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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 24, 2024 6:29:45 GMT
I finally got to see Al Jardine with his Family and Friends band tonight. This is the first time I'm aware of that they have performed in the Northwest. I kind of tuned out on the Beach Boys when Summer in Paradise came out. I hated the album and the image of the group at that time. I was still a Brian Wilson fan, but I wasn't following his solo tours - I was tired of the old Beach Boys music, and was disappointed that his solo tours (with a few exceptions) were just greatest hits shows. So the result is, I knew nothing about Matt Jardine. Year after year, I would read what a great singer he was. Well, tonight I found out! Honestly, Al's voice was pretty rough tonight. Help Me Rhonda near the end of the show was strong, but on most songs, his voice sounded strained. Matt, though, knocked it out of the park whenever he was featured - Don't Worry Baby, Darlin', Surfer Girl, and especially Surf's Up! Now I know why everyone raved about him. Carnie and Wendy also sounded excellent. The band was strong, too. I didn't catch all the names - I think Probyn Gregory was the guitarist. Bobby Figuroa was on drums. I didn't catch the names of bassist and keyboard players. My luck seems to have been different than other members here. Al, Wendy and Carnie did not come out to do photos and sign stuff. Matt did, so I got his John Henry on Al's solo cd. The venue said they stopped doing meet and greets because of covid.
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Post by B.E. on Mar 24, 2024 13:59:30 GMT
The recent discussions have really piqued my interest - or perhaps just reminded me - that I'd really like to see Al perform. And, as cool as the Storytellers show is, I think if given the choice I'd like to see a Family and Friends show. Unfortunately, there aren't many dates announced for this year and none are near me. It seems like you really lucked out, lonelysummer.
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 24, 2024 14:25:03 GMT
I know some people don't like Matt's falsetto, and I'll admit I've heard it sound a little thin, a little shrill at times. But overall, I think he's fantastic more often than not. He was easily the most applauded and cheered performer at the last BW show I saw, which was a 2016ish (or '17? I don't recall off-hand) Pet Sounds show. (Blondie was the second-most cheered.) His "Don't Worry Baby" nearly brought down the house. lonelysummer, I'm glad you got to see him. And that sounds like a really good time. As for the bassist and keyboardist, at least based on the past few years, it could have been Ed Carter on bass and Debbie Shair on keyboards. Usually there'd also be Rob Bonfiglio, I think (probably mostly on guitar). I just did a very quick search on YouTube and didn't see any '24 shows, but this one from summer '23 has the lineup of Al, Matt, Carnie, and Wendy, plus Bobby Figueroa on drums, Ed Carter on bass, Rob Bonfiglio on guitar, and Debbie Shair on keys (without Probyn Gregory it seems).
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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 24, 2024 20:09:00 GMT
I know some people don't like Matt's falsetto, and I'll admit I've heard it sound a little thin, a little shrill at times. But overall, I think he's fantastic more often than not. He was easily the most applauded and cheered performer at the last BW show I saw, which was a 2016ish (or '17? I don't recall off-hand) Pet Sounds show. (Blondie was the second-most cheered.) His "Don't Worry Baby" nearly brought down the house. lonelysummer , I'm glad you got to see him. And that sounds like a really good time. As for the bassist and keyboardist, at least based on the past few years, it could have been Ed Carter on bass and Debbie Shair on keyboards. Usually there'd also be Rob Bonfiglio, I think (probably mostly on guitar). I just did a very quick search on YouTube and didn't see any '24 shows, but this one from summer '23 has the lineup of Al, Matt, Carnie, and Wendy, plus Bobby Figueroa on drums, Ed Carter on bass, Rob Bonfiglio on guitar, and Debbie Shair on keys (without Probyn Gregory it seems). Rob was not there - I remember that name. Bobby F on drums, yes, Debbie Shair on keys - I was stage right, so I was watching her all night. She nailed all those parts! I got to give her a shout out after the show. I could have talked to Bobby, too, but I didn't know what to say. I'm broken hearted that I didn't get to chat with the Wilson sisters. First of all, Carnie is a hoot! Funny lady! Of course both of them are so pretty - yes, even Carnie. Wendy...oh, Wendy...well, both of them, actually, they've aged beautifully. Beautful voices. Carnie singing God Only Knows was beautiful. Matt nailed Darlin'. I feel bad saying this, but if there was a weak link in the group, it was Al. He was struggling with his vocals all night, and forgot some lyrics. Only performed one song from Postcard - And I Always Will - dedicated to his wife who was there (I got to shout a few words to her after the show). And the tickets were only $54. I see Mike and Bruce are appearing up here this summer, and tickets start at $97. No thanks.
