Customer Reviews

Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I would have to say this album is Brian Wilson's Nice 'n' Easy. It feels uncannily smooth and cool, like a perfect summer evening - and for all my wondering whether the blending of Wilson's California style of sunshine pop and Gershwin's Tin Pan Alley east coast sensibilities would prove an uneasy marriage melted away. It's been well documented that Brian has been a long time fan of Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" and how he wanted one day to do a vocal-only version of the concert staple, and here, bucket-list-like, Brian bows into the album with the fulfillment of that wish. Brian's love of these melodies, and hit suitability to them is a happy shock - although it shouldn't be - Gershwin-style songs fill Brian's oeuvre, although you'd have to be familiar with their respective canons to realize it: the soaring melodicism and melancholy of "Summertime" is echoed in the wistfulness of "Caroline, No"; the cheeky socio-double-entendres present in "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" is taken to its modern-day extreme in Brian's "Busy Doin' Nothin'"; and the resilient note found in "They Can't Take That Away From Me" can be found in "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times." But this album succeeds in more than sympathetic compatablility - Brian sounds completely immersed in these songs - he's never sounded this invested in his singing - not even in his earliest recordings - he interprets these songs in what sounds like deeply personal ways, alternately sly, wistful, and smiling - from the silky Bacharach-flavored bossa-nova found on "S' Wonderful" to the call-and-response party of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" to the Beach Boys bass-line groove found on "I Got Rhythm" - this album is absolutely wall-to-wall fantastic. As for the two Wilson/Gershin "collaborations" - "The Like In I Love You" and "Nothing But Love" - although they're not on par with the classic songs that surround them, they're wonderfully realized, and it's impossible to tell where Gershwin's contributions end and Brian's begin. For those who've witnessed the blossoming of Brian's soul since the completion of SMiLE, open your ears again - Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is one of his all-time best.

A sobering and unexpected question from a co-worker when I mentioned the imminent release of this titanic pairing of recognized masters - hoping against hope that the potential downside and inflated expectations of "reimagining" such a well known and respected canon of Gershwin classics would be avoided. Well, generational amnesia not withstanding, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is a really good (almost great) recording that builds-out on the strengths of Wilson's nonpareil gifts as an arranger and producer while deftly compensating for his understandably diminished vocal capacity.

Wilson's Gershwin is a beautiful, fully realized soundscape that deserves uninterrupted and repeated listening. What Wilson summons is an America before surfboards and Elvis when music was the province of melody, nuance and a full spectrum of emotions beyond anger. This is a gorgeous (and wonderfully flawed) record that may get a Grammy nod on sentimentality alone - but just might deserve it even if you have never heard of Brian Wilson or the Gershwin brothers.

Highly recommended.

Just got my pre-ordered copy of "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" in the mail. This is a release I have been looking forward to with great anticipation. I figured that given the significance of this undertaking and the potential criticism that it might induce the album was either going to fall flat on its face or be simply sensational. I spent the better part of last evening listening to this disc and I am very pleased to report that Brian Wilson has done it again. "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" succeeds on just about every level. It is an album that is at once extremely interesting to listen to and highly enjoyable as well.

Critics are already touting "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" as one of the year's best releases. I couldn't agree more. New York Magazine says "Wilson has created gorgeous and unexpected arrangements that strip away decades of familiarity." Although this disc is relatively short by today's standards (about 40 minutes) there are several highlights worth mentioning. "Summertime" is one of the greatest tunes ever penned and Brian Wilson does Gershwin proud and makes this venerable favorite all his own. I was particularly taken by Wilson's instrumental version of "I Got Plenty O' Nothing". This one will get your toes tappin' lickety split. Meanwhile, experience Brian's take on other Gershwin favorites like "It Ain't Necessarily So", "I Got Rhythm" and "I've Got A Crush On You". Outstanding! And sample Brian Wilson's fine arrangement of "Someone To Watch Over Me". As far as I am concerned that one ranks right near the top of the list of tunes in the Great American Songbook. Now what makes this project so unique is that with the permission of the Gershwin family Brian Wilson was able to complete two unfinished Gershwin tunes. The results were simply sensational. Check out "The Like In I Love You" and "Nothing But Love" and see if you agree.

Over the years I have always been a sucker for great harmony and "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" certainly does not disappoint. This is an outstanding recording and if the initial reviews on Amazon and in other media are any indication Brian Wilson just might have a major hit on his hands. He certainly deserves it. This was an extremely well thought out and flawlessly executed project. Very highly recommended!

The upper tier of the Great American Songbook acquaints itself with island breezes, doo-wop arrangements and SoCal-friendly harmonies as one of America's foremost singer/songwriters pays tribute to one of his idols on "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin."

Both Wilson and George Gershwin are titans among contributors to American pop culture, making this album noteworthy and significant by mere fact of its having been made. Luckily for listeners it goes beyond predictability. Staying true to the title, Wilson sings and arranges the selections in almost exclusively unorthodox fashion.

It is better to see an artist try something new and fail than hit all the "right" notes with no texture or originality. This makes the unremarkable moments largely forgivable.

Wilson is in fine, fluid, large voice throughout. He sounds infinitely inspired on "I Loves You Porgy", and with a full orchestra to back him the results are sublime. He adds Beach Boys pep to "I Got Rhythm" as well as "They Can't Take That Away From Me," gifting the album with an earnest, playful atmosphere. "Love Is Here to Stay" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" are gorgeously executed as well - it is hard to miss with a great singer and a great song.

