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If you follow this link you can save some money on tickets for Brian's upcoming concert this Saturday in Paso Robles CA.The venue knocked off a few bucks for our Smiley Smile friends.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004D12DF834A73?did=offer

cool.  Thanks, Jon. BTW, you are all probably aware no Matt Jardine for this or the other upcoming shows

That's a lot of available seats.

Anyone privy to why no Matt Jardine? I'm less bummed about specifically him not being in the band, and more about there being an able falsetto guy available.

Can Jeff Foskett fill in?  :lol

Matt stated on his facebook page that he was taking time off to be with his family. Some guy from the Four Freshmen (who looks to be about 30 years old) is appearing with Brian and Al this Saturday.  I presume he is Mr. Falsetto...

Considering how Matt, to my knowledge, has not been rigorously touring to the degree that would cause a need for a break, I wish him well and hope it's nothing too serious keeping him from the road.

I also hope that if/when Brian does a longer tour, they can still get Matt out there with him.

Seconded on all accounts

I agree. I believe he also had a kid born sometime last year, so it's good for him to spend more time with them.

Wow!! There's a lot of seats left!! And good ones!!

But........76 bucks a pop (x 2 because I wouldn't want to go alone) so that's 152 bucks plus tax plus service charge plus parking plus souvenir and/or food plus gas getting there. Easily over a $250.00 jaunt to Central Cali to see Brian and Al play a couple sets of Beach Boys greatest hits. And no Matt Jardine. And.......I get a free pic-in-ic basket and a blanket for my trouble.


BUT. If Stebbins could provide me with a back stage pass, it would make it all worthwhile and I'd change my mind in a heartbeat.......  ;D


By the way, it was just announced that Brian will be performing at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit, October 25-26 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View CA.

Mikie, you could do what I used to do at the movies and wear a large jacket stuffed full of various snacks to avoid paying 7 bucks for a box of Sno-Caps. Or, make sure the date carries a large purse to hold the drinks. Souvenirs? Optional.  :lol

Seriously though, I saw that Bridge School announcement too, very cool. That's been a very good gig in general in the past.

Oh yeah, you gotta eat before going in - no doubt. Only thing I'd consider buying at the expensive concessions is a beer. And souvenirs are optional of course - unless they're very limited in quantity - like the autographed 2012 C50 tour program. But I wouldn't expect anything like that at the venue.

It all adds up, Craig. Not sure if it's worth it. Still weighing it, but for another greatest hits show, I'm now leaning towards the negative.

And Matt. This show and the ones in Southern Cali and Fresno are a hop, skip, and a jump from where he lives. A couple hours of his time and bring the family......not gonna question that but hope there's no other reasons for him not being there. His falsettos will be missed, I'm sure.

Despite Mikie's financial concern...if you use the link above General Admission is only 35 bucks, that is if you don't mind sitting on the lawn...just bring a blanket. The venue is very intimate so you'll still enjoy the show from there.

Yeah, but it's only intimate if you're with a significant other under the blanket.   :P

Guess you're lucky, then,  when you go by yourself you can be alone together under your blankie...

I never go alone to concerts, Bgas.  I always take a lady with me.  How 'bout you?  Oh yeah, you spend all your money on Beach Boys records.

Nah, not ALL of it. I give 10% to the Church of the Harmonic Overdub, 35% to the mortgage and taxes, 27% for food and other similar semi-important stuff. Alot ( maybe most) of the rest gets spent on BBs records, tapes, posters, programs, etc....

I dunno where your 10% is going, but the Church of the Harmonic Overdub ceased to exist when Reverend Bob Hanes passed away on July 5, 2010.

O Ye of little faith....

Looking forward to hearing reports on how attendees feel about the addition of Brian Eichenberger, from the current 4 Freshmen, on vocals.

It's funny. Brian W. mimics the Four Freshmen falsetto and Brian E. mimics Brian W's falsetto!

