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Posted on August 14, 2007 at 04:47:59 AM by Panayiotis
I was lucky enough to find the time to get up to Reno last Saturday night to see Brian Wilson at the Silver Legacy. Backed on stage, by only 6 members of his regular touring band, Brian delivered a wonderful, warmly received, intimate show to an appreciative crowd.
On this night, the band included Jeff Foskett and Nicky Wonder on Acoustic Guitars, Probyn Gregory on Electric bass, Keyboards by Gary Griffin, Percussion from Nelson Bragg, and surprisingly, Scott Bennett playing drums (he usually plays vibes and guitar). Everyone also sang backing vocals. Brian sat comfortably in the center, on a stool, without the comfort zone of the usual keyboard, or his teleprompter in front of him and sang quite well. He did make a mistake here and there, but who cares. He’s BRIAN WILSON, he can make a mistake anytime he wants for all I care!! (Note: After the show, I was told by Probyn, “The teleprompter was lost on the recent tour in Europe”, and continued, “but to everyone’s surprise, we found out Brian “knows” the songs, and doesn’t need the teleprompter!!!” Well, how about that?)
Seeing the show like this, was more like a small gathering of close friends, who were just singing to each other, and simply enjoying the music. I have to admit, as much as I love Brian’s “full” band, this “mini” version delivered the goods, and everyone on stage seemed more relaxed and this made the set tighter and brighter as well. Sometimes having too many people on stage can create a more “chaotic” atmosphere, and at times making it more difficult to get a good “sound” mix, among other things. This small version of the band, kept it sweet and simple, and the mix was clear, crisp and spot on.
And this encouraged Brian, who was in full command, and spent most of the show, making those wonderful faces and comments only he can make. He had me and my friend laughing throughout the show with his pantomimes to songs like “I Get Around” and the wonderful “Add Some Music To Your Day”, where he put his hand under his shirt, up to his chest (as if grabbing his “soul”) and out of his neck collar, while singing the line, “At a movie, you can hear it touching your soul”. At the same time unconsciously pulling his shirt up a bit, revealing his bellybutton. Truly, a “Brian Wilson Moment” and nothing short of classic!!
And Jeff Foskett continued his on stage rapport with Brian making the audience chuckle when he addressed Brian as “Hey Wilson”. The rest of the band played along and the looseness, kept Brian at ease, and this added to the entertainment. (Note: It’s very clear all the musicians on stage love Brian). The set was geared more toward the “hits”, and the crowd sang along, as you’d expect, with every ‘classic’ song.
I would like to see Brian continue to do an occasional show with this smaller band, and perhaps even take it a step further, and just get on stage with acoustic instruments, and as little as possible (ie “Elvis' 68 Comeback Special” when Elvis is sitting around with a few of the guys, and just strumming a guitar, while the others bang tambourines and bongos). Of course, I still love the full band—no band rocks like they do on songs like “Marcella” and “Dance Dance Dance”. But a show like this not only works better for a smaller crowd (this venue holds about 2200 people and was a little more than half full) but perhaps makes it a little more personal for both Brian and the audience. And with Brian’s obvious stage fright at times, this could be a better way for him to also enjoy himself. Anyway, it’s just a thought.
After the show, my friend Wayne and I did get a chance to talk to most everyone, except Brian—who was probably playing a slot machine somewhere!! We expressed to everyone how much we enjoyed the show in this smaller format, and we hoped it would continue. Thanks to Jeff, Nicky, Probyn, Gary, Nelson and Scott for backing up Brian so well, and for their courtesy to us--We snuck backstage!!! Better get some passes next time!! See you all soon.
Contributed by: Wayne Tonkin (setlist) & Panayiotis (review)
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