Back in Cornwall and The Passing of a Musical Icon

Brian Wilson was a pioneer of the 1960's California Surf sound, who

along with his Brothers Dennis, Carl and Cousin Mike Love, formed The

Beach Boys, and gave us some of the most iconic and memorable tunes of that decade.

Their 1966 groundbreaking album Pet Sounds is often considered as being one

of the most popular albums of all time and it even inspired The Beatles to up their

game and release Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

What was odd was that I was actually spending time down in Cornwall

when I heard about Brian's passing. I had just got back to the cottage after

spending an early evening watching the surfers on Porthmeor Beach, only to

phone home and discover the news.

Of course Porthmeor Beach in St Ives has become a sort of spiritual home for me.

It's where I first learnt to surf and enjoyed swimming there. And it's also where

I often take a rug out and sit on the beach to watch the Sun go down while

listening to the sounds of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys.

ABOVE:  EARLY DAYS ON PORTHMEOR BEACH IN MY

WET SUIT AFTER A SURFING SESSION.

SURFS UP - LIVE   BY BRIAN WILSON

UPLOADED TO YOUTUBE COURTESY OF

RUSTY MORRIS

On Saturday June 28th 2008 I was lucky to see Brian Wilson and his whole supporting Band

perform in the grounds of Kenwood House Hampstead. And not being too far from Kenwood,

it literally felt like he brought his magic into my back garden.

The front higher paying spectators sat in about thirty rows in front of the stage whereas I was sitting behind them in the picnic area.

But towards the end I managed to get down to the front of the stage and grab a few pictures of the great man himself.

In 1988 after many years of inactivity Brian Wilson emerged with his eponymous debut solo

album simply titled 'Brian Wilson.' Music critics praised it for it's rich harmonious sounds as well as it's wonderful production.

And just above here is a video clip cleverly put together by youtube creator ForJustSomeMusicStuff  in

which he allows us to hear just the epic chorus from the standout track 'Rio Grande.'

He even goes on to describe it as 'The most astounding piece of music created by any Beach Boy

in this entire decade.'

And yet when I hear this colossal chorus from Rio Grande I can't help thinking that this is what

Brian's whole music past was building up to, this peak moment, with it's Phil Spector wall of sound effect and it's overdubbed and harmonious voices.

Even The Beach Boys who were not involved in the project must have been stunned at the album's outcome.

So just a few images from my week in Cornwall in early June when sadly the weather was not favourable.

I had planned to do lots of filming rather that taking more pictures. And I was hoping to visit The

Isles of Scilly. But the predicted good weather changed at the last minute.

And with some niggling problems at the Holiday cottage it was almost a relief to get back to London and some home comforts.

I've paid up for another visit in early September when it's still warm down in those parts, but it

all depends how some August Hospital treatments go as well as judging the holiday weather for

that September week.

Above and below is Kai from Down Under in Queensland Australia, but now a resident in St Ives. And he

currently lives within feet of Porthmeor Beach, although amazingly he's thinking of moving away.

Thankfully he helped me out with a short video (below) as the poor weather that week halted any other

filming in Cornwall that week.

And so if Kai wasn't jumping off walls he could often be seen meditating on Porthmeor Beach

in his full Druid regalia. I hope to bump into him again if I decide to take up my September booking in St Ives.

Kai has quite a fun appealing childlike sense of fun and it didn't surprise me at how many stopped

by to say hello to him.

 

THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE  -  ST IVES

This is the holiday Cottage we stayed in just two years ago and it was an enjoyable stay. But sadly this June

all was not well with some niggling problems. In fact I left a note for the owner upon leaving, cancelling my

second stay there in September.

But after some back and forward e-mails with the owner and the promise that all efforts will be made

to correct everything at the property, I agreed to take up that September booking.

Oddly enough, and for the first time in a long time, I went on my own for the June holiday believing that I

could revisit some far flung places in West Cornwall, but sadly the weather didn't allow any exploring.

Hopefully it will all go much better in September.