The Session Man

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The Session Man

2023

1h 30m

Documentary

Music

Biography

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1 Reviews

95%

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50+ Ratings

The Session Man, a 90-minute documentary feature film, tells the story of Nicky Hopkins, the highly gifted and prolific session pianist, and unsung hero. Nicky not only played with The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, he also played on solo albums of all four members of the Beatles in the early part of a stellar career that spanned over 30 years. During that time, he contributed to over 250 albums and a vast number of single releases. Nicky's legendary piano riffs and wonderful musical motifs helped ordinary tracks become extraordinary and iconic. So many of them remain popular today. The generations that followed the Golden Era of Rock And Roll soon discover those iconic tracks that made Nicky Hopkins a legend amongst his peers -- tracks like Revolution by The Beatles, Like A Rainbow, Sympathy For The Devil and Angie by the Rolling Stones, Jealous Guy by John Lennon from his Imagine album and You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker.

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Terry Sherwood

Film Threat

...you get a wonderful story that perhaps you didn’t know when listening to music.

Rated: 8/10

Nov 9, 2024

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Rich Q

Nicky Hopkins was without a doubt the best keyboard player in the history of rock music, playing with just about all of the big name bands from the Stones, the Who, Jeff Beck and many, many others. Not only was he as talented as he was prolific, he made the artists around him better. This documentary not only showcases his unique style but his versatility as well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/25

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Ken K

As a Nicky Hopkins fan from way back, I thought I'd really enjoy this movie but it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. There's hardly any footage (or audio for that matter) of Nicky actually playing, there are a few snippets of an interview with him for some vintage US show but mostly it's other musicians and associated people telling us how wonderful he was. So for Nicky Hopkins fans there's nothing new here and for people who don't know him, all they're going to get is accolades. Shame, really.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/28/24

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Lukas D

Well-made documentary about one of the most influencial yet most unknown keyboard players of a generation. Would recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/02/24

Full Review

Harriet S

This film would have been a must-see if it had only been about Nicky Hopkins' contribution to the Beatles and the Rolling Stone, but watching it we discover his unique contribution to pretty much every major band of the golden era of rock and roll. Piano parts you will recognize immediately shine in this beautiful film about one of the greatest keyboard players of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/24

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Edwin K

This is a fantastic movie revealing the genius of Nicky Hopkins. He wasn't just the best session player of all-time, he was the best keyboard player of all-time. The best musicians in the world wanted Nicky in their band and on their records. The stories told here tell about the powerful effect Nicky and his work had on his peers. His playing is some special form of rhythmic, melodic magic.Truthfully, I actually teared up a few times. Chopin, sure, but really he is one of a kind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

Full Review

Helene K

This is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn about true musical talent and genius! Fascinating film about a unique and gifted artist. Every aspiring musician should see this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

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Michael Treen

Director

Harry Shearer

Self

Mick Jagger

Self

Keith Richards

Self

Peter Frampton

Self

Bill Wyman

Self

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Synopsis

The Session Man, a 90-minute documentary feature film, tells the story of Nicky Hopkins, the highly gifted and prolific session pianist, and unsung hero. Nicky not only played with The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, he also played on solo albums of all four members of the Beatles in the early part of a stellar career that spanned over 30 years. During that time, he contributed to over 250 albums and a vast number of single releases. Nicky's legendary piano riffs and wonderful musical motifs helped ordinary tracks become extraordinary and iconic. So many of them remain popular today. The generations that followed the Golden Era of Rock And Roll soon discover those iconic tracks that made Nicky Hopkins a legend amongst his peers -- tracks like Revolution by The Beatles, Like A Rainbow, Sympathy For The Devil and Angie by the Rolling Stones, Jealous Guy by John Lennon from his Imagine album and You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker.

Director: Michael Treen
Producer: Michael Treen, John Wood, Mike Sherman
Screenwriter: Michael Treen
Distributor: Giant Pictures
Production Co: The Session Man Ltd.
Genre: Documentary, Music, Biography
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 5, 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m

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