Testimonials
I first came to Brian at the age of 11 with a blue Ibanez electric guitar and an Instructional DVD claiming to teach you how to play Green Day songs. This began the start of musical journey with him. Right off the bat he stressed the importance of learning to play guitar by using your ear. As opposed to conventional methods of music lessons, Brian always stressed the importance of personality over perfection. Rock n’ Roll isn’t perfect and there is no “right way” to play a chord, lick, or song. As I grew as musician he exposed me to other elements of music like playing live and writing. He set me up with other musicians he taught and got us to further grow our own musical identities in a live setting. We learned to listen to each others playing so we could begin to play off each other and come together as cohesive group. When I came to Brian with a lick I had created myself he helped me explore it. He taught me how to grow a song from small idea into a full composition that I could feel proud of and felt my own. I truly believe that these lessons Brian imposed allowed me to find my own musical identity and continues to reward me to this day!
Written by Donna F.
My son, Tyler, has been a guitar student of Brian's for the past two years and has enjoyed every minute of it! When he started with Brian at age 10, he already had a considerable amount of musical background, having been classically trained on piano since the age of 3, and then, simultaneously, taking up jazz piano at age 8. By the age of 9, he had been first place winner 12 times in piano competitions throughout the USA and had performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. When he expressed an interest in learning guitar as a second instrument, wanting to apply it to musical styles in the commercial idiom (rock, pop, country, etc.), I began searching for a suitable teacher. Fortunately, I came across the website for Good Vibrations Music Studio and was highly intrigued by the breadth of musical training that Brian offered. After an initial consultation, I knew that I had come to the right place! Brian's holistic approach to teaching not only gets students to excel at learning a musical instrument. He also sharpens their "musical instincts" by focusing on often overlooked areas such as ear training and the art of coordinating with other musicians when playing in a band. Furthermore, Brian coaches students on how to begin the creative process of improvising and songwriting, and how to arrange compositions to produce multi-track recordings. (Good Vibrations Music Studio has state of the art recording technology and an array of musical instruments on hand for students to explore while learning their primary instrument.) But the most salient of Brian's qualities as a teacher is his ability to bring out the unique talents in each of his students - always in a fun and nurturing way! We're very grateful to Brian for the excellent progress that Tyler has made on guitar, and for broadening his exposure to other musical styles and concepts beyond his training in classical and jazz!
Written by Chris T.
In the Spring of 2014, a special gentleman named Brian Jones (Good Vibrations Music of Wayne) organized yet another very successful fundraising concert (MUSIC MASHUP) allowing the young, talented musicians/bands of our community to play and experience a real stage, with lights, professional sound and a full audience cheering them on (many of these young people were, for the first time ever, in the spotlight). The day was a tremendous success thanks to the raw enthusiasm of each participating band AND the experience, motivation and direction of our day's Fearless Musical Leader, Brian Jones. The GOOD VIBRATIONS MUSIC STUDIO is a perfect little dream factory located right in the center of town and Brian is the perfect Professional Music Teacher and Mentor to take the young and not-so-young folks in the area under his wing. His reputation and his good nature attract those who still have active dreams about becoming a real musician and he helps them to forge a career (or a passionate hobby) by perfecting their God-given gifts (along with some gifts they didn't even know they had) in the incubator called GOOD VIBRATIONS MUSIC STUDIO! WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY TALENTED AND CREATIVE TEENS IN OUR COMMUNITY, as well as the special kind of people, like Brian Jones, who provide the critical "spark" that's always there to guide, instruct, protect and mentor these developing artists through these challenging transitional years. Please take a moment and look at this high quality video recap of 2014's MUSIC MASHUP produced for the benefit of the needy children being served by Paul Newman's charitable HOLE IN THE WALL GANG and the talented, rock-loving, youngsters of greater Wayne Township. You'll find this video on the Good Vibrations Music Studio Website, You Tube and various Facebook Pages (including mine @ CHRIS TRAYNOR).
