Jackson Browne Reunites with The Section for a Historic Performance at the 2018 NAMM TEC Awards
The 2018 NAMM TEC Awards in Anaheim California delivered one of the most meaningful live moments in recent American rock history when Jackson Browne reunited on stage with The Section to perform Rock Me On the Water. The appearance brought together musicians whose collaboration helped define the sound of West Coast singer songwriter records in the early nineteen seventies.
The Section featured Craig Doerge on keyboards Danny Kortchmar on guitar Leland Sklar on bass and Russ Kunkel on drums. Together they formed one of the most influential studio and touring units of their era. Their work with Jackson Browne during the formative years of his career played a crucial role in shaping the understated yet emotionally precise sound that made his early albums so enduring. Rock Me On the Water first appeared on Browne’s debut album released in nineteen seventy two and quickly became one of his signature songs.
At the NAMM TEC Awards the reunion carried both musical and symbolic weight. This was not a casual guest appearance but a carefully acknowledged return of a core creative partnership. From the opening notes the performance reflected deep familiarity and trust among the musicians. The tempo was relaxed yet confident allowing the song’s reflective tone to unfold naturally. Browne’s vocal delivery was calm and expressive showing how the song has matured alongside its author.
The Section’s contribution was central to the impact of the performance. Russ Kunkel’s drumming remained tasteful and restrained Leland Sklar provided a melodic and grounded bass presence Danny Kortchmar’s guitar lines were economical and expressive and Craig Doerge added subtle harmonic color on keyboards. Their collective approach emphasized listening and balance rather than display which has always been the hallmark of their work.
Backing vocals were provided by the Lennon Brothers adding warmth and depth without drawing attention away from the core performance. Their presence complemented the song’s gospel tinged undertone and reinforced the communal spirit of the reunion.
The setting of the NAMM TEC Awards was particularly fitting. As an event that honors technical excellence and musical contribution the ceremony provided an ideal context for recognizing artists whose influence extends far beyond chart success. This performance served as a reminder of how much of modern popular music rests on the foundation laid by collaborations like that of Jackson Browne and The Section.
More than a nostalgic moment the reunion demonstrated the lasting power of musical chemistry built on respect and shared sensibility. Rock Me On the Water sounded neither dated nor revised. Instead it felt lived in and honest offering a clear view of how enduring songs and enduring partnerships can continue to resonate decades after they were first created.