Brian in Toronto - 6/18/11

[Mikie]

Doo Dah, what it is funky dude?

[Jason]

I'm been enjoying reading this thread - I had the opportunity to catch the Toronto show as well, and like many I was cautiously optimistic after reading some of the lukewarm early tour date reviews. The band really really knocked it outta the park at Massey, they really did. The first set, with nice surprises like Little Girl I Once Knew, SLC as well as H & V really came off fresh and FULL. I gotta tell ya, even sans Taylor the vocal blend shined. Add a string quartet, and the total sound was pure caramel. Brian was very loose and engaging, and I can't remember a better 'greatest hits' performance of his - and I've seen most of the US tours the past decade.

Gershwin was fascinating to hear live. The album's orchestral links obviously recall BWPS, and heard as a complete body of work really flowed. The down tempo / lounge tracks leading to 'They Can't Take That Away' and 'I Got Rhythm' completely rocked the audience. The only hiccup (and it was a major one to me) was Brian's complete lack of intonation and voice control for 'The Like In I Love You'. It was almost as if he needed a warm up or something, because when he settled into 'Summertime' that's when the performance completely jelled and took flight.  As mentioned before, he was now bringing it and delivered a commanding performance for the balance of the Gershwin set.

Probably one of my favorite shows of Brian's. No kidding. Oh and by the way (regarding the whole 'will he retire or not') - as he left the stage he said, 'Thank you! We'll see you next time!' So there you go.

Pretty much how I feel about the Gershwin set I saw in Montclair. When the man's challenged, he steps up to the plate.

[southisland]

is there anyone who can clarify the situation with the july shows, specifically whether he'll be playing the gershwin material or not? i know someone who would know posted earlier that he won't be, but as someone else pointed out the website seems to indicate otherwise. i'm seeing my first BW show in grand rapids on the 29th and would be thrilled to hear BWRG.

[Micha]

Brian - Ok, for any of you who have cigarette lighters, turn them on, hold them up, and Jeff will count them.
Jeff - (counting) (insert number here), Brian.
Brian - Oh wow. Ok, put them out before you start a fire.

Sometimes a band member will interject with "And (insert number here) cellphones!"

Being a non-smoker, in Hamburg 2002 I brought a pack of matches normally in use for my gas cooker. That night Jeff reported to Brian: "36 cigarette lighters and one match". My favorite moment on the boot! 

[Les P]

brianwilson.com seems to imply that they WILL be doing Gershwin in July:

2011 U.S. Tour
Brian's wildly popular shows in June will resume in the U.S. in Grand Rapids, IN [sic] on July 29. Don't miss the opportunity to see these memorable shows. Brian and his band are performing Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin in its entirety, along with a selection of classic solo and Beach Boys classics. Click below for tickets and more information.
 
June 6, 2011: Vienna VA: The Filene Center
June 8, 2011: Ridgefield CT: The Ridgefield Playhouse
June 9, 2011: Montclair NJ: The Wellmont Theatre
June 11, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 12, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 13, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
July 29, 2011: Grand Rapids, MI: Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
July 30, 2011: Saint Charles, IL: The Arcade Theater
July 31, 2011: Clear Lake, IA: Surf Ballroom
August 3, 2011: Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park Amphitheater
August 5, 2011: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The July 30 St. Charles, IL venue is advertising it as Greatest Hits.   His website may not be completely accurate.  

http://www.oshows.com/shows-fourth#!__shows-fourth/brian-wilson

Since he hasn't come to Texas since 2004 and there's no indication he's coming this year, I was considering going to this if it were BWRG (based on the Toronto reviews).  But I'm not going to do that kind of travel expense for a GH show, especially if he's not that engaged in the old material.

[bgas]

brianwilson.com seems to imply that they WILL be doing Gershwin in July:

2011 U.S. Tour
Brian's wildly popular shows in June will resume in the U.S. in Grand Rapids, IN [sic] on July 29. Don't miss the opportunity to see these memorable shows. Brian and his band are performing Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin in its entirety, along with a selection of classic solo and Beach Boys classics. Click below for tickets and more information.
 
June 6, 2011: Vienna VA: The Filene Center
June 8, 2011: Ridgefield CT: The Ridgefield Playhouse
June 9, 2011: Montclair NJ: The Wellmont Theatre
June 11, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 12, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 13, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
July 29, 2011: Grand Rapids, MI: Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
July 30, 2011: Saint Charles, IL: The Arcade Theater
July 31, 2011: Clear Lake, IA: Surf Ballroom
August 3, 2011: Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park Amphitheater
August 5, 2011: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The July 30 St. Charles, IL venue is advertising it as Greatest Hits.   His website may not be completely accurate.  

http://www.oshows.com/shows-fourth#!__shows-fourth/brian-wilson

Since he hasn't come to Texas since 2004 and there's no indication he's coming this year, I was considering going to this if it were BWRG (based on the Toronto reviews).  But I'm not going to do that kind of travel expense for a GH show, especially if he's not that engaged in the old material.

