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Brian Wilson Says Reimagining Classic and New Gershwin Tunes Is Proudest Moment

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Brian Wilson, one of the greatest popular music figures, speaks with passion in this exclusive article he has filed with Spinner about his motivations behind his new 'Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin' album. In his own words, he shares his ardor for George and Ira Gershwin, the legendary composers who changed the face of music in the 1930s just as much as Wilson did in the '60s with the Beach Boys.

I was 2 years old when I experienced the first taste of Gershwin magic. My mother was playing 'Rhapsody in Blue' -- the Leonard Bernstein version -- and all I could think was how it was the most beautiful thing in the world. Even though I was only a kid, I can still remember listening to it and telling my mom that I wanted to hear it again and again. To me, the 'Rhapsody in Blue Reprise' represents my knowledge of Gershwin's harmony, and I think that it is George Gershwin's great harmonic achievement.

The Gershwin brothers, George and Ira, were true geniuses who have inspired many great legends. They invented the popular song and had a gift for melody that I believe nobody has ever equaled. Their music is synonymous with a broad spectrum of musical genres, but what I admire most is that they were constantly challenging themselves in different musical styles -- something that I find myself doing, as well.

Brian Wilson Reimagines GershwinAmazon

I felt honored when the Gershwin family and Disney Pearl Series approached me with this project. But I also felt challenged -- I wanted to give the Gershwin brothers the justice they and their songs deserve.

The process was thrilling as I added my own interpretation and feel to Gershwin classics. In addition, I was asked to look over 114 unfinished songs that George Gershwin himself wrote and I narrowed it down to two songs, which are the two original songs on the album. I sat at the piano for days just taking the Gershwin melodies and giving them my twist while staying true to that classic American sound from the '30s. It was quite a process, but in the end the idea that I collaborated with the great Gershwin brothers was an experience unlike any other.

This was the most heartfelt project I have done, and I am extremely proud of what came to fruition. When the album was finished, I listened to the whole thing from beginning to end a few times and thought, "I did justice to the Gershwin brothers' music and songs. " I knew that I treated each song in a unique manner as each one has a different personality, a different texture, a different rhythm and a different sound.

I've had many people ask me what I want people to come away with from this album, and all I want is for each person who listens to the album to acquire an unfaltering appreciation for the music. People should listen to this album wholeheartedly, and most important, feel the spirit of the music the way I do. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on as I felt deeply connected with the Gershwin brothers, and I believe that if you let the music sweep you off your feet, you, too, can feel the beauty, passion and extraordinary gift that the Gershwin brothers left us with. I hope that with this album, future generations continue to be touched and inspired in the same manner that I have been influenced.


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43 Comments

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Peckerwood

There's a world where I can go and tell my secrets
to
In my room, in my room
In this world I lock out all my worries and my
fears
In my room, in my room
Do my brooding and my scheming, lie awake and
pray
Do my crying and my sighing, laugh at yesterday
Now it's dark and I'm alone but I won't be afraid
In my room, in my room, in my room, in my room,
in my room, in my room

The southern California surf culture of the early 1960's all wrapped up in one Beach Boys tune. Nobody will ever know the innocence of that era, nor the decadence that soon came. They sounded like angels. GO BRIAN! We love you!

August 22 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
LadyDay517

Correction:... Sorry, "I Like in I Love You"

August 22 2010 at 2:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
LadyDay517

p.s. Brian, also, I have a 'Beautiful Photo' of "Scott & Sherry" that you might want to have a 'copy' of. Let me know. Your voice quality is as 'Young' and 'Vibrant' as ever! I especially liked the song " 'I Like in Love You.'

August 22 2010 at 2:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Arleen White

Hi Mr.Wilson

Just read the article about you and the Gershwins. I
will get your CD tomorrow. My son (1967-2006) is a
fabulous musician, singer, entertainer, and you are his
idol. I will read the copy of your article that I printed, and play your new music for him. I would like
to say, you look very healthy, happy, and living a good
life.

I, at age 74, am a Gershwin fan, and am looking forward
to hearing your music.

May I take the liberty in asking for an autographed
picture of you dedicated to "Michael Tracey White"
if you would be so kind.

Thank you very much, and have a fun, enjoyable life.

August 22 2010 at 2:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CmdrKat

Were you in charge of sweeping the floors or cleaning the restrooms "In the music biz"???? Not all entertainers who wrote their best-selling songs are wealthy. I know this for a fact being close to two of the most popular singers from the 60's & 70's. One ended up working security in a departments store and is barely making it today-all due to a congenital ailment that took him out of performing. The other? He's hanging on but the vulchers find ways of tricking them out of their royalties. One recorded several songs in a label's studio and they locked them up for over 5 years and would not allow him access to them until another label bought out the first. These people who entertain us suffer greatly but try their hardest not to show it, but just look at Brain Wilson's face and you can see the strain on his eyes. Contracts with "fine print" nearly destroyed one of our top entertainer's life and another is now digging through his own personal collection that was never published to keep his family going. We who support them as fan club members will do anything to help them along. It's obvious what you know about "The Biz" could fit in the palm of my hand! People would be shocked to hear who these guys are and what was done to them..so shaddup and go push your broom or scrub a toilet Big Shot!!

August 22 2010 at 1:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fran Amos Cook

BRIAN - I CLOSED MY EYES AND LISTENED TO THOSE SONGS. I WAS SWEPT AWAY TO ANOTHER DIMENSION OF PEACEFULNESS. WHAT A MUSIC-INSPIRED PERSON YOU ARE.

August 22 2010 at 1:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dan

Are you crazy? This is pathetic!

August 22 2010 at 12:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rick Marcelli

To all that can remember HPS and Aud Calls here in Hollywood. A sound missed. A sound Cherished. And a sound welcomed back!! Great job Brian.....And to the loving memory of your brothers.

August 22 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CmdrKat

Do any of you who take any chance you can get to brag about your personal BS instead of staying on track and addressing what the article is about? Some of these "Comments" are an insult to Brian!! Sorry you lost your job buddy-been there, done that, but to use Brian's story as a basis to "get the word out" was a slap in the face to a man who suffered many, many years to bring us such joyful music! If you look at his photo you can see he's had a tough time. I'm not into Gershwin, but I wish Brian all the luck in the world!!!!

August 22 2010 at 12:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jan

this is an interesting concept, but you have to like the combination of the beach boys sound and the gershwin music because it's very much that. brian made this his own and if you loved the beach boys, you will love this. don't expect a musically serene gershwin; brian seems to be having a great time with this. heard his interview on NPR the other day and he really seemed to love ths. as for remembering back to 2 years old, i can remember back to 1 1/2. some people can, so don't get in a tizzy about that. i certainly do believe it. and why do all these people come on here to advertise things that have nothing at all to do with the subject. that's just horrible. i thought these things were monitored. evidently not.

August 22 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply