The
Winter of 22 & 23 February 2008 Gino Vannelli live at the showroom in the Flamingo Las Vegas, NV, USA:  Reactions & comments: An e-mail from Audrey dated 29 February 2008 with the subject: Las Vegas/Gino Vannelli story
HI B&T!!!! A new dream came true.................... A showroom, casino's, hotels, shows, neon light's, $$$$, incredible atmosphere, busy but still peacefull, crazy, beauty, madness, Flamingo, pink, money, impressions, fans, awwww, unbelievable, cars, the strip, bridges, elevators, insanity, extreme, smells, flavors, the sun, music, artists, rides, statosphere, friendly people everywhere, dinners, drinks, steaks, salmon... and two GINO VANNELLI live concerts, not a dream but for real... On Thursday 21 February 2008 I landed in Las Vegas, like in a dream or like in the movies... Extreme beautiful view from the plane... How weird to see the valley with the strip surrounded with such bare mountains in the middle of a desert. Guesssss WHO was in the plane too??? Yeahhhh the guy with the curls and the great voice!!! GINO VANNELLI!!! My, oh my what a special flight! And I saw bandmembers and more famous people... On the airport I saw a limo-driver with a name plate VANNELLI, so I guess Gino and His Family were picked up by such a long streched limousine... What a thrill and the Gino Vannelli concerts still had to happen... I stayed at the Flamingo and had a nice room with a view on the fountains of the Bellagio, which was soooo wonderful.
At 7pm I was in the showroom again and I could already feel the magic. I head a great seat in a booth right in the middle with very nice people from Boston. They knew Gino from the 70's and were very curious to know how He looks like at the moment and the way He sings these days. Their reactions after the concert were WOW!!! And Gino Vannelli has 6 new fans in Boston for sure and we will follow Gino again from now on... So cute to hear their words and honest reactions. They were touched by the GINO VANNELLI magic!!! The concert was fabulous of course and I heard "Venus Envy" and "It's Only Love" for the very first time live on stage! And the older songs sounded to me like the original songs from the albums. Great!!! And Gino looked so good and like a superstar. Great audience but the second evening the audience was even better and much more into the music. Everything felt so good and I was also hit by the GINO VANNELLI magic!!! So fun to be there in that crazy city and see Gino twice in a weekend. All these good and beautiful memories in my head which I can bring home with me. FANTASTIC, REALLY FANTASTIC!!! Thanks GINO and thanks Portland Band. I had the most fabulous weekend in Las Vegas. Audrey. I remember: CRAZY LIFE - BLACK CARS - WILD HORSES - I JUST WANNA STOP - LIVING INSIDE MYSELF - CANTO - HURTS TO BE IN LOVE - PEOPLE GOTTA MOVE - IT'S ONLY LOVE - VENUS ENVY - BROTHER TO BROTHER - APPALOOSA - An e-mail from John Azalone dated 1 March 2008 with the subject: picture
Here is another one from John Azalone: An e-mail from Jean dated 28 February 2008 with the subject: Age Gino has got better with age and his singing still has that mysterious trance that just grabs you. This is a singer that is going to be around for a very long time... I love His voice! Jean says thanks Gino! An e-mail from the Fans in Boston at the Eastcoast dated 28 February 2008 with the subject: Las Vegas and Gino. There is something fresh and exciting about GINO VANNELLI. Gino Vannelli and His band is captured in our hearts forever. On The Other Side of the US we will wait for the release in 2008 of gino's new album and we are sure it will become one of our favorites of the year. We jumped at the chance to come out and see Gino & the band at one of the most wonderful and crazy cities in the US and in the "Old" Flamingo! great talking with you B&T and thanks for all the info about Gino. Ciao from the Boston fans. An e-mail from Peter in Canada dated 27 February 2008 with the subject: Breathtaking Breathtaking might be a word one could use to describe Gino Vannelli's performance at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Neveda Friday February 22nd. You could just as easily use the adjectives, sassy, sexy and magnificent to characterize his show. starting with the smoke thing and CRAZY LIFE in a special tune. A group of musicians, which included, bass player Sandin Wilson, drummer Rheinhardt, keyboard Randy Porter and electric guitar player Allen Hinds, moving easily between ballads, standards and swing tunes. The evening opened with smoke and CRAZY LIFE and an amazing BLACK CARS, very powerful!!! Gino Vannelli's performance was great and I enjoyed it so much! Thanks from Peter. An e-mail from Guy & Tami who live in Denver, Colorado, USA dated 25 February 2008 with the subject: It was a night to remember!