What about the Lexington, Kentucky show? ( not on that list, is it really happening?)

[Matt H]

brianwilson.com seems to imply that they WILL be doing Gershwin in July:

2011 U.S. Tour
Brian's wildly popular shows in June will resume in the U.S. in Grand Rapids, IN [sic] on July 29. Don't miss the opportunity to see these memorable shows. Brian and his band are performing Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin in its entirety, along with a selection of classic solo and Beach Boys classics. Click below for tickets and more information.
 
June 6, 2011: Vienna VA: The Filene Center
June 8, 2011: Ridgefield CT: The Ridgefield Playhouse
June 9, 2011: Montclair NJ: The Wellmont Theatre
June 11, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 12, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 13, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
July 29, 2011: Grand Rapids, MI: Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
July 30, 2011: Saint Charles, IL: The Arcade Theater
July 31, 2011: Clear Lake, IA: Surf Ballroom
August 3, 2011: Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park Amphitheater
August 5, 2011: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The July 30 St. Charles, IL venue is advertising it as Greatest Hits.   His website may not be completely accurate. 

http://www.oshows.com/shows-fourth#!__shows-fourth/brian-wilson

Since he hasn't come to Texas since 2004 and there's no indication he's coming this year, I was considering going to this if it were BWRG (based on the Toronto reviews).  But I'm not going to do that kind of travel expense for a GH show, especially if he's not that engaged in the old material.

What about the Lexington, Kentucky show? ( not on that list, is it really happening?)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.

[bgas]

brianwilson.com seems to imply that they WILL be doing Gershwin in July:

2011 U.S. Tour
Brian's wildly popular shows in June will resume in the U.S. in Grand Rapids, IN [sic] on July 29. Don't miss the opportunity to see these memorable shows. Brian and his band are performing Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin in its entirety, along with a selection of classic solo and Beach Boys classics. Click below for tickets and more information.
 
June 6, 2011: Vienna VA: The Filene Center
June 8, 2011: Ridgefield CT: The Ridgefield Playhouse
June 9, 2011: Montclair NJ: The Wellmont Theatre
June 11, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 12, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
June 13, 2011: New York, NY: Highline Ballroom
July 29, 2011: Grand Rapids, MI: Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
July 30, 2011: Saint Charles, IL: The Arcade Theater
July 31, 2011: Clear Lake, IA: Surf Ballroom
August 3, 2011: Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park Amphitheater
August 5, 2011: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The July 30 St. Charles, IL venue is advertising it as Greatest Hits.   His website may not be completely accurate. 

http://www.oshows.com/shows-fourth#!__shows-fourth/brian-wilson

Since he hasn't come to Texas since 2004 and there's no indication he's coming this year, I was considering going to this if it were BWRG (based on the Toronto reviews).  But I'm not going to do that kind of travel expense for a GH show, especially if he's not that engaged in the old material.

What about the Lexington, Kentucky show? ( not on that list, is it really happening?)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.

But is it BWRG or GH?

[melody nelson]

Is there a bootleg of this show available somewhere? I went and had a wonderful time!

Edit: oops, didn't read the sticky. Can someone PM me if they have any clues?

[LostArt]

The Surf Ballroom website doesn't mention anything about Gershwin.  From looking at pictures of the venue, I don't think he'll do any of the Gershwin stuff there, except for maybe You Can't Take That Away From Me.  It's an old ballroom, and I don't think they put out chairs on the dance floor (I could be wrong...I e-mailed them and didn't get a response).  There are booths along one side and across the back wall.  I think I'm going to go...it sounds like a blast, even if it is strictly a greatest hits show. 

[Ram4]

One other thing that keeps coming up in the reviews is Brian leaving the stage before the songs are over.  I wonder why the band doesn't address this.....it detracts and unnecessarily calls attention to BWs awkwardness.  He should stay until the song is over, have the lights dimmed, and THEN leave.

I disagree.  I think the intention is to put the spotlight on the band at the end of each set, which was well deserved.  People always leave his concerts saying how incredible the band was, and him leaving a little early shows that he's willing to share some of the spotlight with them.  Including the song Pet Sounds in an extended version and having Jeff introduce each member also highlighted their individual contributions.  They deserve it.

I was at the St. Charles show Saturday night.  Solid performance, only a portion of the second set was Gershwin.  Uber rare track performed was Drive In - I certainly would have preferred Girl Don't Tell Me, but rare is rare.  Songs performed were pretty much the same as the Toronto setlist.  They opened with California Girls.  Band sounded great, Brian was good as well - he was very impressive on God Only Knows.  Same encores as Toronto.  Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick was in the audience. 