Mother of a Special Needs Student
written by Alice L.
I want to share how wonderful Brian has been working with my daughter. Michelle is totally blind and on the Autistic Spectrum. She loves going to Good Vibrations each week for her drum lesson with Brian. He never seemed phased by the fact that Michelle could not see. He always believed there was a way to teach her. Since the basis of his teaching and his motto is, Hear it, Say it, Play it, he felt this would work for Michelle as well. Boy, was he right! She has achieved confidence in her playing and just enjoys it! I still cringe if she misses hitting a symbol, but she just moves on. It's truly amazing how much patience Brian has and how far Michelle has come. He has always believed in her ability to learn by his method. If you are a parent of a special needs child or not, you know how important it is for your child to have a teacher who believes in them! I would recommend Brian to teach drums or guitar to anyone! His heart is in it and it shows!
written by Alice L.
I want to share how wonderful Brian has been working with my daughter. Michelle is totally blind and on the Autistic Spectrum. She loves going to Good Vibrations each week for her drum lesson with Brian. He never seemed phased by the fact that Michelle could not see. He always believed there was a way to teach her. Since the basis of his teaching and his motto is, Hear it, Say it, Play it, he felt this would work for Michelle as well. Boy, was he right! She has achieved confidence in her playing and just enjoys it! I still cringe if she misses hitting a symbol, but she just moves on. It's truly amazing how much patience Brian has and how far Michelle has come. He has always believed in her ability to learn by his method. If you are a parent of a special needs child or not, you know how important it is for your child to have a teacher who believes in them! I would recommend Brian to teach drums or guitar to anyone! His heart is in it and it shows!
Seeing Brian Jones From a Different Angle
written by Chris T.
I write this not as a happy former student (I came across a boat-load of those at yesterdays Music Mashup at DePaul High School). I write this not as an appreciative parent pleased with the personal care that Brian Jones provided to my child (although there sure seem to be plenty of those satisfied folks out there. I write this as a businessman (who happens to be the Dad of a 16-year old guitarist with a band that was on yesterday's bill ["The Wut" out of Wayne]). I would like to think that the view I've had of Brian over the last month or so, is different enough to show a side rarely seen - the business side of a man - but still close enough to view plenty of his character; making these comments very relevant for this space. With that preamble out of the way, I want to say that what I saw completely confirms the other positive/glowing opinions expressed on this testimonial page. Brian Jones shows plenty of enthusiasm for everything he touches and that includes his Music Mashup Events, the charity that is benefitting from it (Paul Newman's "Hole In The Wall Gang" Camps for seriously ill children and their families) and, most obviously, the student musicians that fall within this rare sphere he creates at these annual events. His enthusiasm was infectious enough to grab me and have me volunteer to get involved in far more than I ever expected (far beyond what I had assumed would be my responsibilities for the day ... i.e. forward emails to my kid, drop off and pick up said kid at the appropriate times). I ended up being in touch with Brian like 25 times over this month of prep by every media method imaginable including emails, faxes, texts, smoke signals and, once, carrier pigeon. WHAT MATTERED TO BRIAN were the bands, the kids in those bands and, mostly, the "experience" he provided those bands. I never saw him exhibit one atom of concern over what HE and HIS business would get from this experience. He was and is "bound and determined" to make this a RICH AND WONDERFUL LIFE MEMORY for these teens and young adults and I cannot commend him enough for the character he displays to, not just my teen daughter, but for every son and daughter under his care and tutelage for the day. Some may call his approach "Old School" which is fine but, as I saw it, I would say the better phrase for his demeanor and life's credo would be KIND and CONSIDERATE and NINJA-LIKE in his ability to CREATE SOMETHING REALLY RARE from something as abundant as "NOTHING." I've worked for years with entrepreneurs - people who try to turn nothing into something you can literally bank upon. Those who make that happen - successfully for a five year period - represent a small percentage who make the leap. Brian's journey is a lesson for those who couldn't quite bridge the distance from one piece of solid ground to the next. For the sake of healthy kids and not-so-healthy kids (and the happy kid that still lives happily within him), he gathers up every scrap of "nothing" people hold on to and the scraps of "nothing" that tend to gather in corners and he then builds something that looks so great and sounds so great and feels so great ... so great that a whole bunch of people come out to VIEW THIS GREAT THING and actually APPLAUD FOR THIS GREAT THING and look on this artistic sculpture of "NOTHING" (think about it, please. Brian Jones builds this thing that nine (9) bands of teenagers from Wayne come out for ... an 8-hour commitment that our teens are excited about when we, the parents, can't get them to walk five steps to look at an 85-year old photo of a grandparent!) ... and its from nothing ... nothing but what's obviously deeply embedded within him and that "something" is something good for us all. CHEERS TO BRIAN JONES! Chris Traynor Director/Knowledge Scout WHIP-SMART MANAGEMENT CONSULTING LLC "Making Business Brilliant"
written by Chris T.
