Watch 40 Years In The Making: The Magic Music Movie

"40 Years In The Making: The Magic Music Movie" is a documentary film by Lee Aronsohn that explores the history and legacy of a Colorado-based musical group called Magic Music. The film is a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, the era when the band was formed, as Aronsohn takes us through the band's early days and its eventual rise to fame.

Magic Music was a folk band that formed in 1970 in the mountains of Colorado. Its members were all college friends who shared a love for music and the great outdoors. The band's music was a blend of folk, country, rock, and bluegrass, and it reflected the hippie culture of the time.

The film opens with a montage of archival footage and photographs of the band's early performances, accompanied by interviews with the band members and their friends. We learn about how the band started out playing at local bars and coffeehouses, eventually graduating to playing at larger venues in Colorado and beyond.

As the film progresses, we learn more about the band members and their unique personalities. There's Chris Daniels, the lead vocalist and a natural frontman, who had a charismatic presence on stage. There's also Will Luckey, the guitarist and banjo player, who was known for his virtuosity on the strings. There's Kevin Milburn, the violinist and mandolin player, who added a touch of classical music to the band's sound. And finally, there's George Cahill, the bassist, who was the quiet, steady force behind the band.

The film also delves into the band's personal lives and how they influenced their music. We learn that the band members were all avid hikers and lovers of the outdoors, and that their music was inspired by their experiences in nature. They were also influenced by the counter-culture of the time, and their music reflected the idealistic and optimistic spirit of the 1970s.

Interspersed throughout the film are performances by Magic Music, both old and new. We see footage of the band playing at tiny coffeehouses in the early days, as well as larger venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

However, the heart of the film is the reunion of the band, which takes place after 40 years of being apart. The reunion was sparked by the death of Will Luckey, who had remained close friends with the other members of the band up until his untimely passing. The remaining members of the band decide to reunite and play a benefit concert in his honor.

The reunion is both heartwarming and poignant, as we see the band members reconnecting after all these years. They reminisce about the old days, share stories about their personal lives, and talk about the impact that Magic Music had on their lives.

The film also explores the legacy of the band, and how they were an important part of the Colorado music scene in the 1970s. We see interviews with musicians like John Denver and Bonnie Raitt, who were fans of the band and were influenced by their music.

Overall, "40 Years In The Making: The Magic Music Movie" is a beautifully crafted documentary that captures the spirit and essence of a band that was truly ahead of its time. The film is a celebration of the band's music, its members, and the impact that they had on the Colorado music scene and beyond. Whether you're a fan of Magic Music or simply a lover of good music, this film is a must-watch.

40 Years In The Making: The Magic Music Movie is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 68.