Looks like they've altered the stage set-up a bit: https://twitter.com/francophile00/status/516071323748282368/photo/1

I just got back from the show and I was highly entertained. Brian Wilson is carrying a much bigger load, more leads, more emcee style chatter, he was very animated and seemed to be having fun. The performance was a little looser than Im used to with Brian's band, maybe under-rehearsed, not as polished as usual, but really energetic, and the places they nailed it really blew the audience away. Heroes and Villains was stunning. The new Brian did great. His lead on Don't Worry Baby was admirable. Overall the vocals were not as seamless as when Jeff is filling in and around Brian, but that just made the show more interesting because BW's safety net was not really there, and he survived and even thrived in his own way. I was fascinated by the experience. Al was very up front singing lead on quite a few tunes like Hawaii, which surprised me, Little Deuce Coupe and the usual Al leads as well. There was one point where they were ready to start Sloop John B, and it seems like Brian and Al weren't sure which guy was going to start the vocals...they were kind of pointing back and forth at each other like "you take it...no you take it' and it really cracked Al up, he was laughing so hard, nearly losing it...and Brian took it. Not any rarities in the set, but was surprised that All Summer Long led off the encore mini-set. The audience was so happy throughout the show, with tons of people dancing and pushing up towards the stage. Just great positive energy flowing back and forth between band and audience, and Brian was really in the mix, both vocally and socially. Overall a somewhat raw, loose, but VERY fun show...with great contributions from all of the BW band, and standout moments from Brian and Al.

Major thanks to Darian, Nelson and Vina Robles maestro John Mackey for taking care of my family tonight. Darian and Nelson arranged a cool get together for me with Brian before the show that I'll never forget. And hearing Dave and the Marksmen I Wanna Cry blasting on the house system just prior to BW taking the stage was another special touch that I know was Darian inspired. My 13 year old daughter just came up to me while I'm writing this, and with a giant smile she said "I loved Brian's show dad, it was so much fun!" I guess that says it all.

Is that Brian E in the back row, behind Scott?

Thanks for an awesome report, Jon! Sounds like you had a terrific concert experience, musically and personally.

Now get these guys to the East Coast! I can't afford to travel West to see these shows.  ;D

I'm looking forward to hearing Brian Eichenberger's contributions and how he fit in with the band, after hearing him with the Four Freshmen I was *very* impressed with the musicianship and the quality of his (and their) voices on those difficult charts.

Did he do "Surfer Girl" with the band last night? I heard the Freshmen do that song and it was pretty damn good! Wondering how it sounded with Al and Brian in the blend, if they did it.

Yes, they did Surfer Girl, the vocal mix was a little weird for me on that one, but Brian W sounded great on the middle section. This having two Brian's in the band is a little strange because I find myself having to identify which one I'm writing about! I actually met Brian E before the show. I was right in the middle of asking Brian Wilson, kind of teasingly, "so...how is this new guy sounding Brian?"...when from behind me Brian E enters the room saying, "Hey are you guys talking about me?" He introduced himself as Brian, but then said to avoid confusion we can call him "Ike". He seemed to fit in great, handling the highest parts, no problem, but not doing any of the fill-in type of work that Jeff would do to mask Brian's drop outs. This, as i said in my previous post, gave Brian a more active role vocally, more responsibility, and despite his inconsistencies he did great. Ike looks great, handsome dude, the girls in the crowd seemed to notice...and he played acoustic guitar on quite a few songs too. They mentioned a couple of times that this was his first gig with the band. It's definitely a different band, with both BW and Al so prevalent in the vocal mix, and a different texture on top with Ike. The sound (live mix) was a bit inconsistent, it was a brisk night in Paso...but during the few accapella moments, like the closing harmony of H&V's, they also did a little acapella on Darlin, and I know several others where they drop out the instruments to showcase the harmony, the vocal blend was outstanding. I heard random people in the audience just gasping at the complexity of the vocal sound during those acapella moments. I think with some dedicated rehearsal this could be a new beginning. We'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks Jon! :)  Great to hear.