Dearest Barend and the marvelous Trees! Gino's fans are so faithful and having you both working behind the scenes to showcase all that is Gino is such a wonderful service to all of us. You are appreciated beyond any thanks we could give.
Can you tell that I'm crazy about you guys??? An e-mail from Maru in Mexico dated 26 February 2008 with the subject: Gino in Las Vegas
Hi dear friends: It's a shame I couldn't make it this time, you were much closer to me being in America, but I don't loose my faith that once I'll go to visit you in Europe.
Believe me, you can't imagine how nice I felt knowing you could see Gino and the Portland Band, I think this is the only project you were missing, you can't ask for more!!! An e-mail from Cheryl in California, USA dated 26 February 2008 with the subject: Vegas
Hi Barend & Trees;
Hope the rest of your stay with Gino was wonderful. Please keep in touch when you can. An e-mail from Terry in PA, USA dated 29 February 2008 with the subject: I Can Die Happy!!!!
It was sooooooooo nice to finally meet you both in person!!!!!
You have to thank Gino for making my wish come true! (I've already thanked Ken!) If it weren't for his performing in Vegas and having you as guests at the same time, it might never have happened. It's just too bad we couldn't stay a few extra days to spend more time just hanging out by ourselves, exploring and getting to know each other. We'll definitely have to come visit The Netherlands some time in the near future. We would love to hear Gino recite some of his poetry from his new cd when it's released. Just hearing the excitement when he spoke about it, got us all pumped up!>br>
Luv, Me 
An e-mail from Laura in California, USA dated 1 March 2008 with the subject: From the Gino Vannelli newspaper page 6, vote for GINO VANNELLI
Hi There,
I saw Gino in concert at the Flamingo in Las Vegas last Saturday night. An e-mail from Betty Jean in Texas, USA dated 8 March 2008 with the subject: Homepage 1 GINO VANNELLI/ Texas Fan
Hi Guy’s An e-mail from Patti and Toni and Joyce in the State of New York, USA dated 17 March 2008 with the subject: 3 States and Four Gino shows in 2 weeks!
We arrived on Tuesday after a day of rest from Atlantic City.
Joyce and I went to sound check and had a hard time gettiing in. At each show I was offered money for my photos...I have to laugh when the ask, and they always do. It's always ladies who ask too. I was offered $500 in Vegas for my memory card...
Vegas was a great time after Toni got her antibiotics to get over her double ear infection and 101.5 fever. She was happy to be there and Terry kept taking her shopping in all these expensive stores so she had a blast. Thanks to Terry and Ken for staying with Toni while I ran all over Vegas for a perscription....another story from HELL! We took Toni to rehearsal and ran into none other than... Barend and Trees! What a great time we had talking and exchanging stories, etc. Toni loved meeting you both and had a great time with Barend helping him learn English and sharing pancakes with him. She still talks about you both all the time. The 2 Vegas shows were unbelievable. Gino was in rare form and the crowd was so into it that they would have been screaming if he just stood there and didn't sing! It was a great show all the way around. The room sounded great and the band was tight, it was fun to watch and photograph. Even Toni had a great time. Gino waved to her from the stage and that made her feel important. We got to do a lot of sightseeing and mainly visited other hotels....there are some really beautiful hotels there. Bellagio and Palozzo, Venetian, Paris....really nice places. We went to all of them and after the shows we went to see the "band" sit in with Dave Sanborn's band at the Palozzo. It was cool to see Sandin singing with the band, Patrick jamming away on the horn and all was going great till they asked Toni for her ID( she's 10)! We had to step back 6 feet and we were okay. She just had to leave the bar area. It was Allen's fault. He was dancing with Toni right outside the bar and then security came up. We hung out for a little bit and then left for our hotel. It was late and we were tired. We hung out the last day and saw hotels that should be knocked down....Circus Circus....a dump in my opinion. I thought it would be cool for Toni...a waste of time. We hit the Aquarium and that was really cool. We wanted to go to the Grand Canyon but we just ran out of time. This trip went fast and we had a good time. I have to say the best was getting to see you both again and spend some time with you! I am also really glad Toni got to meet you.