I write this not as a happy former student (I came across a boat-load of those at yesterdays Music Mashup at DePaul High School). I write this not as an appreciative parent pleased with the personal care that Brian Jones provided to my child (although there sure seem to be plenty of those satisfied folks out there. I write this as a businessman (who happens to be the Dad of a 16-year old guitarist with a band that was on yesterday's bill ["The Wut" out of Wayne]). I would like to think that the view I've had of Brian over the last month or so, is different enough to show a side rarely seen - the business side of a man - but still close enough to view plenty of his character; making these comments very relevant for this space. With that preamble out of the way, I want to say that what I saw completely confirms the other positive/glowing opinions expressed on this testimonial page. Brian Jones shows plenty of enthusiasm for everything he touches and that includes his Music Mashup Events, the charity that is benefitting from it (Paul Newman's "Hole In The Wall Gang" Camps for seriously ill children and their families) and, most obviously, the student musicians that fall within this rare sphere he creates at these annual events. His enthusiasm was infectious enough to grab me and have me volunteer to get involved in far more than I ever expected (far beyond what I had assumed would be my responsibilities for the day ... i.e. forward emails to my kid, drop off and pick up said kid at the appropriate times). I ended up being in touch with Brian like 25 times over this month of prep by every media method imaginable including emails, faxes, texts, smoke signals and, once, carrier pigeon. WHAT MATTERED TO BRIAN were the bands, the kids in those bands and, mostly, the "experience" he provided those bands. I never saw him exhibit one atom of concern over what HE and HIS business would get from this experience. He was and is "bound and determined" to make this a RICH AND WONDERFUL LIFE MEMORY for these teens and young adults and I cannot commend him enough for the character he displays to, not just my teen daughter, but for every son and daughter under his care and tutelage for the day. Some may call his approach "Old School" which is fine but, as I saw it, I would say the better phrase for his demeanor and life's credo would be KIND and CONSIDERATE and NINJA-LIKE in his ability to CREATE SOMETHING REALLY RARE from something as abundant as "NOTHING." I've worked for years with entrepreneurs - people who try to turn nothing into something you can literally bank upon. Those who make that happen - successfully for a five year period - represent a small percentage who make the leap. Brian's journey is a lesson for those who couldn't quite bridge the distance from one piece of solid ground to the next. For the sake of healthy kids and not-so-healthy kids (and the happy kid that still lives happily within him), he gathers up every scrap of "nothing" people hold on to and the scraps of "nothing" that tend to gather in corners and he then builds something that looks so great and sounds so great and feels so great ... so great that a whole bunch of people come out to VIEW THIS GREAT THING and actually APPLAUD FOR THIS GREAT THING and look on this artistic sculpture of "NOTHING" (think about it, please. Brian Jones builds this thing that nine (9) bands of teenagers from Wayne come out for ... an 8-hour commitment that our teens are excited about when we, the parents, can't get them to walk five steps to look at an 85-year old photo of a grandparent!) ... and its from nothing ... nothing but what's obviously deeply embedded within him and that "something" is something good for us all. CHEERS TO BRIAN JONES! Chris Traynor Director/Knowledge Scout WHIP-SMART MANAGEMENT CONSULTING LLC "Making Business Brilliant"
Music Mashup
written by Jane C.