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Post by carllove on Mar 25, 2024 3:35:18 GMT
I know some people don't like Matt's falsetto, and I'll admit I've heard it sound a little thin, a little shrill at times. But overall, I think he's fantastic more often than not. He was easily the most applauded and cheered performer at the last BW show I saw, which was a 2016ish (or '17? I don't recall off-hand) Pet Sounds show. (Blondie was the second-most cheered.) His "Don't Worry Baby" nearly brought down the house. lonelysummer , I'm glad you got to see him. And that sounds like a really good time. As for the bassist and keyboardist, at least based on the past few years, it could have been Ed Carter on bass and Debbie Shair on keyboards. Usually there'd also be Rob Bonfiglio, I think (probably mostly on guitar). I just did a very quick search on YouTube and didn't see any '24 shows, but this one from summer '23 has the lineup of Al, Matt, Carnie, and Wendy, plus Bobby Figueroa on drums, Ed Carter on bass, Rob Bonfiglio on guitar, and Debbie Shair on keys (without Probyn Gregory it seems). Rob was not there - I remember that name. Bobby F on drums, yes, Debbie Shair on keys - I was stage right, so I was watching her all night. She nailed all those parts! I got to give her a shout out after the show. I could have talked to Bobby, too, but I didn't know what to say. I'm broken hearted that I didn't get to chat with the Wilson sisters. First of all, Carnie is a hoot! Funny lady! Of course both of them are so pretty - yes, even Carnie. Wendy...oh, Wendy...well, both of them, actually, they've aged beautifully. Beautful voices. Carnie singing God Only Knows was beautiful. Matt nailed Darlin'. I feel bad saying this, but if there was a weak link in the group, it was Al. He was struggling with his vocals all night, and forgot some lyrics. Only performed one song from Postcard - And I Always Will - dedicated to his wife who was there (I got to shout a few words to her after the show). And the tickets were only $54. I see Mike and Bruce are appearing up here this summer, and tickets start at $97. No thanks. I thought Al’s voice was ageless, until I saw him with Brian in 2022, and then it was barely there. I’ve decided to skip the Mike and Bruce show this year. The setlist has barely changed, and no John Cowsill. I’m spending the same money to see The Flaming Lips perform “Yoshi Battles The Pink Robots” this Summer. Haven’t seen them since 2011, and that’s one of my favorite albums. TFL and Hosier will probably be my only concerts this year. I’m gettin old!
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Emdeeh
Pacific Coast Highway
Posts: 520
Likes: 532
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Post by Emdeeh on Mar 25, 2024 3:48:58 GMT
Matt's awesome -- I've been a fan ever since he joined the BB's band and started singing the high notes. I'd happily go to see Al's show again, if he brought it this way.
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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 25, 2024 7:20:37 GMT
Rob was not there - I remember that name. Bobby F on drums, yes, Debbie Shair on keys - I was stage right, so I was watching her all night. She nailed all those parts! I got to give her a shout out after the show. I could have talked to Bobby, too, but I didn't know what to say. I'm broken hearted that I didn't get to chat with the Wilson sisters. First of all, Carnie is a hoot! Funny lady! Of course both of them are so pretty - yes, even Carnie. Wendy...oh, Wendy...well, both of them, actually, they've aged beautifully. Beautful voices. Carnie singing God Only Knows was beautiful. Matt nailed Darlin'. I feel bad saying this, but if there was a weak link in the group, it was Al. He was struggling with his vocals all night, and forgot some lyrics. Only performed one song from Postcard - And I Always Will - dedicated to his wife who was there (I got to shout a few words to her after the show). And the tickets were only $54. I see Mike and Bruce are appearing up here this summer, and tickets start at $97. No thanks. I thought Al’s voice was ageless, until I saw him with Brian in 2022, and then it was barely there. I’ve decided to skip the Mike and Bruce show this year. The setlist has barely changed, and no John Cowsill. I’m spending the same money to see The Flaming Lips perform “Yoshi Battles The Pink Robots” this Summer. Haven’t seen them since 2011, and that’s one of my favorite albums. TFL and Hosier will probably be my only concerts this year. I’m gettin old! Hmm...okay, I don't know the Flaming Lips, really don't know any bands that came out after 1970 , but I'm not going to see the Beach Boys this year, either. As you say, the setlist hasn't changed, and yeah, without John Cowsill there, or Scott Totten, yeah, I don't feel I need to see them. I really enjoyed when they did some Feel Flows stuff back in 2021. Now they're back in the rut of just doing the same old songs. I do like Ike, and Christian, but their shows are going up in price, and if I'm gonna spend the big bucks this summer, it's gotta be for someone I haven't seen in a long time, if at all.
