Brian Wilson @ UB Center for the Arts, Amherst, NY 9-28-16

One can argue that the Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. 2016 marks 50 years since the album was released. In celebration of this, co-founder of the Beach Boys Brian Wilson is currently on a solo tour that will travel across the US and Europe. This past Wednesday night, Wilson and his 12 piece band (which also included another Beach Boys co-founder in Al Jardine and guest musician Blondie Chaplin) brought a celebration of the yesteryears to a very appreciative sold out crowd at the Center for the Arts in Amherst, NY.

Starting promptly at 7:30pm, Wilson was a man of few words throughout. He welcomed the audience by saying “Hello Buffalo” as the band proceeded to go into one of the biggest hits the Beach Boys ever had in “California Girls.” The songs were short but on cue. Wilson would say after each song, “thank you ladies and gentleman” and sometimes would even say it before the song ended. He was very appreciative of the crowd and at one point, seemed surprised he and the band got a standing ovation after “God Only Knows” and he said to the crowd “please take your seats.”

Wilson and Al Jardine switched up vocals on a bunch of different tracks but Jardine’s son Matt was the one whose voice shined on any song that contained a falsetto, especially on “Don’t Worry Baby.” Guest musician Blondie Chaplin made his appearance six (6) songs into the set by playing tambourine on “Little Honda.” He returned to sing lead vocals and play lead guitar on “Wild Honey” and “Sail on, Sailor.” Chaplin’s chops and vocals added some musical diversity to the set to give it more flavor.

The second set featured the album “Pet Sounds” in its entirety in the same order the songs appeared. What stood out is the talent that Wilson surrounded himself with, led by musical director Paul Von Mertens. Von Mertens played the sax, flute, harmonica and anything else he could get his hands on. Another highlight was the harmonica and key playing of Gary Griffin. Also, longtime keyboardist of Heart, Debbie Shair, is in this year’s touring band as well. All were bright spots along with the others. After the instrumental “Pet Sounds,” Wilson even had to say, “Isn’t my band great? My band is fantastic!” Yes, we all agreed and did so with much enthusiasm before the band left and returned to do the encores.

Wilson appeared and said, “Do you want to hear a song with bad vibrations? How about a song with sh*tty vibrations?” which drew a big laugh. “How about a song with “Good Vibrations?”” Along with this, the band played hits Like “Help Me, Rhonda” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” Another humorous crack Wilson made was before the last song “Love and Mercy,” he stated, “We got one more for ya, then we are getting the hell out of here.” Very tongue and cheek humor from Wilson.

Wilson may not have the musical prowess on piano or even have the vocal range that he once did, but he surrounded himself with a bevy of great players who meet and exceed most musicians’ expectations. Still being able to see the musical genius live is treat for anyone and I think, judging from reactions of the sold out crowd, everyone felt the same way as I did.

Setlist:

California Girls (The Beach Boys song)

Dance, Dance, Dance (The Beach Boys song)

I Get Around (The Beach Boys song)

Shut Down (The Beach Boys song)

Little Deuce Coupe (The Beach Boys song)

Little Honda (The Beach Boys song)

In my Room (The Beach Boys song)

Surfer Girl (The Beach Boys song)

Don’t Worry Baby (The Beach Boys song)

Salt Lake City (The Beach Boys song)

Wake the World (The Beach Boys song)