In a day and age where the first classes to be cut in public schools are music and art, thankfully there is someone like Brian Jones in the world. The first thing that comes to my mind, is education and dedication. Brian is someone that can take a child that has untaped talent and nurture that talent giving them the confidence and outlet to prove themselves. The Music Mashup this past Sunday was nothing short of amazing. The students all unique in their own way played numerous instruments as well as vocals and knocked my socks off. I am not one of the students parents, just a spectator who enjoyed a great day of music! Brian was generous to a fault by donating all the proceeds of the show to the Hole In The Wall Camp. This camp gives terminally ill children a week of feeling normal again. I wish there were more teachers like Brian so that we can have another generation of talented children.
written by Jane C.
In a day and age where the first classes to be cut in public schools are music and art, thankfully there is someone like Brian Jones in the world. The first thing that comes to my mind, is education and dedication. Brian is someone that can take a child that has untaped talent and nurture that talent giving them the confidence and outlet to prove themselves. The Music Mashup this past Sunday was nothing short of amazing. The students all unique in their own way played numerous instruments as well as vocals and knocked my socks off. I am not one of the students parents, just a spectator who enjoyed a great day of music! Brian was generous to a fault by donating all the proceeds of the show to the Hole In The Wall Camp. This camp gives terminally ill children a week of feeling normal again. I wish there were more teachers like Brian so that we can have another generation of talented children.
Professional Musician & Educator
written by James Fogg
My name is, James Fogg I have enjoyed a fabulous career as a Professional Musician & Educator. I was introduced to Brian Jones in 2012 and found to my Amazement, an Educator, and Multi Talented Musician whose Music School is NOT: the "Run of the Mill", "Clock Watching", "Shuffle the Students In and Out" Approach to "Teaching Music". Brian has the Marvelous Ability to bringout the "Inner Musician", which exists in each and every person pursuingthe "Wonderful Experience" of having Music as a part of Ones Life. The Musical Journey is not Rooted in a Book, that sits on a Music Stand.The Musical Journey starts by the Individual Looking into the Mirror and REALIZING, that he or she is that Instrument. The Actual Instrument, isa Means of Expressing the Inner Musical Self, to the Instrument in the Players Hands. Brian is able to bring out that Inner Musician in his Students! The Wonderful Result, Each and Every Student is Treated as an Individual, Developing Their Own Journey, through Brian's Guidance. Hence, the Student is able to "FEEL" the Instrumentas Opposed to "INTELLECTUALIZING" the Instrument. "You Can't Teach What You Don't Feel" Brian is a Master in Guiding his Students to FEEL, what they Aspire to be in, their Musical Journey. I am very pleased to be associated with Brian, as his Approach and Philosophies are consistent with my approach in the Magical Arena of Drumming! My availability, information, and schedule is handled through Brian at "Good Vibrations Music".
Wishing You Continued Success in Your Wonderful Contribution to Guiding All in their Pursuit of Musical Expression!
written by James Fogg
My name is, James Fogg I have enjoyed a fabulous career as a Professional Musician & Educator. I was introduced to Brian Jones in 2012 and found to my Amazement, an Educator, and Multi Talented Musician whose Music School is NOT: the "Run of the Mill", "Clock Watching", "Shuffle the Students In and Out" Approach to "Teaching Music". Brian has the Marvelous Ability to bringout the "Inner Musician", which exists in each and every person pursuingthe "Wonderful Experience" of having Music as a part of Ones Life. The Musical Journey is not Rooted in a Book, that sits on a Music Stand.The Musical Journey starts by the Individual Looking into the Mirror and REALIZING, that he or she is that Instrument. The Actual Instrument, isa Means of Expressing the Inner Musical Self, to the Instrument in the Players Hands. Brian is able to bring out that Inner Musician in his Students! The Wonderful Result, Each and Every Student is Treated as an Individual, Developing Their Own Journey, through Brian's Guidance. Hence, the Student is able to "FEEL" the Instrumentas Opposed to "INTELLECTUALIZING" the Instrument. "You Can't Teach What You Don't Feel" Brian is a Master in Guiding his Students to FEEL, what they Aspire to be in, their Musical Journey. I am very pleased to be associated with Brian, as his Approach and Philosophies are consistent with my approach in the Magical Arena of Drumming! My availability, information, and schedule is handled through Brian at "Good Vibrations Music".
