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Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
Disney Pearl Series
D0004428902
_________________________________________________________
1. Rhapsody In Blue/Intro
Written by George Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Vocals: Brian Wilson
2. The Like In I Love You
Written by Gershwin, Wilson and Bennett
Published by WB Music Corp., BriMel Music, Fur Vest Music
Drums: Mike D'Amico
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Clavinet Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Clarinet: Paul Von Mertens
Medley:
3. Summertime
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Glockenspiel: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone, Piano, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Celeste: Paul Von Mertens
4. I Loves You Porgy
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/ Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Organ: Gary Griffin
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Keyboards, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Darian Sahanaja, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
5. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/ Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass, Baritone Guitar: Brett Simons
Guitar: Nick Walusko
Banjo, Trumpet: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Xylophone, Moog: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Xylophone, Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Harmonica, Bass Harmonica: Paul Von Mertens
6. It Ain't Necessarily So
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Wah Wah Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Electric Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Organ: Gary Griffin
Percussion, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Harmonica, Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
7. 'S Wonderful
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Group (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Acoustic Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Flute, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
8. They Can't Take That Away From Me
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Baritone Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Vocals: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
9. Love Is Here To Stay
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Vibraphone, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
10. I've Got A Crush On You
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Slide Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Organ: Gary Griffin
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
11. I Got Rhythm
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Tack Piano, Glockenspiel, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Piano, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
12. Someone To Watch Over Me
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Nylon String Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Harpsichord, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeff Foskett, Taylor Mills
Clarinet, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
13. Nothing But Love
Written by Gershwin, Wilson and Bennett
Published by WB Music Corp., BriMel Music, Fur Vest Music
Drums, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Electric Bass, 6-String Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Vocals: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Organ: Gary Griffin
Tack Piano: Darian Sahanaja
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett
Flute, Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
14. Rhapsody in Blue/Reprise
Written by George Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Vocals: Brian Wilson
_________________________________________________________
'S WONDERFUL VIBRATIONS
George Gershwin, Brian Wilson and the Eternal "Muse in Music"
By David Wild
"True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.” - George Gershwin
"I believe that music is God's voice.” - Brian Wilson
Music has a singular and profound power to cross all boundaries—including time. Perhaps that's why all of the most inspiring music is timeless—and eternally relevant. In other words, a great song really is a joy forever, including today.
Still, it's stunning to think it was nearly three quarters of a century ago that George Gershwin—a truly towering figure in music who wrote more great songs than anyone—died tragically young at the age of 39. Yet through all the remarkable music that he brought into our world in his too short lifetime—so much of it written with his late, great brother and lyricist, Ira Gershwin—George Gershwin is still here with us today, and our love for him is very much here to stay.
Like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Gershwin—from the Broadway stage to the concert hall—is always there to be rediscovered, reinterpreted and even reimagined by each generation. With Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, one of our greatest living composers in popular music pays his respects to—and in a sense, collaborates with—his first musical hero. Brian Wilson has said that hearing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is his first musical memory and one that helped inspire his lifelong-love for music.
Sure, on a superficial level, much might seem to separate these two musical men—like those small aforementioned matters of time and place. On the other hand, for all that separates them, they have both written numerous works that have become beautiful part of the tone and texture of our world. In fact, if I were forced to name the two most beautiful pieces of music that I have ever heard, I think that I would have to declare that my most beloved pet sounds would be the melodies of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin and “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson.
I can further personally vouch that Brian Wilson's love for the music of George Gershwin is nothing new. Many years ago back in a time called the late 20th Century, I found myself as a guest at a private party in a friend's backyard at which the great Brian Wilson graciously got up to perform. My mind was instantly blown, and before very long so too was the backyard power supply. Stripped of any working electric sound system, Brian thought for a second about what to do, and then started playing a thoroughly electrifying acoustic rendition of "Rhapsody in Blue”. It was one of the most beautiful and unexpected things I ever witnessed.
