February 21, 2022

If you’re an Americana music lover looking for a bright reprieve from the mid-winter blahs, consider Amazon Prime’s engaging documentary, It Was the Music, a 10-part musical odyssey showcasing the terrific husband and wife duo of Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.

The series works so well largely because, in addition to being gifted musicians, Larry and Teresa are just delightful people — sharp, clever folks with a chemistry and shared humor that’s the natural byproduct of a dynamic 30-year marriage. Their story is remarkable in that, after backing up A-list musicians for years (Larry was a long-time multi-instrumentalist for Bob Dylan, and a first-call accompanist, producer, and session player working with Levon Helm and Jackson Browne, among others), they decided to put everything else aside in order to record and tour together. And it’s all the more extraordinary because — even though they don’t look it — they started this adventure in their sixties.

Be patient with director Mark Moskowitz’s muddled opening and the way he occasionally, but pointlessly, inserts himself and girlfriend into the story. Just go with the non-linear narrative. Bear with the large cast of familiar and not-so-familiar Americana performers who, confusingly, aren’t always clearly identified. These minor irritations can be overlooked by focusing on Larry and Teresa’s captivating tale, and the glorious music they make. This is seriously wonderful stuff.