Wishing You Continued Success in Your Wonderful Contribution to Guiding All in their Pursuit of Musical Expression!
Mr. Larry Traster - Father of a Student
written by Larry Traster
My son. Gili, was a High School freshman with little direction when he began taking drum lessons at Good Vibrations, But after a few months with Brian, that quickly changed. My wife and I never could have imagined what kind of effect a truely great teacher could have on a young man and on a family, We quickly realized that Gili's musical skills were just one of the several by- products of him having Brian as a teacher. Now, seven years later, not only is our son a fine musician, but more importantly, he is a responsible, caring and wonderful human being who is very pasionate about his music, and there is no doubt in our minds that Brian had a major role in his development. I would reccomend to any parent, who is looking to introduce the passion of musical into their child's life to call Good Vibrations and to meet Brian. You won't be disappointed !
written by Larry Traster
My son. Gili, was a High School freshman with little direction when he began taking drum lessons at Good Vibrations, But after a few months with Brian, that quickly changed. My wife and I never could have imagined what kind of effect a truely great teacher could have on a young man and on a family, We quickly realized that Gili's musical skills were just one of the several by- products of him having Brian as a teacher. Now, seven years later, not only is our son a fine musician, but more importantly, he is a responsible, caring and wonderful human being who is very pasionate about his music, and there is no doubt in our minds that Brian had a major role in his development. I would reccomend to any parent, who is looking to introduce the passion of musical into their child's life to call Good Vibrations and to meet Brian. You won't be disappointed !
Connecting with Your Inner Musician
written by Ethan B.
The best way to evoke your inner musician; Brian inspired me to grow in ways I previously conceived as unfathomable. A truly superb music studio and experience! I trust your students are profiting from your guidance, Brian!
written by Ethan B.
The best way to evoke your inner musician; Brian inspired me to grow in ways I previously conceived as unfathomable. A truly superb music studio and experience! I trust your students are profiting from your guidance, Brian!
I'm a whole different person
written by Jenny-Lee
Brian,
I must have said it a million times but I'll say it again: thank you. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me these past 5 or 6 years. Coming to lessons here I had the intention of just learning how to play guitar, but the next thing I knew, I was sitting behind a drum kit. A few months later, I was in a band that later transformed into "Scarlet Rush". Not only do I thank you for helping me down the path of my musical education, but thank you for making a whole new person out of me. I met my best friend because of you, I played on stage in front of very large crowds, I became much more outgoing. So thank you for not only the music but for the little life lessons that came with it.
Hugs always, Jen
written by Jenny-Lee
Brian,
I must have said it a million times but I'll say it again: thank you. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me these past 5 or 6 years. Coming to lessons here I had the intention of just learning how to play guitar, but the next thing I knew, I was sitting behind a drum kit. A few months later, I was in a band that later transformed into "Scarlet Rush". Not only do I thank you for helping me down the path of my musical education, but thank you for making a whole new person out of me. I met my best friend because of you, I played on stage in front of very large crowds, I became much more outgoing. So thank you for not only the music but for the little life lessons that came with it.