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is book-ended by the former visionary, co-founding leader of The Beach Boys revisiting Gershwin's eternal "Rhapsody in Blue”. In between, Wilson offers imaginative and sometimes surprising renditions of numerous gems from the Gershwin cannon, including "Summertime”, “They Can't Take That Away from Me”, “I’ve Got a Crush on You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me”. Throughout, there are surprises and thrills, including an instrumental version of "I've Got Plenty O' Nuttin’ ” that sounds like it could have been on Pet Sounds or Smile, and “I Got Rhythm" which suggests a long lost rocking Beach Boys hit. It's worth noting that Wilson has always done more than his share of time travel—a fitting enough quality from this man who gave us "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times”.
As if that wasn't enough, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin brings Gershwin and Wilson together in an even more unexpected way. With the permission and support of the Gershwin Estate, Wilson has been given the great honor of completing two unfinished Gershwin songs. “The Like in I Love You” is a stunning love song to love and music themselves—"the muse in music" as Wilson sings. "Nothing But Love" is similarly a gorgeous musical expression about the timelessness and power of love itself.
So take the time and listen to this lovely meeting of two of our greatest musical minds.
'S Wonderful.
_________________________________________________________
BRIAN WILSON BAND:
Lead Vocals: Brian Wilson
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett
Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Xylophone, Moog, Vibraphone, Tack Piano, Glockenspiel, Organ, Harpsichord: Darian Sahanaja
Vocals, Vibraphone, Piano, Keyboards, Xylophone, Drums (track 13): Scott Bennett
Vocals, Clarinet, Celeste, Harmonica, Bass Harmonica, Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
Vocals, Guitar, Theremin, Banjo, Trumpet, Wah Wah Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Slide Guitar, Nylon String Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Vocals, Guitar: Nick Walusko
Vocals, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Baritone Guitar, 6-String Bass, Tic-Tac Bass: Brett Simons
Organ, Piano: Gary Griffin
Vocals: Taylor Mills
Drums on Tracks 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12: Todd Sucherman
Drums on Track 2: Mike D'Amico
ORCHESTRA:
Conductor, Orchestration: Paul Von Mertens
Violin, Concertmaster: Peter Kent
Violin: Sharon Jackson
Viola: Jessica Van Velzen
Cello: Erika Dule-Kirkpatrick
Cello: Cameron Stone
Cello: Rudy Stein
Cello: Peggy Baldwin
Trombone: Andy Martin
Woodwinds: Bill Liston
Woodwinds: Dan Higgins
Trumpet: Probyn Gregory
PRODUCED BY BRIAN WILSON
Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by Brian Wilson and Paul Von Mertens
Vocal Arrangements by Brian Wilson
Mix Prep by Brian Wilson, Darian Sahanaja and Nick Walusko
Mixed by Al Schmitt
Assistant to Al Schmitt: Steve Genewick
A&R: Brian Malouf
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, Maine Recorded and Engineered by Mark Linett at Oceanway, Henson, Your Place or Mine Recording Studios
Assistant Engineers: Wesley Seidman at Oceanway and Kevin Mills and Greg Depante at Henson
_________________________________________________________
SPECIAL THANKS:
To George and Ira Gershwin for creating music that inspired a young boy from Hawthorne, California to follow a dream.
To my wife Melinda, you are my love and inspiration and without you this album would not have been possible.
To my adorable children Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota Rose who bring such joy to my life every day, I love you. And of course to my older children and their families, I love you, too.
To my brothers Carl and Dennis, I miss making music with you but I know you're listening.
