Brian Wilson - Meijer Gardens - July 29, 2011

My wife is a big fan of The Beach Boys music, especially the Brian Wilson songwriting and vocal arrangements.   I've had some appreciation for them over the years.    But, when I heard about Brian Wilson coming to Meijer Gardens, I knew it was the show my wife needed to see.

So, this past Friday night was the night. 

Once we found a spot on the amphitheater grass, the typical "background" music was playing through the PA.   We were a bit amused to hear "Weird" Al's tribute to Brian Wilson - the song "Pancreas" - come over the system.    Whoever was responsible for the song choices apparently saw the quality in the song, and we were hoping it was suggested or at least approved by Brian (would be nice to know Brian had a sense of humor about it).

Anyway, at 7pm the 9 member backing band came out, and they were followed by a shuffling and fragile looking Brian Wilson.    The audience welcomed the legend with a mostly standing ovation.    Brian was dressed casually with a dark shirt and what appeared to be running pants and sneakers.    He took his place on a stool in front of his keyboard, and welcomed the crowd.     While nobody should have been surprised to see the 69 year old moving a bit slower, I was a bit surprised with his condition.    A well documented drug assisted breakdown put Brian into seclusion for most of the 70s and 80s.    During the late 80s and into the 90s, Brian managed to find his way back.   Since that time, Brian has slowly released music and became more active.   In 2009, Brian released "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" which hit #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart - the project is part of a 2 record deal with Disney.


Brian had a fantastic backing band, which included almost everyone singing.    Thanks to this large group of qualified singers/musicians, the complex harmonies were recreated with hardly any flaw.    Brian has taken to singing the lower "Mike Love" parts, while one of his guitar players has assumed the falsetto parts Brian made famous.    The evening was split into two sets, with a 20 minute intermission.     Both sets featured a majority of Beach Boy songs, including only a few songs from the Gershwin project.    Brian's rendition of "Summertime" was pleasant, with Brian delivering an adequate lead vocal.     The crowd seemed to go along with him on these newer tracks.     During the first set, Brian appeared a bit disconnected from the crowd.   But, the second set found a much more lively Brian, and he seemed more active on the keyboard.    Maybe he just needed to get comfortable with the surroundings during the first set - whatever it was, the second set definitely was better.

Throughout the evening, various band members took their turns at lead vocals.    There was little question about the quality of the band - excellent.    Even though Brian may not have the capability to perform as he used to, he obviously knows what he wants and can put a band together that captures that vision.    Brian sat out front, visually a reminder that what we were hearing had originated in the mind of this great talent.   If nothing else, Brian Wilson had/has an unmatched skill in vocal arrangements.     And his band was demonstrating this skill all night long.

Highlights for me during the evening were "Surfer Girl", "In My Room", "Fun, Fun, Fun", and "Pet Sounds".  

Having just seen Paul McCartney earlier in the week, my wife and I were comparing the two legendary artists.    Both are 69 and have huge catalogs of well known songs.   Paul is in much better health, but both are able to bring joy and smiles to their fans.   The crowds are not the same size, and Brian's audience had fewer younger age, but both shows were celebrations of music that has wide spread appeal.   It has been a pleasure to see both legends this year.

Overall, I'd give the show a 7 out of 10 (the 2nd set definitely improved things)

Brian's band consisted of:
Jeff Foskett - Guitar, Vocals
Darian Sahanaja - Keyboards, Vibes, Vocals
Scott Bennett - Keyboard, Vibes, Vocals
Probyn Gregory - Guitar, Vocals, Trumpet, Theremin
Nicky Walusko - Guitar, Vocals
Brett Simons - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Paul Mertens - Sax, Flute, Harmonica, Vocals
Nelson Bragg - Percussion, Vocals
Mike D'Amico - Drums

Setlist for the evening was:

Set 1
Do it again
Dance Dance Dance
Catch a Wave
You're so good to Me
Salt Lake City
Drive-In
Surfer Girl
When I grow up
Don't worry baby
Do you wanna dance
I Get Around
Summertime
I Got Plenty of Nothing
They Can't take that Away
I got Rhythm
Heroes and Villains
California girls

Set 2
Little Girl
Shut Down
Little deuce coupe
In my Room
Please let me wonder
Then I Kissed Her
Darlin
Sail on Sailor
Add some music
Pet Sounds
Sloop John B
Wouldn't it be nice
God only Knows
Good Vibrations

Encore
Johnny B Good
Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun, Fun, Fun

2nd Encore
All summer long