Released to critical and commercial acclaim in 1977, Pacific Ocean Blue - "The best solo album ever released by a Beach Boy." and the first solo project undertaken by a member of the celebrated group (in this case their drummer and embodiment of the Californian lifestyle, the late Dennis Wilson) - remained largely unavailable, until it was re-released two years ago.
In the interim period, the record had become one of the world's most sought-after, gaining cult status as a legendary "lost" album, and selling for ridiculously high prices online. The " Legacy Edition " of the reissue included tracks from the abandoned Bambu sessions - as well as previously unreleased material - and was so well-received, that UK music bible, MOJO named it their 2008 Reissue of the Year.
Carli Muñoz The Beach Boy
Puerto Rican-born jazz musician, Carli Muñoz, joined The Beach Boys' touring band in 1971, first as a percussionist, and later as a pianist and Hammond organ player. During his 10-year stint with the band, he became particularly close to Dennis Wilson and his younger brother, Carl, and was later invited by Dennis to be a part of Pacific Ocean Blue.
Pacific Ocean Blue: The First Solo Album by a Beach Boy
"My role in POB was more like that of a mentor to Dennis," Carli explains. "I played very little on the tracks, but I remained close to him. He had a lot of respect for my musicianship, but at the same time he knew that he had to do this alone and he needed the space to do just that - even if he would crash.
"After POB, he asked me to produce his next album Bambu and he was really excited about it, especially about doing my songs."
Suite 101: Why do you think the record is still so iconic? What are your favourite songs on it?
"I believe POB remains what it is because it is honest – in the sense that Dennis poured his heart and soul into it with no reservations. I often pointed out to him that he could be burying his vocals, but it turned out right – almost borderline though. I especially like River Song , Dreamer and Farewell My Friend.
Dennis Wilson: Overdue Recognition
Suite 101: Why has Dennis only recently started to get the acclaim he deserves? Why has it taken so long for his considerable talent to be recognised? What made him so special?
"Dennis was always special. But being among the Beach Boys is a very difficult thing no matter how talented you are. It was even difficult for the Beach Boys themselves, as a band, to be recognised for new material – even Brian himself experienced that problem. They could never outdo themselves even with great new material.
"You see, the audience had already been taken to a peak with the old identity and hits of The Beach Boys. Breaking new ground was not easy. The 30 years that went by in between producing POB/Bambu and its release gave it a fair interval for disassociation from the Beach Boys or Brian’s achievements. Also there was a mystical expectation in the air from the rumours and bootlegs that were circulating."
Dennis Wilson's Legacy
As a trained jazz musician, Carli Muñoz was able to help his wayward friend channel his undoubted talent, spirit, and considerable heart and soul into making a record. He was lucky enough to witness first-hand the wild creativity of Brian Wilson's younger brother, who, 30 years later, is finally starting to receive the praise he so richly deserves.
Adrian Peel - Adrian is an English freelance writer and journalist currently living in Mexico. Over the past eight years, he has had articles, features ...
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