Hugs always, Jen
Dear Brian,
written by Dan Lennon
Just a note of appreciation for the way you have helped Billy and Danielle with their musical education. As you know, they both took piano lessons from a Julliard educated musician previous to meeting you. Your style has made them enjoy learning the guitar in a way that they never did with the piano, although they both benefitted from the piano (and in Danielle's case voice) lessons that they took over the years. They enjoy the lessons and therefore have become proficient in a reasonable time as practice has also been less work and more play. Thanks again.
written by Dan Lennon
Just a note of appreciation for the way you have helped Billy and Danielle with their musical education. As you know, they both took piano lessons from a Julliard educated musician previous to meeting you. Your style has made them enjoy learning the guitar in a way that they never did with the piano, although they both benefitted from the piano (and in Danielle's case voice) lessons that they took over the years. They enjoy the lessons and therefore have become proficient in a reasonable time as practice has also been less work and more play. Thanks again.
Dear Brian,
written by Bob Lindsay
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know just how much Bobby & Jessy are enjoying their guitar lessons with you and also just how unbelievable their progress has been in such a short period of time. Bobby had lessons previously with another instructor, who had him learning notes, and he just didn’t click. It is incredible that in no time how they have learned to play chords, are playing songs, and seem so fluid in learning the instrument. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have them started at such an early age and it’s great to see them so enthusiastic each week for their lessons.
Keep up the good work.
written by Bob Lindsay
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know just how much Bobby & Jessy are enjoying their guitar lessons with you and also just how unbelievable their progress has been in such a short period of time. Bobby had lessons previously with another instructor, who had him learning notes, and he just didn’t click. It is incredible that in no time how they have learned to play chords, are playing songs, and seem so fluid in learning the instrument. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have them started at such an early age and it’s great to see them so enthusiastic each week for their lessons.
Keep up the good work.
Thank You Brian!
written by Michael Herman
Dear Brian thank you for everything you taught me so far I am learning a lot and I don't think I could of learned guitar without you. Again thank you.
written by Michael Herman
Dear Brian thank you for everything you taught me so far I am learning a lot and I don't think I could of learned guitar without you. Again thank you.
“Mr. Jones and me…”
written by Natalie McDonald
It’s not often these days that I would choose to write an essay by hand. After all, I can type 120 wpm – why linger over the words when you can rattle them off like machine-gun fire? Maybe it’s because the subject is my long-time collaboration with Brian Jones. Such a pleasant thought makes me want to put pen to paper the old-fashioned way, take things a little slower, reflect a bit – and even make a few wicked doodles in the margins. Yeah, “kick it old school” just for a while…
I was introduced to Brian at a Valentine’s Day party in Lodi, New Jersey in the early 1980’s. He’d just played a gig at a local bar and was surrounded by an entourage of hometown hangers-on. The performers were a trio consisting of Brian on drums, his brother on bass, and his best friend on lead guitar. They had a well-constructed setlist of New Wave covers that meshed nicely with the impish, quirky personalities of Brian’s bandmates. I remember vividly how ardent Brian’s followers were – no surprise at all, considering his magnetic, made-for-Tiger Beat appeal, almost as if one took Marc Bolan and David Cassidy together and shook them up inside a bottle. I thought for certain that I’d never catch Brian’s eye that night, so I started heading for the door. Luckily, I failed to escape detection – Brian’s all about those minute details – and a quarter-century later I’m here writing this testimonial.
So, what’s Brian been up to since then, you ask, and why should you make Good Vibrations your studio of choice? For one thing, Brian is a lot of fun to collaborate with as a songwriter. As you can tell already, I like to tell stories and pontificate. Meanwhile, Brian has a great sense of discipline, form and structure, with a ear for melodies, choruses, bridges and the like. Indeed, there are other producers I choose when I want to embark upon some of my most left-of-center lyrical flights-of-fancy – I call it my “Joan Jett-meets-Yoko Ono” mode. However, when I’m absolutely hellbent and determined to create a commercial masterpiece, I take my project to Brian. When he finds something he likes, Brian becomes deeply enthused about a track, and I know I can rely upon him to “hit one out of the park” every time. In our collaboration, it’s almost like he’s following me around with a metaphoric broom and dustpan, chopping and changing, and when the dust settles, my random musings have become something that magically passes the 3-minute-single litmus test.