Found these, from almost exactly a year ago:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Expy8htDRoQ/UmMf3yVcJ_I/AAAAAAAAAD8/OZY20nQcV2U/s1600/brianbrianstein.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwQ9Y45lk3c/UmMf1p29NUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/-lKtqaoOa-w/s1600/AlJardine.jpg)

No real surprises here......except for "Girl Don't Tell Me" and the "Pet Sounds" instrumental:

1. California Girls 
2. Dance, Dance, Dance 
3. Catch a Wave 
4. Hawaii 
5. Shut Down 
6. Little Deuce Coupe 
7. Girl Don't Tell Me 
8. Cotton Fields 
9. In My Room 
10. Surfer Girl 
11. Please Let Me Wonder 
12. Then He Kissed Her 
13. Heroes and Villains 
14. Darlin' 
15. Do You Wanna Dance? 
16. Don't Worry Baby 
17. Do It Again 
18. Marcella 
19. Sail On, Sailor 
20. Pet Sounds 
21. Wouldn't It Be Nice 
22. Sloop John B 
23. God Only Knows 
24. Good Vibrations 

Encore:

25. All Summer Long 
26. Help Me, Rhonda 
27. I Get Around 
28. Barbara Ann 
29. Surfin' U.S.A. 
30. Fun, Fun, Fun 
 

A couple of the recent Al interviews had him describing the music they'd be playing by eras, and I swear at least two had him mentioning the '80s. I assumed that probably just meant they'd bring Love & Mercy back, but held a little hope (or curiosity anyway) that it'd be something different. Instead, it seems like at least for now the '80s (or '90s, or '00s, or '10s) aren't represented at all. I wonder if that was just Al confused about what happened when, or if they're still working up different material for future shows.

Glad to hear the new Brian/Ike was a nice addition. From those who might know, any sense as to whether he's the new "permanent" falsettoist (falsettist? falsie?), whether it's going to go back to Matt (or the guy from the last show, whose name I've unfortunately forgotten), or whether it'll be more a rotating gig for the time being?

Al Jardine said, "We're going to cover three different eras I think: the early stuff; the middle era, the 1970s, which is turning out to be my favorite era; and the 1980s material."

I wonder if Brian changed his mind again, that silly guy...

And here I thought he'd be out front dancing to "Nighttime."

"I dance pretty good."

Given that the blurb from the venue stated that Brian would be performing songs from his latest and upcoming albums, anyone considering action because he didn't ?  ;D

I had the paperwork drawn up in advance. I just need to file it tomorrow when offices open up.

Well, now technically, a lot of those above ^ songs could be on the new Love And Mercy soundtrack album, and, maybe Brian and Al (at Al's suggestion) re-recorded "Sloop John B" for No Pier Pressure as part of the Sloop John B/Sail Away/On An Island suite.

This will definitely be interesting, definitely a "wait and see" situation!

What adds to the whole scenario even more is that Brian E...I guess "Ike" would be best to avoid confusions in a multi-Brian discussion!...  "Ike" is the musical director *and* arranger for the Four Freshmen, who are the authorized/authentic traveling version of that group. Besides vocals and arranging, he plays guitar *and* bass.

Anyone ever tried to play the guitar parts or the changes to most of those Freshmen songs and arrangements? "Louie Louie" it ain't...

So factor in that the Freshmen are tops on Brian's list of favorites and influences, a group that he has seen and met in person in recent years with "Ike" performing, and it brings in another dynamic.

I'd like to see some of Brian's favorite Freshmen songs added to the list, if and when it works out and if that would be considered for the show. Consider you have Ike to handle falsetto, Brian who knows every damn part in the vocal stack, Al who has been harmonizing on this stuff for 50+ years, and number of Brian's band who can fill in the fourth or even a fifth voice...it could be cool, if that's a direction they'd consider for even a few songs. And there is Ike with the Freshmen "book" in his arsenal, not to mention being an arranger himself.

