Brian Wilson to tackle George Gershwin: ' "Smile" is "Rhapsody in Blue" circa 2004'

Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson has been authorized by the estate of George Gershwin to complete some of the late composer's unfinished songs, writes Randy Lewis in today's Los Angeles Times.

An excerpt: 

In a surprise union of two quintessentially American composers from different eras, one the 1960s mastermind of "Good Vibrations," the other the Jazz Age creator of "Rhapsody in Blue," former Beach Boy Brian Wilson has been authorized by the estate of George Gershwin to complete unfinished songs Gershwin left behind when he died in 1937.

He plans to finish and record at least two such pieces on an album of Gershwin music he hopes to release next year.

The Gershwin-Wilson project may strike some as an odd coupling: one New York musician famous for sophisticated 1920s and '30s pop songs including " 'S Wonderful" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" as well as such expansive, classically minded compositions as "Rhapsody"; the other the driving force behind Southern California beach culture hits such as "Surfin' U.S.A.," "I Get Around" and "California Girls."

But their career paths and evolution of their artistry have common threads, noted people involved with the project and some independent scholars, and that gives the proposed collaboration logic.

Todd Gershwin, George's great-nephew and a trustee of the George Gershwin family trusts, said, "George for his time was a visionary. He certainly crossed genres and musical lines, tried things that hadn't been done before and Brian Wilson has done exactly the same thing."

For his part, Wilson, 67, described himself Tuesday as "thrilled to death."

Lewis goes on to write that "the Gershwin estate and Warner/Chappell Music, the Gershwin publisher, had been considering what to do with the many song fragments in their archive. A pianist working from manuscripts left by Gershwin recorded the music at the behest of the estate, according to Brad Rosenberger, senior vice president of catalog development and marketing for Warner/Chappell."

Rosenberger describes Wilson's "Smile," the planned follow-up to the 1966 album "Pet Sounds" that was ultimately finished in 2004, is "'Rhapsody in Blue' circa 2004."

You can sample the classic Gershwin composition, as well as "Heroes and Villains" from Wilson's "Smile," in this post.

Read more here.

Comments

[Barbara Firger]

Randy, somebody read my mind. I was about to write you with reference to "Smiley Smile" (which was on limited release in Manhattan in 1967) - I used "Heroes and Villains" in a film I made. Wilson also wrote "Wouldn't it be Nice" and other beautiful and beautifully produced music (something Gershwin probably would've loved to be able to do). In fact, Gershwin scored the Astaire film "Shall We Dance" and reportedly delighted in programming the otherwise forgettable dog-walking sequence on the luxury liner. Anyway, it isn't necessary to compare Gershwin and Wilson favorably or un-, not least of all because of their histories.

[Jeffrey Biegel]

Beautiful work, Brian!

[Polomoche]

Am I the lone voice who thinks this is a poor decision? While Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys were terrific, unfinished Gershwin compositions - in my humble opinion - should be placed lovingly in the hands of some young and brilliant American classical composer.

Brian Wilson is clearly passionate about Gershwin (his treatment of "Lullaby" on "Orange Crate Art", for instance, demonstrates this), so on the one hand there is nothing wrong with giving him an opportunity to express himself artistically. He has something to say and his past achievements should suffice - in terms of merit - in allowing him to say it.

But what I object to is that this might be the only outlet for completion of Gershwin's unfinished works. Gershwin is a true national treasure. He is America's Prokofiev or Debussy; let's treat him accordingly and - at a minimum - let someone deeply immersed in American classical traditions - someone with fresh, innovative promise - have a go at completing his unfinished works. Gershwin should be a chance for the American classical tradition to flourish; I think Gershwin himself would have strongly advocated this.

I fear the choice of Brian Wilson speaks more to his star value and recognition in pop culture than what he might truly contribute artistically. The choice neglects a true opportunity for growth and rebirth.

Having said this, I sincerely hope Mr. Wilson proves me wrong.

[Polomoche]

Amending the above post, if he can bring in Van Dyke Parks and Inara George to collaborate, the result might be first rate. We'll see...

[Eric S]

An odd paring that doesn't make much sense. Classic rock of course, and 'ear friendly', the music of the Beach Boys has little in common with the brilliant, sensitive and diverse music of Gershwin. Will it receive the proper treatment to preserve the Gershwin touch , or will we hear shades of "Good Vibrations"? In any case, if it departs from Gershwin stylistically, or in terms of composition and execution, it will be ignored by an serious Gershwin aficionado.

[Nike Shox R4]

it is extremely helpful resources to guard our time.In case you under no circumstances pay consideration to your self ,please grasp this probability.a couple of days ago,I purchased .It is really beneficial to make use of.So i like to write an guide about shoes to discuss with anyone on So as to alot more and way more individuals to konw it.