It’s such a thrill to hear Brian play the melodies I’ve loved listening to over the decades. I especially love the way he plays all the different harmony parts on the piano. In a funny sort of way, it reminds me of the George Gershwin piano rolls recordings; another genius reinterpreting his own melodies.
At My Piano is a true, intimate gift to everyone who's ever appreciated Brian and his work. I so appreciate that he recorded it. This album offers a simple, poignant gift: a gentle-of-spirit, 79-year-old living musical legend, sitting at his piano, with NO accompaniment and NO singing, playing some of his most beloved compositions. He is not a heavy-duty piano-player like Billy Joel or Harry Connick, Jr.; his left hand is a bit stronger; he is first and foremost a composer. This should not be earth-shattering news to anyone at this point. If you are looking for a sleek piano/vocal/orchestral production, look elsewhere. This album gave something much deeper and more special to me: no orchestration, no vocals, no audience, no crew, nobody else around. Just Brian -- THE Brian Wilson -- visiting me in my living room, playing his songs just for me. I can already tell that I will always cherish this particular album from him. If you love Brian Wilson, you probably will, too.
What an experience!! These songs are timeless and have fantastic melodies. Brian Wilson is one of the best along side the Beatles. His contributions to music were so important.
At this stage of his career, this is about as good as you will get from the legend. Listening to him play the piano on quite a few of his best hits in a more intimate sounding makes for a great listening experience.
I pre-ordered this so there were no reviews and not much of a description. I mistakenly thought it was Brian singing his songs while playing the piano. It is just Brian PLAYING his songs on the piano. I'm a little disappointed. I had really hoped to hear his voice.
First off, I really like the piano music played by Wilson. Yes it’s fairly simple and basic, but I think it still sounds nice and accurately represents the actual songs. That said, I bought the vinyl record version, which so many Beach Boys albums sound great on a turntable, but this one is really disappointing. I tried two copies, and both had surface noise, pops and crackles. The second copy I tried was much worse! Also, the music sounds very flat and lifeless. Like another reviewer said, it sounds like a blanket was thrown over the speakers.