Personnel: Brian Wilson (vocals, piano); Brian Wilson ; Jeffrey Foskett (vocals, guitar, sleigh bell); Nicky "Wonder" Walusko, Nick Walusko (vocals, guitar); Nelson Bragg (vocals, percussion); Sharon Jackson, Shannon Jackson (violin); Karen Elaine Bakunin, Karen Elaine Bakunin (viola); Paul VonMertens, Paul Mertens (flute, harmonica, saxophone); Robbie Hioki, Robbie Hioti (trombone, bass trombone); Bob Lizik (bass guitar); Probyn Gregory (vocals, guitar, trumpet, flugelhorn, French horn); Darian Sahanaja, Scott Bennett (vocals, piano, organ, vibraphone, glockenspiel); Taylor Mills (vocals); Carol Robbins (harp); Peter Kent (violin); Erika Duke-Kirkpartick (cello); John Yoakum (oboe, baritone saxophone); Jim Hines (drums).
Audio Mixers: Mark Linett; Brian Wilson ; Darian Sahanaja.
Recording information: Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, CA (04/2005-05/2005).
Arranger: Brian Wilson .
Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson was remarkably prolific in the early 2000s, releasing two studio albums in 2004 alone--the lauded, decades-in-the making SMILE and the playful GETTING' IN OVER MY HEAD. In 2005, Wilson had enough energy (and holiday cheer) to unveil WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, a charming collection of Yuletide tunes. Working with his band from the aforementioned records, Wilson runs through jubilant, harmony-laden takes on classics such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," applying his renowned lush, dynamic arrangements to every song here. In addition to reviving some Beach Boys Christmas tunes, Wilson also offers up two new tracks--the dreamy, hopeful title track (written with Bernie Taupin) and the buoyant "Christmasey" (co-penned by Jimmy Webb). A truly exceptional holiday outing, WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS casts the winter season in a warm light, as viewed through Wilson's bright pop vision. minimize