Brian Wilson Performing the World Premier of new work That Lucky Old Sun and a selection of never before performed classics.
Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall means many things to many people. Though, for some, it will always be the historic location of Brian Wilson's first-ever UK performances as a solo artist: The hallowed spot where audiences enthralled to the first ever live performances of
Pet Sounds in its entirety (2002), and the stage which saw the live premiere of the fabled
Smile (2004).
In September 2007 legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most unforgettable and inspirational music in rock history, Brian Wilson, returns to the Royal Festival Hall, his “spiritual home away from home” for six nights. The concert repertoire will include the world premiere of a brand-new work. Commissioned by Southbank Centre as part of its opening season, Wilson reveals that the piece “is called
That Lucky Old Sun (a Narrative)”, and as he describes it, “will consist of five ‘rounds’ with interspersed spoken word.”
Last summer Brian Wilson found himself singing the 1949 classic song
That Lucky Old Sun, which then became the inspiration for a completely new narrative. He went to Tower Records and bought the Louis Armstrong version of the track and was inspired. The new work will have different parts, including the original music of
That Lucky Old Sun, a spoken-word narration as well as newly composed songs. One of the new songs,
Midnight’s Another Day, has been described by Mojo Magazine as “glorious.”
Brian Wilson teamed with Van Dyke Parks, his old ‘sidekick’ and lyricist behind Smile, over the past year on the narratives for a new album. The piece features ten songs and five narratives which will be interrupted by
That Lucky Old Sun, the narrator telling the story. The five narratives are cameos on life and the heartbeat of Los Angeles.
In addition to the world premiere of the new work, there will be quite a few other surprises in store. Accompanied by his formidable 10-piece band, along with the Stockholm strings and horns, the co-founder of The Beach Boys will be digging even deeper into his remarkable song catalogue to perform a number of his classic compositions, some of which have never been performed live before. A further highlight of the September concerts will be Brian’s version of one of his favourite Beatles songs, marking the 40th anniversary of
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Brian Wilson says:
“I’m so excited to get back to the Royal Festival Hall and for all of my UK fans to hear my new composition
That Lucky Old Sun (a narrative). I honestly can’t think of a better place in the world to premiere it.”
Glenn Max, Producer, Meltdown Festival & Music Programmes at Southbank Centre says:
"Brian Wilson's artistic rebirth has become inextricably entwined with the recent history of the Southbank. So, we were thrilled when Brian accepted our commission to compose and perform brand new work. The very thought of new music from the man who brought us some of pop music's most sublime moments, though not without its risks, is a deeply tantalising prospect for all concerned."
Notes:
That Lucky Old Sun is a well-known song and the music was written by Beasley Smith, the lyrics by Haven Gillespie. The song was published in 1949 and the biggest hit version of the song was by Frankie Laine. Subsequently the song has been covered by many others including Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.
Brian Wilson UK Live Dates 2007:
September 10 Royal Festival Hall
September 11 Royal Festival Hall
September 12 Royal Festival Hall
September 14 Royal Festival Hall
September 15 Royal Festival Hall
September 16 Royal Festival Hall
September 18 Bristol, Colston Hall
September 20 Bournemouth, Opera House
September 22 Edinburgh, Festival Theatre
September 23 Manchester, Palace Theatre
September 24 Birmingham, Symphony Hall
http://www.brianwilson.com/news/press_r ... tml#july07
