On 5/17/12 I saw The Beach Boys in Bethlehem PA, which included the soundcheck, the photo op/meet & greet, and, of course, the concert. Without exaggerating, I probably focused on the Brian-Jeff interaction about 90% of the time.
Because Jeff sings the high part, he is crucial to the show because of the overwhelming number of pre-1967 songs being performed. He isn't just singing the occasional falsetto, he is driving most of the songs vocally. It's not like handing the high part over to somebody on an occasional basis (parts of songs, occasional songs) like they did with Al, Carl, Bruce, Bobby Figueroa, or even Brian himself in the late 1970's. Live in concert, Jeff Foskett is the Brian Wilson of the vintage 1962-64 period. He sings the high part on every song, and he does it well. That can't be underestimated. So much of the "ragged" reviews the group got in the late 1970's and early 1980's were a result of not having "that guy", or at least not having a guy that good.
But, Jeff is also a lot more. During the soundcheck, it is Jeff who keeps Brian company, talking with him, joking with him, helping him get his messages across to Scott and the group.
During the photo op, Jeff was in the same room as The Beach Boys. Jeff was joking around with ALL of the guys, as if he were one of "them". It was Jeff who was getting them all to smile on cue, not just Brian.
During the concert, obviously Jeff covers for Brian when Brian needs help. Jeff makes the eye contact, sometimes his smile is just what Brian needs. Sometimes, when Jeff sees that Brian has things under control, Jeff will take a step back into the background on stage.
Jeff does other things as well. He assists Scott (not insinuating Scott needs help). Jeff interacts with the backing musicians on stage, exhorting them or simply laughing at an inside joke. I also saw Jeff interacting a lot with Al, Bruce, and David. Jeff also announces the band. And, not to mention that Jeff plays some fine guitar.
But, most importantly, in some ways, IMO, Jeff takes the place of Melinda. I relayed the story about how Brian tried to make a quick exit from the stage before the set was over - only to be intercepted by Jeff who cut off Brian at the pass (in a good way). Sometimes we may interpret Jeff as being insensitive. I don't know, maybe he is at times. But, I think that Jeff has earned the respect to be able to say "no" to Brian Wilson. And there ain't many people who can do that!
I think we agree that Jeff is important. However, some people insist that he still can be replaced. By who? Or is by whom?
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