Brian Wilson

[John Etherington]

I know that Brian Wilson is not the first person that you expect a Leonard devotee to mention when you ask who else they like....In fact, many (who do not know Brian's work) may even think of him as the opposite pole to Leonard (I can well understand why many may think that the Beach Boys represent everything that is trivial, uncool and outdated!).
However, having heard "Smile" live thirteen times this year, I can truly say that it is the avant-garde masterpiece that it was always cracked-up to be. It is a profoundly affecting work, and is both humourous and deeply spiritual. The work owes as much to church music and classical music, as it does to rock 'n roll. Onstage, Brian's Band (The Wondermints and Stockholm Strings and Horns) create an atmosphere of love and reverence that I have only previously experienced onstage with Leonard's musicians. I urge everyone to listen to "Smile" when it is released, later this month.

[lizzytysh]

Boy, John, you've been following Brian about a bit this year, haven't you ? Your description of "Smile" makes me want to hear it .