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 25, 2024 11:16:02 GMT
Rob was not there - I remember that name. Bobby F on drums, yes, Debbie Shair on keys - I was stage right, so I was watching her all night. She nailed all those parts! I got to give her a shout out after the show. I could have talked to Bobby, too, but I didn't know what to say. I'm broken hearted that I didn't get to chat with the Wilson sisters. First of all, Carnie is a hoot! Funny lady! Of course both of them are so pretty - yes, even Carnie. Wendy...oh, Wendy...well, both of them, actually, they've aged beautifully. Beautful voices. Carnie singing God Only Knows was beautiful. Matt nailed Darlin'. I feel bad saying this, but if there was a weak link in the group, it was Al. He was struggling with his vocals all night, and forgot some lyrics. Only performed one song from Postcard - And I Always Will - dedicated to his wife who was there (I got to shout a few words to her after the show). And the tickets were only $54. I see Mike and Bruce are appearing up here this summer, and tickets start at $97. No thanks. I thought Al’s voice was ageless, until I saw him with Brian in 2022, and then it was barely there. I’ve decided to skip the Mike and Bruce show this year. The setlist has barely changed, and no John Cowsill. I’m spending the same money to see The Flaming Lips perform “Yoshi Battles The Pink Robots” this Summer. Haven’t seen them since 2011, and that’s one of my favorite albums. TFL and Hosier will probably be my only concerts this year. I’m gettin old! Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is a great album. The Flaming Lips had a great little streak there in the late 90s into the early 00s. (Lots of credit to Dave Fridmann producing, too.)
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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 26, 2024 2:48:40 GMT
There was some discussion about what key they were gonna do one song in; and also a bit of discussion about who was gonna sing God Only Knows. I get the impression that this group doesn't rehearse a lot. They don't seem to have a lot of gigs happening. I guess it goes back to that name recognition thing. "Al Jardine? Who? Wendy Wilson?" I had the impression that when Al did these shows in the past, it wasn't so much of a greatest hits show. The only songs in this show I would consider "deep cuts" were Surf's Up, Monday Without You, And I Always Will. No merch table. No shirts, cd's, nothing. Is that always the case? Many mentions of Brian and Carl during the show.
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 26, 2024 12:13:30 GMT
There was some discussion about what key they were gonna do one song in; and also a bit of discussion about who was gonna sing God Only Knows. I get the impression that this group doesn't rehearse a lot. They don't seem to have a lot of gigs happening. That would not surprise me. I think they live in different places. And if they do more one-off shows than sustained tours, they probably don't go to the hassle and expense of assembling for pre-tour rehearsals. Plus they've all got plenty of experience with this music. It would not surprise me if they do most of the planning before shows remotely, just choosing the songs to bone up on and circulating comments (who will sing lead, what key, etc.) to everyone ahead of time, and then making last-minute tweaks as they are needed. The preceding paragraph is 100% speculation, so if anyone knows otherwise, I'm happy to be educated on the reality of the situation.
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Post by The Cincinnati Kid on Mar 26, 2024 12:49:47 GMT
Glad you had a great time! Al came to Cincinnati once in 2022 and it was the one time of course I really couldn't afford to spend any extra money after buying a house and a ring. Odds are he won't be back, but I figured he might come somewhere close by now. Sad to hear that his voice still isn't in great shape. I chalked it up to a sore throat when I saw them a couple years ago. Father time really does catch up to everyone, unless it was just another off night by coincidence.
For Mike and Bruce, I'm still of the mind that I'm going to see them as long as I can. I feel like I've been saying this for almost 10 years, but they likely won't be performing in 10 years, and then it's over. Bolton brings a fun, new energy to the show even if the setlists are getting a little stale. Reading the tea leaves, it sounds like there may some kind of official tribute band after the originals are gone, but it won't be the same.