I can't wait for the nexy album/CD and I hope there will be some dates along the East Coast this Summer/Fall. I took a lot of pictures at the 4 shows and look forward to taking many more. It really doesn't matter where you see Gino and the Portland band perform. They are fun to watch and sound great. I do think Gino's voice gets better with age. He still makes me tear up when he does Canto..gets me every time. I know I am blessed to be able to go to all these shows...I have met some great people and had a lot of great times. Maybe I'll get to Holland sometime?
Till the next Gino show...take care and thanks for all you do Barend and Trees! An e-mail from Mary Lou in PA, USA dated 18 March 2003 with the subject: February Fun...
An e-mail from Cynthia in Las Vegas, Neveda, USA dated 17 March 2003 with the subject: Re: Gino Vannelli The concert was awesome as always, though (to me) Gino felt much more reserved for this performance than for his performances last year at the Suncoast and the Flamingo. He is a great showman so always gives great performances, but the audience was pleading (mentally) for him to come out and really DANCE for us. I figure sometimes you just don't feel in the mood. He sure puts us in the mood though! I was there for the Saturday night performance (straight off the plane and to the Flamingo!) and he was outstanding as always. He stated that after this performance that he and the band were off to the studio to start recording some of the 50 poems that he has recently penned. So the recording session would start immediately, with a CD release planned for September, and a return to the Las Vegas concert venue in November. Something to live for! The meet and greet blew my mind. They had expanded the area where we met last year, and there were lines 300-400 feet long of people on BOTH sides of the room. Folks were rushed through, but I guess that was understandable since there were so many, and it was Gino's closing night so I'm sure he was beat. I believe I may have spotted his son milling about, but then I thought, he probably wouldn't have an interest in hanging around rabid fans, which he's been around his whole life. I greeted Ross before and after show, and he was, as always, all business. Gotta love him!
I guess the highlight for me (aside from being able to see Gino at least ONCE a year!) was showing Gino the 1979 concert booklet that I have kept in pristine condition from the time I first purchased it. It was thrilling for me, he slyly smiled and signed it. He even said onstage, his concerts have become almost like high school reunions, which he doesn't mind, he just wishes they'd stop mentioning the number of years. I guess he should soothe himself in the knowledge that he ALONE has become better with time. The time I got to see him was so short, so I could only blurt out that I believe him to be a consumate songwriter, before they whisked him away. I wish him inspiration (which he already has) for the current recording session, and the stamina to continue to be admired by his adoring and appreciative fans. An e-mail from Ken & Terry in PA, USA dated 17 March 2003 with the subject: GINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that I've had time to reflect, where do I start???????????
Four unbelievable shows in two weeks?????????? We met Patti Battista and Joyce there. Patti was taking her photos of Gino and the Band at soundcheck and the show. I hope she's able to send some of them!!!!! They should be fantastic!!!! There was a "meet and greet" after and Gino signed some posters, cds, etc. I love to just watch people that haven't met him and see their reactions. There's no words for it! Some of the Band members mentioned problems with the sound system but between Ross Vannelli's expertise and Gino's talent, nobody would ever notice but them!!! On to Atlantic City! We heard that the show was Sold Out!!! Yes! A lot of "Big Shots" flying in!!! Like Russ Mitchell from NYC!!! Fantastic!!! The word spread that the theater was great - far superior to Reading, great sound!! Fortunately, we were in the first row, so we didn't miss a thing!!! Gino was in perfect form as usual, his voice was great. Between songs, Gino told his usual funny little anecdotes about himself and his career. If he ever gives up singing, he'll always have a future in "stand-up!" I think I could just sit there for two hours and listen to him tell his jokes!! The "crowd" couldn't get enough and begged for more. The show was over way too early! The song lists have already been mentioned by others, so... Ken and I could listen to Gino sing Canto over and over again.... Listening to Randy play is spellbinding. The other musicians were fantastic as usual!! People kept asking us their names and where they were from. I gave there website url's to dozens of people. While we were in Reading, Gino dropped a bomb about Vegas. Two famous people would be appearing there!