Disney

Brian Wilson has always cited a fixed list of influences topped by Phil Spector, The Beatles, The Four Freshmen, Chuck Berry and George Gershwin. The arrival of Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, then, is not wholly unexpected. Nor is it a surprise that Wilson manages both to retool such cornerstones of American music as “Someone to Watch over Me,” “‘S Wonderful,” “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” while remaining true to the composer’s intent. Unlike so many other contemporary singers who’ve attempted this type of material in recent years (Rod Stewart comes to mind), Wilson understands that it’s OK to have fun with the arrangements while displaying reverence for them. Occasional hints of The Beach Boys ( “They Can’t Take that away from Me” is a ringer for “Help Me, Rhonda” ) only add to the record’s copious charms.