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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 26, 2024 19:22:59 GMT
Glad you had a great time! Al came to Cincinnati once in 2022 and it was the one time of course I really couldn't afford to spend any extra money after buying a house and a ring. Odds are he won't be back, but I figured he might come somewhere close by now. Sad to hear that his voice still isn't in great shape. I chalked it up to a sore throat when I saw them a couple years ago. Father time really does catch up to everyone, unless it was just another off night by coincidence. For Mike and Bruce, I'm still of the mind that I'm going to see them as long as I can. I feel like I've been saying this for almost 10 years, but they likely won't be performing in 10 years, and then it's over. Bolton brings a fun, new energy to the show even if the setlists are getting a little stale. Reading the tea leaves, it sounds like there may some kind of official tribute band after the originals are gone, but it won't be the same. I would go see a tribute band if it included Matt, Wendy and Carnie. It would be a plus if Scott and Cowsill were in it, too. Yeah, it wasn't just an off night. All of the originals are up there in age now, and it's quite bizarre to think that now we have 80 year old rock and roll singers. I've seen a few clips of Chuck Berry in his final years, and he couldn't remember a lot of his brilliant lyrics, struggled with keys, it was sad. Little Richard leaned more and more on his excellent band in his final years on stage. He just didn't have the power in his voice to deliver Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally all the way through. Now we've got Paul McCartney, still filling up stadiums, even though his voice is gone, but I suppose the millions just want to pay homage to him.
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Post by kds on Mar 26, 2024 21:01:19 GMT
There was some discussion about what key they were gonna do one song in; and also a bit of discussion about who was gonna sing God Only Knows. I get the impression that this group doesn't rehearse a lot. They don't seem to have a lot of gigs happening. I guess it goes back to that name recognition thing. "Al Jardine? Who? Wendy Wilson?" I had the impression that when Al did these shows in the past, it wasn't so much of a greatest hits show. The only songs in this show I would consider "deep cuts" were Surf's Up, Monday Without You, And I Always Will. No merch table. No shirts, cd's, nothing. Is that always the case? Many mentions of Brian and Carl during the show. When I saw Al's Storyteller shows in 2018 and 2019, there was no merch outside of copies of the Postcard album for sale.
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Post by lonelysummer on Mar 27, 2024 4:45:19 GMT
There was some discussion about what key they were gonna do one song in; and also a bit of discussion about who was gonna sing God Only Knows. I get the impression that this group doesn't rehearse a lot. They don't seem to have a lot of gigs happening. I guess it goes back to that name recognition thing. "Al Jardine? Who? Wendy Wilson?" I had the impression that when Al did these shows in the past, it wasn't so much of a greatest hits show. The only songs in this show I would consider "deep cuts" were Surf's Up, Monday Without You, And I Always Will. No merch table. No shirts, cd's, nothing. Is that always the case? Many mentions of Brian and Carl during the show. When I saw Al's Storyteller shows in 2018 and 2019, there was no merch outside of copies of the Postcard album for sale. Yeah, that surprised me. I thought they would at least have Al's solo cd - maybe even vinyl. The guy keeps promoting new versions of the album. I guarantee, if a band sells their cd's, vinyl, whatever, at a show, it will move. People are on the high of just having enjoyed a great concert, they want something to take home as a souvenir. I was talking with a couple guys from Herman's Hermits a few years ago after a show; I told them they should do a cd or album of some of the cover tunes they do in the shows - things like A World Without Love, I'm Telling You Now, Daydream Believer, Doo Wah Diddy. They thought that was a great idea and said I should mention it to Peter Noone. His response was, "everything's on You Tube now; people post their videos of the shows". So he just sells the same old cd's of Herman's Hermits greatest hits at his shows. Disappointing, but not surprising.
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Post by kds on Mar 27, 2024 14:00:06 GMT
When I saw Al's Storyteller shows in 2018 and 2019, there was no merch outside of copies of the Postcard album for sale. Yeah, that surprised me. I thought they would at least have Al's solo cd - maybe even vinyl. The guy keeps promoting new versions of the album. I guarantee, if a band sells their cd's, vinyl, whatever, at a show, it will move. People are on the high of just having enjoyed a great concert, they want something to take home as a souvenir. I was talking with a couple guys from Herman's Hermits a few years ago after a show; I told them they should do a cd or album of some of the cover tunes they do in the shows - things like A World Without Love, I'm Telling You Now, Daydream Believer, Doo Wah Diddy. They thought that was a great idea and said I should mention it to Peter Noone. His response was, "everything's on You Tube now; people post their videos of the shows". So he just sells the same old cd's of Herman's Hermits greatest hits at his shows. Disappointing, but not surprising. At the Storytellers shows I attended, Al did free meet and greets after the show, so I'm sure they sold a few CDs to concert goers who wanted to get an autograph, but didn't bring anything.
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