|
Brian Wilson :: 10.27.04 :: The Paramount Theater :: Denver, CO
I'll admit it right up front--this show was a resume builder for me. You know, the kind of show where tickets were purchased against your better judgment simply because of the legacy the performer has left in his or her wake.
Brian Wilson |
When I read that Brian Wilson was bringing Smile to the stage after having shelved it for more than 35 years, I had only one thought: "I have to see him." When asked "Why?" my response was simple. "He's Brian Wilson." Now, don't let my enthusiasm fool you, I wasn't expecting too much from the show, but having grown up on the sounds of The Beach Boys, and learning about the "lost" Smile album, this was one of those nights I couldn't miss.
When Wilson gingerly took the Paramount Theatre stage and joined a cast of about 15 musicians already assembled on the right half of the stage, the near-capacity audience welcomed him with open arms. Almost immediately, they broke into a rough acoustic version of The Beach Boys' classic "Surfer Girl," and I must admit it didn't live up to my already low expectations of what this show would be. The harmonies fell short and the band seemed more like a group of friends around a bonfire, than a touring group charging high prices for admission. I resigned myself to the fact that I would just be adding this one to my show-going resume, and it would be a below average performance.
Brian Wilson & Band |
The acoustic set lasted about 25 minutes and while the band never really reached their stride there were some highlights, including the redundant dedication of Dennis Wilson's "Add Some Music to Your Life" to his "late brothers Carl and Dennis, who are dead."
When they wrapped up the acoustic portion of the evening I was feeling a little let down. That all changed when the band took their places and the electric instruments came off their stands. From the first notes of "Sloop John B" I knew this was the band capable of doing Smile justice. They were hitting the harmonies and the sound was fantastic. Wilson was front and center behind a keyboard he barely touched all evening. While his voice showed his age and some of the trauma he has endured, he was singing confidently and basically on key.
Brian Wilson & Band |
The electric portion of the set energized the crowd with rockers like "California Girls" and "Dance, Dance, Dance." The band also brought an earnest tenderness with the revolutionary ballad "God Only Knows" (first song on the radio to contain the word "God").
During the set break, the lobby was abuzz with speculation as to whether this performance of Wilson's Smile would live up to the album's hype. The eclectic crowd jockeyed with each other at the bar as they awaited "SMiLE" the 62-year-old legend's self-described "Teenage Symphony to God."
When the second set began, I knew from the first notes we were in for an experience. Wilson continued to resemble a marionette, with his jerky movements and nearly expressionless face. However, the music spoke for him, and it spoke volumes. He may not be the charismatic personality he once was, but Wilson is still a musical genius and he knows how to pick a band. At one point, the stage was occupied by 19 people, each contributing to the history being made. Wilson was a conductor of sorts, cueing people in and out, and occasionally seeming miffed when he noticed some minute blunder that even the most savvy audience members couldn't have picked out.
Brian Wilson |
As the show drew to a close and rose to its finale, "Good Vibrations," the crowd was on their feet, dancing, as Wilson nailed the lyrics in near perfect pitch. It was over, we had witnessed Smile, and as I looked around the theater, most everyone was indeed smiling.
As if to repay us for our attention throughout the second set, Wilson and company returned to the stage and gave us a taste of the true '50s sound of The Beach Boys. "Barbara Ann," "Help Me Rhonda," and "Fun, Fun, Fun" had the crowd up on their feet once again paying deserved tribute to a true legend.
Words by: Tim Dwenger
Images from: www.brianwilson.com
JamBase | Denver
Go See Live Music!
|
