Watch Laurel Canyon

Laurel Canyon is a docuseries produced by EPIX that delves into the iconic music scene of Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. The series is directed by Alison Ellwood, who is known for her style of blending interviews, rare archival footage, and music to create an immersive experience.

The docuseries features interviews with some of the most iconic musicians of the 1960s-70s era, including Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and Alice Cooper, among others. The show also includes insightful and entertaining appearances from younger musicians like Beck, Fiona Apple, and Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers.

The first episode of the show sets the stage for the Laurel Canyon scene, exploring the beauty of the Hollywood Hills and the relaxed atmosphere of the neighborhood. The audience gets a glimpse of the famous houses that hosted some of the most legendary jam sessions in history, like the one at Frank Zappa's log cabin or Joni Mitchell's home.

The following episodes highlight the formation of different bands, such as The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, and their collaborations with other artists of the scene, such as David Crosby and Stephen Stills. The audience gets to see how these musicians influenced each other's sound and created some of the most iconic music of the era.

One of the most significant themes of the docuseries is the role of women in the music industry during this time. Michelle Phillips, who was a part of The Mamas & the Papas, narrates some of the most insightful and poignant moments in the series. Her perspective on the band and how they challenged gender roles and social norms of the time is crucial in painting a complete picture of the Laurel Canyon scene.

The show explores some of the most significant cultural moments of the era, including the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the Manson Family murders. The audience gets to see how these tragic and tumultuous events impacted the musicians and affected the music that came out of Laurel Canyon.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the series is getting to see the rare archival footage of the era, including performances and behind-the-scenes moments with some of the most significant names in music. The show also does an excellent job of showcasing the musicians' personalities and quirks, including Alice Cooper's infamous on-stage antics and Frank Zappa's sense of humor.

The docuseries does a great job of showing how Laurel Canyon influenced not only the music of the era, but also fashion, art, and politics. The audience gets to see how the scene was a melting pot of creativity and how the musicians and artists of the time challenged the status quo and pushed boundaries in music and culture.

In conclusion, Laurel Canyon is a fascinating and engaging docuseries that explores the influential music scene of the 1960s-70s in Los Angeles. Through interviews with some of the most iconic musicians of the era and rare archival footage, the show provides a comprehensive look at the culture and personalities that shaped the music of the time. Whether you're a fan of the era or just love good music and storytelling, Laurel Canyon is a must-see.

Laurel Canyon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 31, 2020 and on EPIX