-songwriters imaginable. In that time, they’ve created and played signature licks, parts, and solos on — quite literally — thousands of albums and live shows by the likes of James Taylor, Don Henley, Phil Collins, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, Lyle Lovett, Warren Zevon, Stevie Nicks, Neil Young, John Oates, Jennifer Warnes, Toto, David Crosby, Carly Simon, and countless others.

“Not only did they give birth to this music, they’re as much the authors of these songs as the artists they did it with.”
– Jackson Browne

Says the band’s legendary bassist, Leland Sklar, “I look back now, and I’ve played on 2,500 albums. In this day and age, it would be physically impossible to do that. But back then, if you were good enough, you could.” And good enough they were. Between Sklar, guitarists Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell, and drummer Russ Kunkel, their chops, taste, and talent laid the foundation for hundreds of major hit songs — most of which are undoubtedly playing on countless radio stations and streaming services right now. It’s that incredibly impressive catalog of timeless, classic tunes the group will draw upon for the setlist of their April 25 show in the Fine Arts Auditorium of Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus.

The latest installment of locally-based singer-songwriter Thomas Claxton’s successful Me, Myself & Us Concert Series — which finds the vocalist and guitarist welcoming an ever-changing roster of respected, veteran backing musicians to our area for special performances and audience Q&As — this two-night event also includes the following night’s regional premiere of Immediate Family, the new feature-length documentary on the history of this group of iconic sidemen, at District Live, in Savannah’s JW Marriott Plant Riverside District’s entertainment complex on River Street.

On night one, Claxton will open the concert with a solo acoustic set of his own material as well as moderate an onstage, post-screening discussion featuring the band members on night two. Director Denny Tedesco (the man also responsible for the groundbreaking 2008 music doc The Wrecking Crew, which focused on the previous generation of fabled Los Angeles session musicians) will also be on hand. For those who wish to stick around after that Q&A, the musicians will hold an informal “masterclass,” where they’ll share candid stories and discuss their personal views on the music biz.

 “I’ve been there [Savannah] many times, with James Taylor and other artists. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in this country, and I’m excited to have a couple of days this time to hopefully get out and just take it all in.
– Leland Sklar

Sklar notes that this particular engagement will be a rare opportunity to catch an alternate lineup of the group, whose latest album of original material, Skin in the Game, was released in February of this year. “Waddy has been Stevie Nicks’ musical director (for decades),” he explains. “He’s never not been by her side. Suddenly he had to make up a bunch of Covid dates with her, but we are extremely lucky to have Elliot Easton of the Cars joining us on lead guitar and vocals for a few shows in his place. Elliot’s in the (Rock and Roll) Hall of Fame, and is a great guy. We tell the audience he’s the ‘Immediate Family Car.'” Kunkel agrees that Easton makes a splendid addition to their lineup. “We’ve found a wonderful new friend in Elliot,” the drummer offers. “And, in the spirit of the group, we’ve added three or four songs by the Cars to our set. We play them our way, and the audience loves them.”

Waddy Wachtel, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, Steve Postell, and Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar have been the backbone of music legends like James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Jennifer Warnes, and The Cars for decades. Now, it’s their turn to take center stage. Join The Immediate Family on the weekend of April 25 for a thrilling two-day event that promises to satisfy your rock and roll cravings.

When asked how to describe the repertoire of the group, Sklar replies: “It’s a pretty eclectic show. The joke is that we’re a cover band that does all originals — because we were the ones who helped write them! (laughs)” The bassist doesn’t want to give away too many surprises but allows that in addition to the band’s own songs, folks should expect to hear plenty of major hits by an unexpected assortment of well-known artists — played with phenomenal precision. For, as Jackson Browne (a star who famously utilized the Immediate Family on many of his own albums and tours) has said of the group, “Not only did they give birth to this music, they’re as much the authors of these songs as the artists they did it with.”

