REMINISCING WITH RINGO: Ringo Starr is one of the rock icons interviewed by Jakob Dylan in the rockumentary “Echo in the Canyon.” The film focuses on many stars of the 1960s who settled in the Lauren Canyon suburb of Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment)

By Kam Williams

In the wake of Beatlemania exploding across America in 1964, many aspiring musicians were inspired to start their own rock band. Some settled in Laurel Canyon, a low-rent suburb of L.A that resonated with the “hippie” philosophy.

Among those flocking to the region were future icons like Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, Michelle Phillips, and Cass Elliot. Some of these musicians forged great groups, like The Byrds; The Mamas and the Papas; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, while others became rock gods in their own right.

Now, thanks to producer Lou Adler and Dylan’s son Jakob, we have a sensational rockumentary revisiting that era. The film features both archival concert footage and interviews with most of the above. It is a treat to see Ringo Starr reveal how close he and David Crosby were back in the day, and hear Dylan discussing what it was like growing up in such a rich cultural environment. So, this film makes for a magical walk down Memory Lane offering a fun ride for young and old alike.

The film’s only flaw rests with performances by several next generation artists like Beck, Jade, and Jakob Dylan, who prove to be talented, but inappropriate for a movie focused on that time period. Furthermore, Jakob serves as interviewer of his fellow celebs, a task for which he is woefully unprepared.

Otherwise, what a wonderful trip to remind us all of a pivotal moment in U.S. history!

Very Good (***). Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and drug references. Running time: 82 minutes. Production Company: Mirror Films. Distributor: Greenwich Entertainment.