You’ll never know you could sound so good. No matter what your musical taste may be, you’ll be delighted by Brian’s almost chameleon-like embrace of your favorite genre. He’s had this lifelong thing about Paul McCartney, but he’s just as happy crafting a country croon-tune, an advertising jingle, or in my case, a post-Katrina gospel anthem to tug at your heartstrings.
The studio can either cater to the modern-day disciples of Mac-induced techno, or instead seduce you back to the intimate days of yore where old Fender guitars and glowing tube amps abound. Real reels – imagine!
I’ve prattled on enough about the joys of Good Vibrations – I can already hear Brian clattering behind me with literary gardening shears to prune my words. I’ll surrender my trusty old pen-and-legal pad now, smiling as I reflect upon the great tracks that have resulted from my scribblings over the years.
Many thanks, Bri!
written by Natalie McDonald
It’s not often these days that I would choose to write an essay by hand. After all, I can type 120 wpm – why linger over the words when you can rattle them off like machine-gun fire? Maybe it’s because the subject is my long-time collaboration with Brian Jones. Such a pleasant thought makes me want to put pen to paper the old-fashioned way, take things a little slower, reflect a bit – and even make a few wicked doodles in the margins. Yeah, “kick it old school” just for a while…
I was introduced to Brian at a Valentine’s Day party in Lodi, New Jersey in the early 1980’s. He’d just played a gig at a local bar and was surrounded by an entourage of hometown hangers-on. The performers were a trio consisting of Brian on drums, his brother on bass, and his best friend on lead guitar. They had a well-constructed setlist of New Wave covers that meshed nicely with the impish, quirky personalities of Brian’s bandmates. I remember vividly how ardent Brian’s followers were – no surprise at all, considering his magnetic, made-for-Tiger Beat appeal, almost as if one took Marc Bolan and David Cassidy together and shook them up inside a bottle. I thought for certain that I’d never catch Brian’s eye that night, so I started heading for the door. Luckily, I failed to escape detection – Brian’s all about those minute details – and a quarter-century later I’m here writing this testimonial.
So, what’s Brian been up to since then, you ask, and why should you make Good Vibrations your studio of choice? For one thing, Brian is a lot of fun to collaborate with as a songwriter. As you can tell already, I like to tell stories and pontificate. Meanwhile, Brian has a great sense of discipline, form and structure, with a ear for melodies, choruses, bridges and the like. Indeed, there are other producers I choose when I want to embark upon some of my most left-of-center lyrical flights-of-fancy – I call it my “Joan Jett-meets-Yoko Ono” mode. However, when I’m absolutely hellbent and determined to create a commercial masterpiece, I take my project to Brian. When he finds something he likes, Brian becomes deeply enthused about a track, and I know I can rely upon him to “hit one out of the park” every time. In our collaboration, it’s almost like he’s following me around with a metaphoric broom and dustpan, chopping and changing, and when the dust settles, my random musings have become something that magically passes the 3-minute-single litmus test.
You’ll never know you could sound so good. No matter what your musical taste may be, you’ll be delighted by Brian’s almost chameleon-like embrace of your favorite genre. He’s had this lifelong thing about Paul McCartney, but he’s just as happy crafting a country croon-tune, an advertising jingle, or in my case, a post-Katrina gospel anthem to tug at your heartstrings.
The studio can either cater to the modern-day disciples of Mac-induced techno, or instead seduce you back to the intimate days of yore where old Fender guitars and glowing tube amps abound. Real reels – imagine!
I’ve prattled on enough about the joys of Good Vibrations – I can already hear Brian clattering behind me with literary gardening shears to prune my words. I’ll surrender my trusty old pen-and-legal pad now, smiling as I reflect upon the great tracks that have resulted from my scribblings over the years.
Many thanks, Bri!