Introduction to Brian Wilson
For the last quarter of a century, nobody shared musical moments with Brian Wilson more than Darian Sahanaja, who was part of the solo band of the Beach Boys Architect from his return to live shows in 1999 through his last tour dates in 2022. It was also an essential part to bring the album "Smile" back to life in the form of a Solo -Brian -Brian resolution Present And served as a supervisory music consultant for the Biopic "Love & Mercy" from 2014.
Reflecting on Brian Wilson’s Life
How ironic is it that Brian, the oldest of the three Wilson brothers … the "worried" with all the physical and psychological challenges … would be the last man? I mean, the guy lived twice as long as his brother Dennis, who was the physical ideal of an all-American surfer boy. On the other hand, he always defied the chances. From the first concert, which I was played with him in March 1999-that he may not even make it through a song, let alone a whole show, which he overcome a few serious demons to close the unfinished post-"-Pet Sounds" album "Smile", could somehow reach deep into the depths and to move in every challenge.
Working with Brian Wilson
However, the process may not be smooth. In fact, almost all of my favorite stories from Brian are a product that he has to "work through the moment". His uncomfortable attempts to overcome an unpleasant situation could lead to pure comedy gold or even be perceived as a "genius". If he was not in the mood to meet the visitors behind the stage in front of a show, you could say: "Hello Brian, it is an honor to get to know you, and his typical answer with five words would be" Thank you … Enjoy the catering! "Always sincerely and never hurt. As in the time when I stood with him after the show, when Eric Clapton went over and immediately gushed over the music. Brian looked at us both and said:" Well … rock ‘n’ roll is here. Eric and I turned to each other with palms and had to laugh.
The Beach Boys Love You Album
I write all of this because we prepare in the Brian Wilson band to connect Al Jardine for some shows that highlight the songs from the album "The Beach Boys Love You" from 1977. The album is one of my favorites in the catalog because I am Brian’s most personal effort after "Pet Sounds". Although 11 years had passed and his voice was no longer angled, the songs were as beautiful and heartbreaking as always. And in contrast to the collaborative approach of the album in 1966, he wrote the texts 11 of the 14 tracks himself this time. Are the topics complex that deeply stimulate the words to think? With songs like "Johnny Carson", "Airplane" and "Solar System" you would believe that they are not. But they cannot deny the sincerity, the warm beauty of the chords and melodies.
Brian Wilson’s Creative Process
The other thing about this album is that Brian produced and played almost everything. If I know something about Brian Wilson’s creative process, it was the case that he always corresponds to an immediate satisfaction. You can even hear "Pet Sounds" during the session tapes that he becomes impatient between the concerns to bring everyone back together to play together again. Not because he was a control freak, but because he was so excited to hear the parts come together. Even with us in his band, he quickly fed each of us a role to sing or play, and could hardly wait to hear everything together.
The Unique Sound of The Beach Boys Love You
At the time of "The Beach Boys Love You" in 1977, he had several keyboard instruments available that could now imitate a string section and others who could sound like a Fuzz bass or brass. Most of them were from the newly permitted analogue synthesizer variety, and instead of getting string or brass players or even putting on a bass, he would simply strap a minimoog or ARP synth keyboard and put down his ideas quickly and rawly in order to maintain the immediate satisfaction that he wanted. Then he would let the boys come in like with "Pet Sounds" and lay down their voice parts. What we got in the end was a thoroughly unique collection of songs and an album that sounds like no other Beach Boys plate. Some people even give it as the first synth pop record. Sometimes cumbersome, but mostly beautiful, catchy and sincere. Genius? Perhaps. Honest? Absolutely.
Visiting Brian Wilson
Last year, some of us would visit him regularly, just to sit with him and sing – just to let his musical gears turn. Sometimes he would participate, but mostly he just sat and listened and decided to deepen into the sound of live vocal harmonies and instruments. For me it was the least I could do. To be able to give back a fraction of the joy that he had given me. But also to make myself a person I am today.
The Impact of Brian Wilson’s Music
As a teenager, I was ridiculed by my so-called friends and even physically abused because I preferred the music of the beach boys to the heavier FM rock acts of the mid-1970s, which they regarded as "cool". But even this amount of group compulsion was not enough to influence my opinion – proof of how good this music was for me. When I came to Junior High, I was much better equipped to manage criticism and was able to develop a solid understanding of what I did and didn’t like.
Gratitude and Memories
I wanted to thank him for that. I wanted to show him how grateful I was for all the possibilities he gave me. To live out the dreams of every musician. To play Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, the Madison Square Garden … to share the stage and with people like Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Pete Townshend and even the Queen of England after he was in Buckingham Palace had occurred.
A Lasting Legacy
I mean, how do you show gratitude for all of this? By singing a song from the Ronettes and making him smile. Brian Wilson died in his sleep, at home, in his room. The way he wanted it. The news didn’t annoy me. I was sad, yes, but mainly I felt relief. I was relieved to know that a man who had almost every day of his life in a struggle for a little peace and love no longer suffered.
Conclusion
And without getting an excessive new will here, I always had the feeling that his struggle, his longing and achievement, finding a better place, preserved so beautiful music. How happy are we alive as he went on this earth?
