Customer Reviews

Wouldn't It Be Nice: A Jazz Portrait Of Brian Wilson

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD can best be described as a good smooth jazz tribute to Brian Wilson.

It should be noted that several of the tracks are lesser known Wilson songs that the casual fan may not recognize, but are songs that serious fans will appreciate.

The album falls short only in the somewhat bland version of title song, and in the Clarke Burroghs Groups brilliant, but incomplete (song snippet) versions of a Smile era songs.

Brian Wilson has been a favorite since I purchased upon its release a 45 rpm of 'I Get Around' b/w the exquisite 'Don't Worry Baby.' His latest cd and dvd of 'Smile' is a masterwork from one of America's greatest composers; truly an inspiring work for the ages. And the Beach Boys are a prized/regularly played part of my 'collection' which includes thousands of jazz recordings; among them are many all-time classics.

This disc manages to turn Wilson's beautifully timeless melodies and compositions into the type of saccharine muzak that passes for 'jazz' to those needing background for their chardonnay and brie brunch. The solo piano of Elaine Elias and Don Grusin mesh with my concept of jazz; Mendoza/Abercrombie worth a listen or two. The rest is...well...music produced by fine musicians (some in my stacks) who don't understand Brian's ethos, missing what remains vital, memorable and poignant. Few Brian Wilson fans will be become jazz converts after listening to this. "Different strokes for different folks..." indeed.

Well, what can I say regarding some of the negative reviews here? Different strokes for different folks I suppose. To my ears, this recording is one of the finest works of art I have ever heard! First of all, we are dealing with Brian Wilson's songs here, and that needs no comment, for he has already earned his place as one of the 20th century's greatest composers. But it's the very diverse, artistic and passionate interpretation of this material that puts this work into a category all of its own. I've owned this album since the fall of 1998 and have revisited it many, many times since. The songs have not lost their appeal. Conversely, like fine wine, they have a way of getting better with age which is a quality all great music is imbued with.

Start to finish, this is an album I can play anytime, anywhere and just 'feel good'. Every track is interesting and unique, and most are just outright gorgeous. I do have my favorites... the first (instrumental) rendition of 'Til I Die' is just awesome. Interestingly, it features members of the original Pat Metheny Group, now named 'The Elements', and it works exceedingly well. It's very 'otherworldly'. Steve Kahn serves up a great latin-tinged rendition of 'Don't Worry Baby'. Very different from the original, this is a soundscape of great guitar work against a cushion of sensual female vocals. Wonderful stuff! 'In my Room' is a beautiful song expressed here in a very different way with a very unique piano/vocal interpretation by Marilyn Scott. The creative string arrangement and bass solo fit it wonderfully. I just love it. Tim Weston/Shelby Flint's rendition of 'Warmth of the Sun' is exquisite. It's absolutely beautiful. I loved all the concise Clark Burroughs Group acapella vingettes. These gorgeous vocal harmony sets are a nice change of pace between the more complex inprovisational numbers. Dori Caymmi does a haunting version of 'Caroline No' that is so different in feel from the original, yet it works so well, it like a fresh piece of music altogether. In fact, so many of these tracks are like that.... totally fresh interpretations that create a fresh piece of music out of familiar classics.

Although it's hard to pick out one track here that stands out from the rest, (they are all THAT good), I have to say that Vince Mendoza/John Abercrombie's rendition of 'Don't Talk' is a piece that goes to a place very rarely achieved by any musician. It transports one to that place where time stands still, and all you can do is 'listen' in awe. The melancholy arrangement of the strings, allowing Abercrombie to 'speak' with the notes of his guitar (and the space between the notes) is spellbinding and just fills me with goosebumps. I actually have been moved to tears upon hearing this piece... many times. This is music at it's very highest level.

So there you have it. The album ends appropriately with an acapella version of 'Til I Die'... Wilson's self prophecy of how he spent much of the next three decades:"I'm a cork on the ocean..." This album is much like all of Brian's music. Either you get it or you don't. It's VERY different from the original versions of the songs, but that is what makes this so special a recording. Here, these artists have all absorbed the soul of Wilson and expressed it in their unique ways and the result is nothing less than beautiful and very moving. It is without a doubt the most powerful tribute I've heard made of any artist. And no one deserves it more than this much loved composer.

I love this CD. It is a great collection of both well-known and lesser-known Brian Wilson songs. The artists show their love of Brian and the boys by these great interpretations of the songs. This is a great addition to any serious Brian Wilson fan.

Wow, what is this bilge?