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had no choice, we had to book tickets immediately!! Off to Vegas! One of the last places on earth I'd choose to visit, but...!!! It took some very special people to get me on that plane; Gino, Toni Battista and the hottest ticket in town - Barend and Trees!!! It was a dream come true!!!!!!!!!! Such a great weekend, I can't even begin to describe. Two of the best shows we've seen. You were there - so YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!! Toni and I had a blast at both shows. She sat with Ken and I while Patti took photos. Poor girl had two ear infections and was sitting right down front of the speakers for both shows and didn't say a word. Even while I screamed in them! Afterwards Toni and I bought tshirts for Gino to sign. Definitely the longest line I've seen after a show to meet Gino! We were near the end and as we approached the table they said that was it! No more autographs! DJ overheard and told them to let Toni and I through. He is sooooo great!! Toni leaned over to get her photos and shirt signed and Patti started to take her photo. Gino said something like wait, come around the table! He picked Toni up and stood her on the chair next to him. He hugged her and smiled for the photo. It was so generous and sweet of him. He had just stood there for over an hour and had to be totally exhausted!! I was next, so I gave him my shirt and asked if he wanted me to come around too. He just laughed. (But Gino, I wasn't kidding!!!) I got something way better but Patti missed the ---- picture!!!! The highlight of the trip was definitely all of us together late in the evenings just gabbing and laughing over coffee. I just keep replaying it over and over in my mind. I'm still catching up on sleep but I wish it could have gone on forever...  An e-mail from Susan in California, USA with the subject: Las Vegas 22 and 23 February 2008. Hi, I just read your reply. Yes we were in Vegas and we attended both Saturday and Sunday Feb 22 and 23, it was our 28th wedding anniversary, and what better way to spend it then with Gino, and once again, a fantastic performance by Gino. We were also in Vegas when he was at the Southcoast Hotel, only because he was there. As always, a great performance. We did did meet and greet Gino at both places, but it was more personal at Southcoast in which we were able to take pictures with him. At the Flamingo this time around he was sort of rushed, and too many body guards if you want to put it that way, never the less, always very kind, shy and personable, not to mention handsome as well. Keep up the good work in keeping us up to date on his life.
With much thanks, An e-mail from Aaron & Shonie from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA dated 26 March 2008 with the subject: from aaron-pics and comment to post
I reminded him he had not performed in “my” home town, Las Vegas, since the late 70’s, and maybe it is time to Give Las Vegas another look. After planting the seed, as I like to think of it, he referenced you both, which allowed further reference points. You both played a vital role since then. Fast forward to the present, and to our surprise, Shonie and I finally got to meet you both. We very much enjoyed spending time with you after the concert. Thank you for all your hard work on the website, and I Am convinced Gino is very appreciative, Sincerely, Aaron Mancuso, Las Vegas, Nevada 
Another e-mail from Cheryl in California, USA dated 25 April 2008 with the subject: Vegas
B & T;
Hope all is well with you both. Once again, it was lovely to finally meet you. The Fans:
An e-mail from Jason in Georgia, USA, Jason is the webmaster of the official Gino Vannelli web site ginov.com... Date: 7 March 2008 with the subject: Greetings !
It was so very nice to finally meet in person. Meeting both of you was the highlight of my trip!! You are both very kind and have great knowledge about many things. I hope we are able to make it across the pond one day to Holland!!
Attached is the photo that was taken Saturday night in Las Vegas. I
think it turned out great! An e-mail from Caliope in Forida, USA dated 6 March 2008 with the subject: "Hello"
Just wanted to tell you how wonderful it was to meet you both. You are such an asset to all us Gino fans and we appreciate all that you do to keep us abreast on his agenda.
I hope to see you again especially in Miami. Be well. An e-mail from Aaron & Shonie in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA dated 7 March 2008 with the subject: from aaron
what a joy to finally meet you both, Shonie and I really enjoyed our conversation.
Just found a 45 record of "Black Cars" and on the other side, "Imagination".
Not sure if this has any value to Gino, if not, would like to donate it to you if you want.
I have the article from the local newspaper to send you. as well,
take care
Here is the original newspaper article from the Las Vegas review journal dated 22-28 February 2008. Thank you very much to Aaron in Las Vegas.
 Gino Vannelli gave fans an eclectic reworking of his hits last year. Photo by K.M. Cannon.
THE END OF LAS VEGAS!!!