I wonder, though - The Freshmen are a working and gigging band, and how would Ike joining Brian for more than a few shows affect the Freshmen's schedule and structure?

Wonder why Brian dropped "Love & Mercy" from his set at the end. He sent people off into the moonlight with that one. It use to nicely cap off a wonderful evening of Brian's solo material. Or even "Lay Down Burden" or "Forever" as tributes to his brothers.

And "California Saga" would have been perfect for this venue and they didn't even do it. More greatest hits anyone? Glad to see I didn't miss much.....

I have to imagine that when Brian's new album comes out and a national tour probably happens that the setlist will get more varied. It also sounds as if the band really hasn't rehearsed much in a while which explains the mostly greatest hits format.

Still nothing from In The Key Of Disney though...

Maybe the silences between tracks count.

I would sue M&B just to prevent them from playing Pisces Brothers since its a horrible ML solo track.

At least in that song he isn't singing about living in a palace, drinking from a chalice.

An album full of covers = no real album.

Does the audience want to hear ITKOD songs? Most likely not. Therefore no ITKOD songs are played live. Simple capitalism.

Do Brian Wilson fans wanna hear his new songs (possibly with the guest stars themselves)? Most likely. Therefore some of Brian's new songs will be played live WHEN Brian is ready to play them live. Simple capitalism.

I'd pay good money (which I don't have) to see Brian & band play "Bare Necessities" live. :smokin  And "Kiss The Girl".

Brian's Bear Necessities is so damn good...

Got to agree. The idea that a covers album is "no real album" is absurd to me. Not everyone writes, and even those artists who do write should still be freed to perform other people's music. Interpretation, arrangement, and performance are every bit as important--not to mention enjoyable and exciting!--as composition.

Who sang lead on Girl Don't Tell Me?

Did the audience even know Brian has a new album coming out ? Highly unlikely. And if you're going to be picky, BWPS is a covers album. Covers of Beach Boys songs.

Brian Wilson is the BBs.

Brian usually does.

To me, any SMiLE material has always been Brian's baby. He is what you might call the 'auteur' (ignoring VDP for argument's sake). Brian didn't get to finish SMiLE with his 'messengers' (to quote Dennis) the Beach Boys back in the day, but did it much later with another ensemble of musicians. I'd never consider 2004's BWPS as a 'covers album' in any sense of the word.

Oh, come on. You know better than that.

God Only Knows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37Oucjcrzk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37Oucjcrzk)

Ike sounds pretty good on the tag.

Here's Pet Sounds too: http://youtu.be/iD5kyr6QrVE (http://youtu.be/iD5kyr6QrVE)

Terrible clip of GOK's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37Oucjcrzk

Pet Sounds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD5kyr6QrVE


....oops! Snap.

Brian sounds great, and much better than previously this year...much MUCH better.

WIBN, don't get excited by the title though, Brian isn't on lead vocal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bz0GL7PZCY&list=UUi2g1EsN6BcD4nh0o-brJWA

I thought they played Run James, Run…

New Brian (Ike) on lead vocal. Sounds pretty good.

Scotty B on lead for Sail On Sailor:

http://youtu.be/mtNkiGCH6pY (http://youtu.be/mtNkiGCH6pY)

It's cool seeing Darian and Scott up front with Brian, Al and Paul. It's well deserved for both guys.

And it's good to know he keeps his pictures on the wall of his hall, rather than on the floor by the door

Ike sounds great... I think with some more rehearsal to get the blend 100% down he might be the best "Brian Wilson replacement" on the high parts we've had.