“Our shows cover the breadth of all of our careers,” Sklar elaborates. “For us, these gigs are all about having fun and enjoying the opportunity to be with your brothers that you’ve played with for so long. The crowd is surprised to see all the different things that we’ve played on, and they usually wind up doing a lot of singing along. It’s actually very emotional for a lot of people because these are often the songs that they heard at their marriages and which may have gotten them through divorces or other dark moments over the course of their lives, you know?”

The bassist adds he’s especially looking forward to seeing Savannah (he was last there in March of 2023 for a show with Lyle Lovett at the Johnny Mercer Theatre). “I’ve been there many times, with James Taylor and other artists. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in this country, and I’m excited to have a couple of days this time to hopefully get out and just take it all in.

“I love playing with Thomas (Claxton), and it seems like his events are going great. He and I hit it off immediately. He’s one of those guys where it seems like we’ve known each other for a long time, you know what I mean? It’s hard to pin down because it feels so natural — like we have always been there.”

5 Compelling Reasons Why The Immediate Family is a Must-See Live Experience”

Prepare to be blown away by The Immediate Family’s electrifying live performance, where rock legends come together to create musical magic. If that is not reason, enough, read on for more to help you see the light. 

1. Legendary Lineup: With members like Leland Sklar, Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Steve Postell, and Russ Kunkel, The Immediate Family boasts a lineup of iconic session musicians whose contributions have shaped the sound of popular music for decades.
2. Vast Musical Legacy: Having played on thousands of albums and live shows for artists like James Taylor, Carole King, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Nicks, The Immediate Family has an extensive catalog of timeless tunes that have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
3. Unparalleled Skill and Precision: Known for their impeccable chops, taste, and talent, The Immediate Family members are masters of their craft, delivering performances with phenomenal precision and energy that captivate audiences worldwide.
4. Special Guest Appearance: Don’t miss the chance to catch Elliot Easton of the Cars joining the lineup for select shows. As a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Easton brings his own legendary status and musical prowess to the stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. He will be stepping in for Waddy Wachtel.
5. Emotional Connection: For many fans, The Immediate Family’s music holds a special place in their hearts, accompanying them through life’s highs and lows. Seeing these songs performed live is not just a concert experience but an emotional journey filled with memories and nostalgia.

Kenny Olson, Tony Franklin, Thomas Claxton, Mark Vaquer, Dinah Gretsch, Eric Frampton, Fred Gretsch and Scott Page take a moment for an all-star photo at Claxton’s at the March 29th, Me Myself and Us Concert Series at District Live. (photo: Alicja Colon)

Meeting the Gretsch Family

Thomas Claxton comes clean about that night he forgot the words to the songs and  spotlighting his relationship with, Fred and Dina Gretsch  

South Mag: How did you initially meet the Gretsch family and begin your collaboration?

Thomas Claxton: We officially met last year, even though we were indirectly connected due to local bandmates having worked for them over the years. Mrs. Dinah attended one of my shows at District Live, and that same night, we discussed partnering the “Gretsch School of Music” with my “Me, Myself, & Us” Concert Series at Georgia Southern University’s Savannah Armstrong Campus. This partnership officially began in January, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support aspiring performers and entrepreneurs in the music industry alongside Mr. Fred and Mrs. Dinah Gretsch, who are dedicated advocates of Music Education.

SM: First impression of Fred and Dinah Gretsch…

TC: Yes, we did. Our first meeting was great, and they even invited me to their Christmas Party, which was an absolute blast. Having been around plenty of individuals in this business, I know genuine folks when I meet them, and that’s exactly what Mr. Fred and Mrs. Dinah are. I admire their passion for their brand and have nothing but respect for the differences they want to make in these students’ lives at the “Gretsch School of Music.”

SM: A Favorite story about your time with the Gretsch family…

TC: I found myself at their Christmas bash last year, and before I knew it, I was roped into belting out some classic holiday tunes. Now, I thought I had the lyrics down pat, but it became painfully clear that I was way off track. I stumbled through the entire set like a reindeer on roller skates! Thankfully, the other partygoers came to my rescue, singing along and saving me from a full-blown Christmas catastrophe. Let’s just say, my rendition of “Jingle Bells” won’t be making any viral rounds on social media anytime soon!

SM: How would you describe Mr. Fred and Mrs. Dinah?

TC: Those who know me, know that I don’t say what I don’t mean, so when I say that Mr. and Mrs. Gretsch are a dedicated, supportive, and passionate couple who care about Music Education and impacting the lives of today’s youth, I sincerely mean it. True passion only comes from genuine intention, and the source is always a kind and considerate heart, so their dedication speaks volumes about them as individuals. I’m excited about everything ahead. We’ve only just begun, and there’s nothing but great things ahead!

The company was founded by Friedrich Gretsch in 1883 and has been passed down through generations of the Gretsch family. Gretsch is a renowned musical instrument company known for its guitars, but if you are looking for something special, check out their Custom Shop. Ready for your Gretsch Guitar?

THE CUSTOM ’59 PENGUIN 15TH ANNIVERSARY GRETSCH (Image courtesy of Gretsch Guitars)

Your Tickets to an Unforgettable
Weekend with the Immediate Family.

As the Immediate Family readies to play Savannah, Georgia, Thomas Claxton and his dedicated team gear up for two extraordinary performances. Deliberately selecting intimate venues, they aim to craft an unforgettable experience for attendees. (Warning: Tickets for these shows are expected to sell out. Secure yours promptly to avoid disappointment. Once original tickets are sold out, only resellers will be available, and prices are beyond our control.)

Thursday, April 25
GEORGIA SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY at the Armstrong Campus Fine Arts Auditorium

“My Musical Brothers – The Immediate Family Story”
7 PM – 10 PM /  $75 Mezzanine $100 Floor

The Immediate Family began as a studio project in 2018 when Danny Kortchmar was recording his solo album, Honey Don’t Leave L.A., for Vivid Records in Japan. He called on his friends and secured featured guest performances by artists he has worked with like James Taylor, Jackson Browne, David Crosby and Michael McDonald. Danny played guitar and sang lead vocals on the release. On guitar and vocals was legendary rock and roll session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who has played with many of the same artists, including collaborating for many years with Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards, and the late Warren Zevon, with whom he co-wrote and produced a number of hits. The band also included one of the most recorded and revered rhythm sections in the world – Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, Warren Zevon, James Taylor) on bass and Russ Kunkel (Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Carly Simon) on drums, who have played on close to 5,000 records, many of them classics in the rock and roll pantheon. The Immediate Family also includes Steve Postell on guitar and vocals. Postell is a seasoned touring and session player who has worked with David Crosby, Jennifer Warnes, John Oates, Robben Ford and more.
[Get your tickets for this show here.]

Friday, April 26th

JW Marriott Plant Riverside District at District Live

“IMMEDIATE FAMILY”
Documentary Screening, Band Q&A / Masterclass
7:00 PM to 10:30 PM / $75

Experience the architects of our musical history in SAVANNAH, GA! Their contributions resonate through timeless hits by James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Phil Collins, and more. Join Thomas Claxton’s “Me, Myself, & Us” Productions and Plant Riverside Savannah for an unparalleled event featuring “The Immediate Family” and film Director, Denny Tedesco. The globally acclaimed documentary, “Immediate Family” sets the stage for an insightful evening.  Members Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, and Steve Postell, alongside Director Denny Tedesco, will present the documentary followed by an interactive Q&A session. Seize the chance to engage with these legendary artists and gain firsthand insights.  For aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike, a Masterclass featuring Bassist Leland Sklar, Drummer Russ Kunkel, and Guitarist Steve Postell awaits. Don’t miss this seated event—an extraordinary opportunity for unparalleled learning and inspiration.
[Get your tickets for this show here.]

The “Me, Myself, & Us” Concert Series
is Proudly Sponsored by:

Spiva Law Group     ♠      Whiteship Farms    ♣     Cockspur Productions    ♥     South Magazine
Opus Labs      ♥     Taylor Guitars     ♦     Lewitt Audio    ♠     Trinity Cymbals    ♣     FiR Audio