Other selections lag. "It Ain't Necessarily So" is too heavy, with the orchestra overblown and more upfront in the mix than Wilson's vocal, which is overloud in its own right. He may still have the chops at 68 to project loudly and forcefully, but it is not always necessary to do so. "S' Wonderful," one of Gershwin's most languid, adorable songs, suffers likewise, lapsing into a wash of sound, saved only by an affecting flute solo.

The most notable recordings are "The Like In I Love You" and "Nothing But Love," songs that went uncompleted until Wilson finished them. The former is a slice of good old American pop with lush production, durable melody and sweet-as-candy vocals, while the latter glides by on an interesting blend of horns and guitars.

At under 40 minutes, it should be noted, the album seem pretty skimpy for the digital era.

The overblown production throughout is unfortunate since it is the kind of trickery used to disguise a thinning or non-existent voice, but Wilson's is in fine form, so the results are very loud and often at odds. Still, the album underscores Gershwin's timelessness while still remaining experimental and very much a Brian Wilson record - a fine accomplishment.

First, let me start by stating that I am a 17 year old girl who loves Brian Wilson and George Gershwin. I actually take a lot of heat from my friends who have never heard of Gershwin or Brian Wilson. When I listen to this cd, I have visions of the general public rushing out to buy it, like it must have been when both were in there prime. I have visions of teenagers actually listening to it with a new perspective of what kind of music truly great composers write. I have visions of a time where kids actually had music class in school. Sadly, I don't ever think we'll see those times again. Porgy and Who, my friends ask? Pretty sad huh? Anyway, if any young kids are out there trying to decide if they should buy this cd. Yes, and buy one for a friend too. I don't want to be 50 years old and looking for a Katy Perry cd. I guess what I'm trying to say is both of these music makers have lasted far longer than any contemporty artist in today's music world ever will last. That's why it's important to hear this music, listen to the live instruments the beautiful arrangements and ask yourself who does this anymore?

It's all here -- lovely and interesting instrumental arrangements played by one of the best bands in the business, Brian's best vocals in a long time, delightful background vocal arrangements, and an eclectic selection of Gershwin tunes. There's nothing not to love in this new CD, and it damn well better win a Grammy for something!

When the Gershwin estate asked Brian Wilson to go through the catalog and give his special California spin on songs that are almost 100 years ago, Brian initially didn't think he could do any of them justice. It took his wife, Melinda, to tell him " C'mon You're Brian Wilson!"

Brian Wilson ReImagines Gershwin is wonderful. It's a beautiful, almost child-like redo on songs that are approaching a century of age. These are songs that your grandparents danced the night away too, and their parents before them. Make no mistake, some of the songs featured here are familiar to younger generations as well. Songs like, Summertime, I Love You Porgy, and I Got A Crush On You, are done stunningly, and feature Wilson's signature ear for arrangements. Brian does a truly fabulous job at spinning these old standards into modern songs with flair and surf jazz sync.

Wilson, who has one of the greatest singing voices ever recorded, took singing lessons before hand to get his vocal range where he felt it needed to be to make Reimagines Gershwin a success. He's 68 years old, and he's still making this amazing music, that no one can duplicate.

Brian's usual backing band is here in place again and to amazing effect. They are easily the greatest group of musicians ever assembled to play this music or any other type. Interestingly, listening to Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin allows one to easily see where Brian's influences stem. This go around, he's employing recording techinques and instruments, that you haven't heard on a Brian Wilson produced record, since the Beach Boys's Pet Sounds (1966).

Sadly, while Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin will no doubt earn him a Grammy nomination, the album and it's subject matter might alienate younger listeners /record buyers who may have caught the Brian Wilson bug on his legendary Smile (2004) and Lucky Old Sun (2009) releases. But without a doubt, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is a must own. Put on tuxedo, pick up your best girl, smoke a cigarrette or two, and dance the night away under the stars with this record.

I can't remember the last time I got so much for my money. I'll admit, I'm a die hard Beach Boys fan from way back, and I think Brian Wilson is a living musical legend (I love both Lucky Old Sun and Smile). But this album is so much more than a Beach Boys send up. From the Bossa Nova-like 'S Wonderful, to the soulful, big band sound of Summertime, this album is just beautiful. I love it more each time I listen to it (and it's on heavy rotation). I can't recommend it highly enough!

Anyone who has ever listened to a Gershwin tune, needs to hear Brian's impeccable musical arrangements and interpretations of these Gershwin classics. The instrumentation, orchestration and harmonies are flawless and Brian's voice, although aged, has not sounded better in years. Over the years, Gershwin's tunes have been covered by many artists in many different styles, but never have they sounded as fresh, clean and CURRENT as they do with Brian's treatment. Brian has not only blended the Beach Boy, Southern California vibe with Gershwin's genius, but he has managed to bring a wide variety of generations together on a musical platform that should please young and old alike. If you like Gershwin, if you like Brian, if you like classic tunes, buy this CD; you will not be disappointed. It gets my nod for a Grammy.

Brian Wilson has made Gershwin more alive than I have ever heard Gershwin!

I am 77 so I know Gershwin and, having raised 7 sons, I have heard Beach Boys; Brian is a Genius!

Wait until you hear #7 S'Wonderful . . . every Wilson arrangement of every Gershwin song is uniquely belonging to that song . . . every sound is a new sound.

This will have to be a hit for Wilson and now I can't wait to see what Brian will do next. Hopefully? Bring back some new sounds for some very old, and very tired, but great melodies with the Wilson touch. Or, some scores from some Broadway musicals ? We need that. Anyone ever heard Mac and Mabel? Great music - never made it. Bring it to us, Brian.

The album is beautiful, by the way! Welcome to a new world who is waiting, Mr. Wilson. Lookin' good! Soundin' great!