The Ledbetter family for their support
To my incredibly talented band and their families
To my great pal Ray Lawlor, thanks for being a friend
To Jean Sievers, thanks for making things happen
And to Gloria Ramos, Marta Escobar and Cynthia Von Orthal
_________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL THANKS:
David Agnew, Ky Cabot, John Callahan, Angie Castro and family, Eric Custer, Michael DeMartin, Todd Gershwin and Adam Gershwin, Peter Grosslight, Leeann Hard, Samantha Henfrey, David Levine, Mark Linett, Mark London, Rob Mailman, Lauren Mele, Paki Newell, Brad Rosenberger, Todd and Vivienne Sievers, David Snyder, Neil Warnock, John Warren
To the amazing Disney team: Bob Cavallo, Jim Weatherson, Rob Souriall, Steve Gerdes, Maria Kleinman, Jeff Lowy, Brian Robillard, Curt Eddy, Matt Fitz-Henry, Dasha Smith, Jon Lind, Dani Markman
Henry Juszkiewicz, Caroline Galloway and Peter Leinheiser of Gibson Guitars, Ian Jones @Telefunken U. S. A Microphones, Divided by 13 Amps, Herschel Blankenship and Michael Campion @ AccessCases, Hohner Harmonicas, and Richard Sandrok at Shure microphones, Dave Avenius @ Aguilar Amplification, Rob Olsen @ Hafner, Peter Janis @ Radial Engineering, DR Strings, Ludwig Drums, Zildjian Cymbals
Album Art Direction: Steve Gerdes
Album Design and Cover Illustration: Steve Sterling
Photography: Clay Patrick McBride
Management: Jean Sievers, SOOP, LLC
Publicity: Jean Sievers
_________________________________________________________
® 2010 Walt Disney Records © Disney Burbank, CA 91521 Unauthorized duplication and use prohibited.
D000428902 Disney.com/Pearl Series
BrianWilson.com
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
Disney Pearl Series
D0004428902
_________________________________________________________
1. Rhapsody In Blue/Intro
Written by George Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Vocals: Brian Wilson
2. The Like In I Love You
Written by Gershwin, Wilson and Bennett
Published by WB Music Corp., BriMel Music, Fur Vest Music
Drums: Mike D'Amico
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Clavinet Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Clarinet: Paul Von Mertens
Medley:
3. Summertime
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Glockenspiel: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone, Piano, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Celeste: Paul Von Mertens
4. I Loves You Porgy
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/ Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Organ: Gary Griffin
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Keyboards, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Darian Sahanaja, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
5. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/ Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass, Baritone Guitar: Brett Simons
Guitar: Nick Walusko
Banjo, Trumpet: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Xylophone, Moog: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Xylophone, Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Harmonica, Bass Harmonica: Paul Von Mertens
6. It Ain't Necessarily So
Written by George Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Publishing (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP) All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Wah Wah Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Electric Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Organ: Gary Griffin
Percussion, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Harmonica, Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
7. 'S Wonderful
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Group (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Acoustic Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Flute, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
8. They Can't Take That Away From Me
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Baritone Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion, Vocals: Nelson Bragg
Vibraphone: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
9. Love Is Here To Stay
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by George Gershwin Music (ASCAP)/Ira Gershwin Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Acoustic Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Theremin: Probyn Gregory
Vibraphone, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
10. I've Got A Crush On You
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Slide Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Organ: Gary Griffin
Piano, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
11. I Got Rhythm
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Tack Piano, Glockenspiel, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Piano, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett, Taylor Mills
Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
12. Someone To Watch Over Me
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Drums: Todd Sucherman
Electric Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Nylon String Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Harpsichord, Vocals: Darian Sahanaja
Percussion: Nelson Bragg
Vocals: Scott Bennett, Jeff Foskett, Taylor Mills
Clarinet, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
13. Nothing But Love
Written by Gershwin, Wilson and Bennett
Published by WB Music Corp., BriMel Music, Fur Vest Music
Drums, Vocals: Scott Bennett
Electric Bass, 6-String Bass: Brett Simons
Guitar, Vocals: Nick Walusko
Guitar, Vocals: Probyn Gregory
Piano, Organ: Gary Griffin
Tack Piano: Darian Sahanaja
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett
Flute, Saxophone: Paul Von Mertens
14. Rhapsody in Blue/Reprise
Written by George Gershwin
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Vocals: Brian Wilson
_________________________________________________________
'S WONDERFUL VIBRATIONS
George Gershwin, Brian Wilson and the Eternal "Muse in Music"
By David Wild
"True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.” - George Gershwin
"I believe that music is God's voice.” - Brian Wilson
Music has a singular and profound power to cross all boundaries—including time. Perhaps that's why all of the most inspiring music is timeless—and eternally relevant. In other words, a great song really is a joy forever, including today.
