If you want a filmmaker presenting an insider’s view into the life and legacy of a Beach Boy, no one has better credentials than Billy Hinsche. While never an official Beach Boy himself, Hinsche was part of their touring outfit as keyboardist, guitarist, and backing vocalist from the 1970s through the 1990s. Billy became part of the extended Wilson family when his sister Annie married Carl Wilson in February 1966. Now, he’s not only Uncle Billy to new generations of Wilsons, but he is also Al Jardine's current music director. He’s also a board member of the charitable Carl Wilson Foundation, an organization that receives a portion of the sales of Hinsche’s new documentary.
Here and Now is but the latest of Hinsche’s Beach Boys biographical projects, and it’s as exhaustive an exploration of Carl Wilson as any fan can ask. The two discs total three hours, with just over 90 minutes per disc.
Disc one is a multi-dimensional look back at Wilson’s life built primarily on interviews with those who knew him and worked with him. The first segment is on Wilson as a family man as remembered by brother Brian, nieces, nephews, wives and mothers including Jonah Wilson, Justyn Wilson, Annie Wilson Karges, Marilyn Wilson Rutherford, and Carole Wilson Bloom. Carl’s musicianship is discussed by Gerry Beckley (America), Phil “Fang” Volk (Paul Revere & The Raiders), Nick Fortuna (The Buckinghams), and especially Walt Parazaider (Chicago). These musical peers discuss Wilson’s creative legacy in four sections. The first notes his role as the perfectionist musical director for the group on the road. Then, his often overlooked role as an influential guitar player is analyzed before he receives tributes for his “angelic” voice in songs like “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations.” Finally, he’s given credit for his often under-appreciated work as a producer in the studio.
Disc two opens with deeper looks into Wilson off stage as a man of humor and integrity. By all accounts, he was more than the glue for the Beach Boys and the Wilson family; he also helped set the standards for musical professionalism and open-hearted treatment of all players and crew. This cannot be described as a “warts and all” biography as no one has a single unkind word to say. Carl Wilson comes off as a spiritual, level-headed figure able to facilitate order in what could have been rock and roll chaos. While he was the youngest Wilson brother, much fell on his shoulders as both Brian and Dennis were prey to their individual ills. In the end, it seems clear the Beach Boys sound would have been very different without him. Their place on the stage likely would have been much shorter. More importantly, those who knew him and loved him would have missed his gentle presence with so much meaning to so many.
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