REVIEW: Brian Wilson and company bring decades of musical excellence to NJ

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys and one of the most important American musicians of all time, offered a concert of classic tunes and newer songs to a packed house at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, N.J., on Saturday, Nov. 21. Sitting at his iconic white grand piano, Wilson was backed by nearly a dozen expert musicians and his fellow Beach Boy, Al Jardine. The songs were catchy and came at the audience nonstop. The vibrations were good indeed.

Touring in support his latest solo record, No Pier Pressure, Wilson has been through the tri-state area several times over the past few years. This summer, for example, he played the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., apparently receiving a drop-in visit from none other than Bruce Springsteen. Although the Boss was not in Englewood Saturday, Nov. 21, there was no loss. Wilson commands the stage with his consummate leadership and effective interpretation of the Beach Boys canon and his own infectious tunes.

Harmonies are typically what define a Wilson record and a Wilson concert, and the backing band followed his direction in bringing their symphony of voices together into an alluring, sometimes dizzying display of vocal dominance. This reporter has seen Wilson twice before, once with Jeff Beck on a double-bill at the Beacon Theatre in New York and once with the reunited Beach Boys at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Both of those experiences were rousing successes, especially the Beach Boys’ oh-so-brief reunion, but this recent Englewood concert had the mark of even more praiseworthy harmonies. Perhaps it was the selected setlist, which included the masterpiece “Heroes and Villains” and its opening recitation, “Our Prayer.” Or perhaps it was the band’s ability to coalesce after being on the road for so long. From the percussion section (two drum sets!) to the many guitars and keyboards, the sound was all-encompassing.

Like most Wilson concerts, the gig began right on time — like, right on time, at 8 p.m. It included many, if not most, of the Beach Boys hits, including “California Girls,” “I Get Around” and “Dance, Dance, Dance.” Newer tunes included “Sail Away” and “One Kind of Love.” Blondie Chaplin, a great addition for the rock songs, provided energetic accompaniment, including on “Sail On, Sailor,” which closed out the first set.

After a 15-minute intermission, the guys returned to the stage and focused themselves on both the hits and lesser-known fare. A highlight vocally for Wilson was “Add Some Music to Your Day.” The “Pet Sounds” instrumental was also a nice entry on the set list. After “Do It Again,” the dream-like “Surfer Girl” and the contemplative “In My Room,” the audience was with Wilson for every note, every harmony, every song. He could almost do no wrong, and the support system behind him was always there in its unwavering accompaniment.

The legendary pianist, composer and producer, in a giving and generous way to the fans who have stuck around for more than 50 years, gave the audience members what they wanted. The concert ended with a slew of Beach Boys hits, everything from “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” to the funny, yet solemn “Sloop John B.” The sheer perfection of “Good Vibrations” was evident, and “God Only Knows,” perhaps the best of the Beach Boys’ many hits, was an appropriate moment of reflection for the lovebirds who swayed along.

The encore, which came fast and furious, included “Help Me, Rhonda,” which nicely showcased Jardine’s vocals; “Barbara Ann,” perhaps the most danceable number; and “Surfin’ USA,” which is simply fun, fun, fun. Oh, and they played that one, too.

A final, fitting song was tagged on at the end. “Love and Mercy,” which is also the name of the biopic about Wilson that hit cinemas this year, finished the concert and seemed like the perfect ending to two hours of musical journeying.

Much has been written about Wilson, from the good times to the bad times, from the love and mercy to the feuds and fandom. One constant from his early days in southern California to 2015 is that undying realization of the power of music, that the rightly placed vocal section and instrumental note can somehow create an experience of travel and reflection.

Listeners should think back to the first time they heard “Good Vibrations.” Sure, it has become ubiquitous on the radio and a common song come summertime. Yes, the vibrations and excitations are there. Yes, the thoughts of young love and sun-drenched memories are there. But it’s also the rhythm, the constant building up and taking down of the energy behind the song, the pauses and backing vocals. It’s what’s at the forefront and lurking behind. It’s a complex masterpiece, perhaps the Beach Boys’ most famous song. When Wilson plays it on stage, after taking the audience with him on a retrospective for the past two hours, it provides the final bit of evidence of his mastery.

It’s not overstating the fact that Wilson is one of the best musicians and producers of all time, and, through some cosmic coincidence, he joined up with a group of guys that brought the United States its most important rock band. The hits are always going to be there for the fans, but the highlights of his journey are his obvious drive and dedication to change the dynamic of American music. Wilson and company did not simply create surfing songs for the sake of inducing some toe-tapping among the audience members. It’s about that love and mercy; it’s about that portrayal of the American story in the second half of the 20th century. It’s opportunity and introspection. It’s Pet Sounds. It’s Smile.

It’s harmony — in so many different respects.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Brian Wilson’s tour continues with dates through 2016. Click here for more information.