Still, it's stunning to think it was nearly three quarters of a century ago that George Gershwin—a truly towering figure in music who wrote more great songs than anyone—died tragically young at the age of 39. Yet through all the remarkable music that he brought into our world in his too short lifetime—so much of it written with his late, great brother and lyricist, Ira Gershwin—George Gershwin is still here with us today, and our love for him is very much here to stay.
Like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Gershwin—from the Broadway stage to the concert hall—is always there to be rediscovered, reinterpreted and even reimagined by each generation. With Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, one of our greatest living composers in popular music pays his respects to—and in a sense, collaborates with—his first musical hero. Brian Wilson has said that hearing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is his first musical memory and one that helped inspire his lifelong-love for music.
Sure, on a superficial level, much might seem to separate these two musical men—like those small aforementioned matters of time and place. On the other hand, for all that separates them, they have both written numerous works that have become beautiful part of the tone and texture of our world. In fact, if I were forced to name the two most beautiful pieces of music that I have ever heard, I think that I would have to declare that my most beloved pet sounds would be the melodies of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin and “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson.
I can further personally vouch that Brian Wilson's love for the music of George Gershwin is nothing new. Many years ago back in a time called the late 20th Century, I found myself as a guest at a private party in a friend's backyard at which the great Brian Wilson graciously got up to perform. My mind was instantly blown, and before very long so too was the backyard power supply. Stripped of any working electric sound system, Brian thought for a second about what to do, and then started playing a thoroughly electrifying acoustic rendition of "Rhapsody in Blue”. It was one of the most beautiful and unexpected things I ever witnessed.
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is book-ended by the former visionary, co-founding leader of The Beach Boys revisiting Gershwin's eternal "Rhapsody in Blue”. In between, Wilson offers imaginative and sometimes surprising renditions of numerous gems from the Gershwin cannon, including "Summertime”, “They Can't Take That Away from Me”, “I’ve Got a Crush on You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me”. Throughout, there are surprises and thrills, including an instrumental version of "I've Got Plenty O' Nuttin’ ” that sounds like it could have been on Pet Sounds or Smile, and “I Got Rhythm" which suggests a long lost rocking Beach Boys hit. It's worth noting that Wilson has always done more than his share of time travel—a fitting enough quality from this man who gave us "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times”.
As if that wasn't enough, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin brings Gershwin and Wilson together in an even more unexpected way. With the permission and support of the Gershwin Estate, Wilson has been given the great honor of completing two unfinished Gershwin songs. “The Like in I Love You” is a stunning love song to love and music themselves—"the muse in music" as Wilson sings. "Nothing But Love" is similarly a gorgeous musical expression about the timelessness and power of love itself.
So take the time and listen to this lovely meeting of two of our greatest musical minds.
'S Wonderful.
