Waddy Wachtel: The Hardest Working Man in L.A.

A cursory glance at Wachtel's credentials reveals that he worked with most of the big names that were a part of the L.A. Sound. Here are a few of the more important examples of his work as a session guitarist, producer, and tour guitarist. Head here to find out even more: http://waddywachtelinfo.com/DiscographyCreditsGigsSongs.html

1. Fleetwood Mac

Buckingham Nicks Album (1973), Fleetwood Mac Album (1975), all of Stevie Nicks's solo albums and tours (1981-Present)

2. Linda Ronstadt

"Heart Like a Wheel Tour" (1975), Hasten Down the Wind (1976), Simple Dreams (1977), Various other appearances (1978-Present)

3. Carole King

"Wrap Around Joy Tour" (1974), Thoroughbred (1976)

4. Jackson Browne

The Pretender (1976), "No Nukes Concert" (1979), Lives in the Balance (1986), I'm Alive (1993), Looking East (1996), Various other appearances (1998-Present)

5. Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon (1976), Excitable Boy (1978), Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School (1980), The Envoy (1982), Sentimental Hygiene (1987), Transverse City (1989), Mr. Bad Example (1991) 

6. James Taylor

In the Pocket (1976), Flag (1979), Dad Loves His Work (1981)

Others:

J.D. Souther

Leo Sayer

Don Henley (Eagles)

Karla Bonoff

Bob Weir (Grateful Dead)

Richie Furray (Buffalo Springfield, Poco)

Randy Newman

America

John Stewart

Danny Kortchmar

Dolly Parton

Ringo Starr (Beatles)

Steve Perry (Journey)

Graham Nash (Hollies, Crosby Stills & Nash)

Neil Young

Cher

Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band

Bob Dylan

Bon Jovi

Rod Stewart (Faces, Jeff Beck Group, etc.)

Elton John

Kenny Rankin

Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)

(Jackson Browne, Waddy Wachtel, and Warren Zevon)

James Taylor's Band: 1979

Check out how many familiar faces we have here. This was James Taylor's band from the "Flag Tour 1979." From left to right we have: David Lasley, Arnold McCuller, James Taylor, Waddy Wachtel, Don Grolnick, Leland Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, David Sandborn, and Russ Kunkel.

This picture actually gives me a really great lead to follow: Waddy Wachtel. I don't know a whole ton about him, but I did see him play on stage this past summer at a Stevie Nicks concert. I know he has been her lead guitarist for a while, and I know that he worked with Warren Zevon for a long time too, but beyond that I bet he has an impressive resume to explore.

This is a website all about Waddy Wachtel: http://waddywachtelinfo.com/index.html. There will soon be a post all about Wachtel's connections as well.

In terms of "The Section," Kortchmar, Kunkel, and Sklar are all present here too. The only one missing is Craig Doerge on the piano. Some of the new names Grolnick on keys, Sandborn on sax, and Lasley and McCuller on background vocals. I will be exploring their careers as well.