I didn't realize that a lot of the band members were from Chicago, and someone on stage mentioned that "it's hard to believe this band formed 12 years ago in St. Charles."  I had never seen Brian in concert before, and this show delivered.  I just hope I get another chance to see him before he retires from touring.  One other note, I like to call Brian the Ron Santo of rock.  Those who know what I mean don't need any explanation.

[Margarita]

I like to call Brian the Ron Santo of rock.  Those who know what I mean don't need any explanation.

I was in St. Charles as well.  The drive there from Chicago took longer than our flight from Midway to Toronto!  But like Ram4 said, it was a solid show.  Brian looked great, sang very well, and smiled a lot during the show.  The crowd gave him a lot of love; it was one of the most enthusiastic BW audiences I've seen.  Melinda was there with the kids, who were on Jeff's side of the stage during the encore set. 

Setlist:
California Girls
Dance, Dance, Dance
Catch a Wave
Wendy
Then I Kissed Her (Jeff and Brian trading off on lead)
Little Deuce Coupe
Surfer Girl
In My Room
Please Let Me Wonder
Row, Row, Row
Don't Worry Baby (Jeff lead)
Salt Lake City
Drive-In
When I Grow Up To Be a Man
You're So Good to Me
Do You Wanna Dance
Sail On Sailor (Scott lead)
I Get Around
Do It Again

Rhapsody in Blue intro
Summertime
I've Got Plenty of Nuthin'
Can't Take That Away From Me
I Got Rhythm
Nothing But Love
Add Some Music
Little Girl I Once Knew
Darlin' (Darian lead)
Pet Sounds
Sloop John B.
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Jeff lead)
God Only Knows
Heroes and Villains - Cantina version
Good Vibrations - single lyrics but with "hum-be-dahs"

Johhny B. Goode
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA (swapped out some of the surf locations with towns mentioned in "Sweet Little Sixteen")
Fun, Fun, Fun

All Summer Long

[hypehat]

Is the full Gershwin set being dropped forever then? Damnit. Wanted to hear him sing 'Love Is Here to Stay' live....

[Margarita]

I know...in St. Charles, I didn't get my two Gershwin faves: I Loves You Porgy and Someone To Watch Over Me.  At least I heard them in Toronto.  iMHO, the Gershwin material should never be just a few songs; the audience needs to hear the entire album.

[MaxL]

On Brian's official site it says, of the US Summer Tour, they'll be "playing his greatest hits, as well as selections from his acclaimed Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin album".

For the Autumn European Tour "Brian will be performing his critically acclaimedalbum [sic], Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, in its entirety".

Guess they're taking a break from playing BWRG as a whole between Canada and Europe.

[Alex]

Is he still saying "I fuckin` hate this song" before he does SOS?

[Amanda Hart]

Is he still saying "I f*ckin` hate this song" before he does SOS?

No, and no "These are the shittiest lyrics" either. In St. Charles he said something along the lines of "Here's the talented Scott Bennett to sing you a song." I kind of assumed his hate for it was part of the reason of the lead being switched, that and Scotty's take on it was really great. I'm not a huge Sail On Sailor fan myself, but I could get behind that rendition.

[37!ws]

Thing is, Brian just should not sing "Sail On, Sailor." He never, EVER had the proper voice for it. Dennis might have been a good vocalist for it, Blondie was definitely ideal...I can even imagine Carl on it, given his Wild Honey vocals...but never Brian, especially how he sings it nowadays...

[Rocker]

BTW there are some leads that were given to band members. "Darlin'" "DWB" "TIKH" "WIBN" "SOS"... whose idea was that? Brian's ? I can't imagine someone telling him "Hey, you don't sound that good. I'm gonna singt it from now on"

[37!ws]

I do distinctly remember Jeff taking a couple of leads in 2006, too...don't know whose idea is that, but my thought, partiicuarly for "Wouldn't It Be Nice:"

It's in the key of F on the original recording. Usually in concert it's performed in E, which is close enough to sound right. However, when Brian sang it, they performed it in D, which might have been low enough for the song to just not sound very recognizable; it least, that was my case....songs that they had to perform lower due to Brian's lower voice -- particularly "TWOTS," "Don't Worry, Baby," "Darlin'", and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" -- sounded unrecognizable to my ears....especially the one time I heard him do "TWOTS."

So...by having Jeff sings "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (Brian sang the bridge, btw) and "Don't Worry, Baby," the songs sound closer to the originals and thus have the feel of the originals. As for why pass off the "Sail On, Sailor" vocals (Brian can sing the notes with no problem), I dunno, other than Brian's voice just doesn't have the proper oomph.