_________________________________________________________
BRIAN WILSON BAND:
Lead Vocals: Brian Wilson
Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett
Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Xylophone, Moog, Vibraphone, Tack Piano, Glockenspiel, Organ, Harpsichord: Darian Sahanaja
Vocals, Vibraphone, Piano, Keyboards, Xylophone, Drums (track 13): Scott Bennett
Vocals, Clarinet, Celeste, Harmonica, Bass Harmonica, Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute: Paul Von Mertens
Vocals, Guitar, Theremin, Banjo, Trumpet, Wah Wah Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Slide Guitar, Nylon String Guitar: Probyn Gregory
Vocals, Guitar: Nick Walusko
Vocals, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Timpani: Nelson Bragg
Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Baritone Guitar, 6-String Bass, Tic-Tac Bass: Brett Simons
Organ, Piano: Gary Griffin
Vocals: Taylor Mills
Drums on Tracks 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12: Todd Sucherman
Drums on Track 2: Mike D'Amico
ORCHESTRA:
Conductor, Orchestration: Paul Von Mertens
Violin, Concertmaster: Peter Kent
Violin: Sharon Jackson
Viola: Jessica Van Velzen
Cello: Erika Dule-Kirkpatrick
Cello: Cameron Stone
Cello: Rudy Stein
Cello: Peggy Baldwin
Trombone: Andy Martin
Woodwinds: Bill Liston
Woodwinds: Dan Higgins
Trumpet: Probyn Gregory
PRODUCED BY BRIAN WILSON
Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by Brian Wilson and Paul Von Mertens
Vocal Arrangements by Brian Wilson
Mix Prep by Brian Wilson, Darian Sahanaja and Nick Walusko
Mixed by Al Schmitt
Assistant to Al Schmitt: Steve Genewick
A&R: Brian Malouf
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, Maine Recorded and Engineered by Mark Linett at Oceanway, Henson, Your Place or Mine Recording Studios
Assistant Engineers: Wesley Seidman at Oceanway and Kevin Mills and Greg Depante at Henson
_________________________________________________________
SPECIAL THANKS:
To George and Ira Gershwin for creating music that inspired a young boy from Hawthorne, California to follow a dream.
To my wife Melinda, you are my love and inspiration and without you this album would not have been possible.
To my adorable children Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota Rose who bring such joy to my life every day, I love you. And of course to my older children and their families, I love you, too.
To my brothers Carl and Dennis, I miss making music with you but I know you're listening.
The Ledbetter family for their support
To my incredibly talented band and their families
To my great pal Ray Lawlor, thanks for being a friend
To Jean Sievers, thanks for making things happen
And to Gloria Ramos, Marta Escobar and Cynthia Von Orthal
_________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL THANKS:
David Agnew, Ky Cabot, John Callahan, Angie Castro and family, Eric Custer, Michael DeMartin, Todd Gershwin and Adam Gershwin, Peter Grosslight, Leeann Hard, Samantha Henfrey, David Levine, Mark Linett, Mark London, Rob Mailman, Lauren Mele, Paki Newell, Brad Rosenberger, Todd and Vivienne Sievers, David Snyder, Neil Warnock, John Warren
To the amazing Disney team: Bob Cavallo, Jim Weatherson, Rob Souriall, Steve Gerdes, Maria Kleinman, Jeff Lowy, Brian Robillard, Curt Eddy, Matt Fitz-Henry, Dasha Smith, Jon Lind, Dani Markman
Henry Juszkiewicz, Caroline Galloway and Peter Leinheiser of Gibson Guitars, Ian Jones @Telefunken U. S. A Microphones, Divided by 13 Amps, Herschel Blankenship and Michael Campion @ AccessCases, Hohner Harmonicas, and Richard Sandrok at Shure microphones, Dave Avenius @ Aguilar Amplification, Rob Olsen @ Hafner, Peter Janis @ Radial Engineering, DR Strings, Ludwig Drums, Zildjian Cymbals
Album Art Direction: Steve Gerdes
Album Design and Cover Illustration: Steve Sterling
Photography: Clay Patrick McBride
Management: Jean Sievers, SOOP, LLC
Publicity: Jean Sievers
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® 2010 Walt Disney Records © Disney Burbank, CA 91521 Unauthorized duplication and use prohibited.
D000428902 Disney.com/Pearl Series
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