Judging from his other work, he could do Carl's leads justice as well

I was at this concert as well, and I have to second everything that Jon Stebbins previously said.  What struck me the most was the sheer energy of this band.  Sure, the setlist wasn't too adventurous, but the group seemed to be having so much fun just bashing out the hits.  This concert was at a winery, and after all it was probably smart to cater to the casual fan/winery crowd type.  Brian was definitely playing the "MC" role throughout the show and doing it quite well.  He sat at the piano nearly the entire time, but he still came off as engaged, sincere, and just...well, Brian being himself.

There was this younger gentleman near us in the audience.  He stood practically the entire concert, dancing the entire time, even when nobody else was dancing.  I was about to write him off as some annoying dude, but then I took a closer look at what he was doing.  He wasn't just dancing, he was apparently trying to conduct the entire band from his seat, giving cues at certain points in each song to different musicians, due to his sheer familiarity with each song.  I realized this guy was completely and totally under the influence of pure joy- the joy of Brian Wilson's music.  I then understood.  I just felt kinda sorry for the people sitting behind him, that's all. 

I was impressed with the age and style diversity of the crowd. Glad you saw it too, it was a unique show energy-wise.

Awesome report, Shane: Thanks for posting and sharing! Great story about the fan conducting.  :)

Wouldn`t it be Nice sounded ok but I can`t help thinking Brian or Al should be singing this one.

Brian sounding good on My Sweet Lord last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVTvTrcXCo

(apologies if this is posted elsewhere)

Other than losing it a little towards the end (which lets be honest, that song goes on about 2 minutes too long), I thought he sounded much stronger vocally than he has in awhile. Seemed like there was a bit more "oomph" to his delivery than there has been recently.

I definitely have liked the versions Brian’s band or the C50 band have done with Al or Foskett on the lead vocal (or Matt or the other recent falsetto guys). When Brian has done it on his solo tours, they drop the key way down. But when Al or Jeff have sung it, they bring it back up to the original key in which the touring BB’s performed it going back decades, which I think is just a half-step lower than the original recording. When they drop the key a lot lower, it ends up sounding more lethargic to me.

Thanks for posting that! I agree, there were many lines of that tune where Brian sounds like he's really belting out those phrases! Strong vocals, for sure. I enjoyed that! Sometimes the point in these shows where everyone gets on stage together can turn a bit chaotic, but given the nature of the original production, it actually works here.

It's also great to hear Brian sing a cover song which is outside the usual scope of his live setlists and appearances, that was a treat to hear a song so familiar sung by Brian.

Thanks for posting that link, very enjoyable.

Something humorous to add about that clip of My Sweet Lord: Listen for someone accidentally kicking or bumping either a guitar amp or even an old Fender spring reverb tank several times during the performance, and creating that thunder-crash sound effect that only kicking or bumping a spring reverb tank can create. Shades of "Diamond Head"! Definitely not a planned part of that performance, but it would have been perfect if they had decided to play Diamond Head.  ;D

Here's a clip of Little Deuce Coupe & Girl Don't Tell Me

Diggin Brian E's falsetto. If that's even falsetto? Sounds like he's hitting the notes in full voice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3aAqWaKkxU

'Girl Don't Tell Me' was nice while it lasted........Brian had to ask Mertens what key it was in but I think Brian just wanted to see if he knew! Nice touch.  :-D

Ahhh...wanna hear more of Girl Don't Tell me!

Yeah, Brian was sounding on point!

Brian sounding real good and seeming to be 'in the zone'. Looking forward to see/hear more of this BW 2014 model.


"What key? What key? Mertens!! What key?" :lol

When I saw Brian do "Girl Don't Tell Me" in Iowa in 2013, it was a magical moment. He sounded great. Glad to see it brought back.

I wanna here more! I LOVE it when Brian's feelin' it...looks like the BW from the C50 is BACK 8)

Al sounding as fine as always on Rhonda. Not sure about Ike`s vocals on this one though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4KMl3r8VwA

More Brian, dammit!



Funny how I've been accused by a few people of being a Mike guy, when the truth is, I'd rather hear Brian sing anything compared to anybody else.