A Postcard from California

by Al Jardine

Overview

On A Postcard from California, Al Jardine creates a concept album of sorts, and at its best points, it's an album that's probably as close as we're going to get to a new Beach Boys album this far into the 21st century. That doesn't make it a Beach Boys album, of course, but the themes are all here -- California, the sea, waves, cars, girls, motion, all of that -- and Jardine also adds a large environmental layer to things, too. Does it work? It's well-intentioned and pleasant, and there is a host of guest stars on hand, from Neil Young to Flea, and there are some cool harmonies and sound effects of waves and gulls, but aside from a couple of tracks -- most notably "Don't Fight the Sea," the solid "Waves of Love" (which comes complete with sleigh bells), and an interesting harmonica-driven redo of "Help Me Rhonda" -- most of what's here is more well-intentioned and sincere than it is engaging. When things work, though, Jardine turns what is essentially a mid-period Beach Boys facsimile into something a little more interesting. ~ Steve Leggett

Product Details

Release Date:	12/09/2022
Label:	Hip-O / Ume
UPC:	0602435442396

Tracks

1. A Postcard From California
2. California Feelin'
3. Looking Down the Coast
4. Don't Fight the Sea
5. Tidepool Interlude
6. Campfire Scene
7. A California Saga
8. Help Me Rhonda
9. San Simeon
10. Drivin'
11. Honkin' Down the Highway
12. California Dreamin'
13. And I Always Will
14. Waves of Love
15. Sloop John B

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Al Jardine   Primary Artist,Bass,Banjo,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)
The Beach Boys   Primary Artist
Matt Jardine   Primary Artist,Vocals,Handclapping,Vocals (Background)
Brian Wilson   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
David Crosby   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Alec Baldwin   Primary Artist,Spoken Word
Steve Miller   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Carl Wilson   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Dewey Bunnell   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Neil Young   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Glen Campbell   Primary Artist,Vocals
Stephen Stills   Primary Artist,Vocals (Background)
Gerry Beckley   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Dan Knutson   Guitar
Ella Bacon   Viola
Emily Poile'   Vocals (Background)
Johnnie Mirani   Harmonica
Luana Pedota   Accordion,Percussion,Vocals (Background)
Marandi Bostetter   Violin
Mary Ann Jardine   Vocals
Ed Carter   Bass,Guitar
Shelley Phillips   Oboe
John Stamos   Bongos
Papa Al   Harmonica,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (12 String)
Priscilla Fisher   Violin
Scott Slaughter   Keyboards,Mini Moog,Percussion,Sound Effects,Vocals (Background),Organ,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Strings,Bell Tree
The White Album Chamber Ensemble   Strings
David Marks   Soloist,Guitar
Mike Kowalski   Drums
Mike Love   Vocals (Background)
Flea Balzary   Bass
Stevie Heger   Drums,Vocals,Cowbell,Percussion,Vocals (Background)
The Hillbillies   Vocals
Jeff Peters   Handclapping
Sally Dworsky   Vocals (Background)
Scott Mathews   Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Richie Cannata   Sax (Baritone)
Probyn Gregory   French Horn
Norton Buffalo   Harmonica
Gary Mallaber   Drums
Barry Phillips   Cello,Strings
Bruce Johnston   Vocals (Background)
Bobby Figueroa   Drums
Mike Meros   Keyboards
Adam Jardine   Vocals (Background)
Paul Logan   Bass,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Michael Lent   Guitar,Vocals,Soloist,Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Larry Dvoskin   Keyboards,Synthesizer
Drew Jardine   5-string Banjo
Steve Robertson   Percussion

Technical Credits

Alan Areliano   Cover Art
Alan De Moss   Assistant
Beau Floch   Assistant
Lee Dempsey   Photography
Mary Ann Jardine   Photography
Jardine   Composer
Terry Jacks   Composer
Barry Phillips   String Arrangements
Michelle Phillips   Composer
Rachael Short   Photography
Robbie Jardine   Photography
Scott Slaughter   String Arrangements,Composer
Steven John Kalinich   Composer
Mike Love   Composer
Al Jardine   Composer,Liner Notes
Brian Wilson   Composer
Nels Jensen   Assistant
Stevie Heger   Composer,Engineer
Tim Brown   Photography
Joe Gastwirt   Mastering
Jeff Peters   Mixing,Engineer
John Phillips   Composer
Mark London   Art Direction,Package Design
Damien Rasmussen   Engineer
Richard Bryant   Engineer
Larry Dvoskin   Composer
Drew Jardine   Photography
Trisha Campo   Photography
Chris Constable   Assistant