An e-mail from Jim Mullen in the USA dated Tuesday 1 April 2008 with the subject: Gino Vannelli; Scottish Rite Cathedaral Reading, PA 2/15/08
Ahhh, Gino Vannelli was touring again! I had no trouble getting to Reading. But getting on the right road for the venue proved elusive. I didn't know there were two exits for Business Route 422 and got off at the wrong one at the wrong end. The map I had did not have all the streets listed. I was confused. The venue was on 7th Ave and I arrived at 7th STREET to see a large concert hall. Unfortunately, it was not where Gino was playing. ARGHH!!!!! A friendly waitress in a diner and others in a mini mart tried to guide me right. Finally, a young guy in his early 20s said he and his buddies would LEAD me there. They drove ahead of me and led me directly to the venue even though they gave me a blank look when I mentioned Gino's name. THANKS GUYS! Extra blessings for you and your family! If I knew your address I'd send you all gracious tips! Without them I might've missed half the show. As it was I missed the first three songs(where's the opening act when you need one?). But I'd heard Gino do most of them live before and the new arrangement of Wheels of Life is on youtube.com(I think!) for me to check out since I also missed that. He was finishing Wheels and starting Wild Horses when I walked in around 8:25. Glad he's gone back to the original arrangement on Living Inside Myself. When I saw him in 1999 he played a jazzier, much different arrangement. "I wrote this on Christmas Day back in 1980," Gino said. Like many Classic artists, Gino has dropped the key on most his songs about a half or whole step. But they still sounded great to these ears! He was rather quiet and unassuming as he would talk softly between the songs. He said most people who run into him want to know what he's been up to for...thirty five years or so.....or recently." One person wanted to know what it was like to be him in the 70s. "Well", said Gino. "I commanded a certain amount of acclaim, just like today. I called a radio station recently who'd requested an interview from me. I told them that it was me, Gino Vannelli. The person who picked up the phone went, NO WAY! SHUT UP..."! Gino laughed. "Yep, I still get that wonderful acclaim"! He talked of growing up with music in the house all the time at his home in Montreal. His dad loved Classical, Opera and Big Band Jazz especially. Gino was overjoyed to be able to do a Classical Opera album, Canto, five years ago. He proceeded to then slay us with the title tune which was sung in Italian. He spoke of living in LA for 15 or so years. One of his close friends is into plastic surgery. "Some people go out and do it regularly, like they're getting their car washed", Gino explained. He wrote his song Venus Envy about these plastic surgery addicts. On I Just Wanna Stop we were all invited to sing along. On Brother to Brother the five piece band(I believe they're all from Portland, Oregon, near where Gino lives) really scorched, just like on the album. Allen Hinds gave Carlos Rios(who'd played the fiery guitar break on the Brother to Brother album) a run for his money. Reinhardt Melz was rockin' out on the drums, if not quite as polished as the late great Mark Craney on the record. Randy Porter was just fine in Brother Joe's original place on keys and loved the addition of Patrick Lamb on sax in the band! But no bass/drums break duel! DRAT! Ahh well...Sandin Wilson aquitted himself very admirably on bass. Then, after an encore of his first very funky hit from 1974, People Gotta Move, the show was over. Fairly brief show, about 85 minutes or so. But I hear most the venues he plays now have only wanted a show 90 minutes or under. This is the way it's been for years, or so I hear.
I was able to get a setlist from the stage from a cool roadie and see that I'd only missed Crazy Life (slow ballad, an odd one to start with...). Black Cars(from 1985) and Wheels.....
 An e-mail from Steve Cooper Fishers, Indiana in the
USA dated 18 Augustus 2008 with the subject: your Gino Vannelli web site
Greetings, I have been a Gino fan since my college days when I was at Berklee School of Music in Boston MA. I recently (Feb.14th 2008) flew from my home near Indianapolis IN to Reading PA to see and hear Gino Vannelli. The sound in the auditorium was impeccable- it sounded as if I were listening to my home stereo with the volume up and sitting in the perfect location. I was in heaven. My father was a pro audio engineer for over 50 years and I like to think his taste in good audio has been passed on to me. It was awesome. Then there was the auditorium hall itself- it probably held about 1,200 people- I would guess maybe 350 people showed up. What a waste!!! Gino and the band performed like the auditorium was packed- Gino and the band gave 200% and did not seem at all bothered by the fact that there were many empty seats. I believe Gino's voice sounded stronger than ever and he has grown so much over the years. He sang "Canto" with just the piano (keyboard) and his voice gave me goosebumps and I wondered what the world would be like if the whole world could hear Gino sing like that at the same time. How much closer we would all feel like we are one family. What beauty and what talent Gino has just shared with a bunch of strangers. I felt a connection that transcends words and I felt like I was in heaven- I really did. I was so sad when the concert was over. I felt like I had been on the perfect date and fell in love, never to return and experience that feeling again.
You must understand, I am a father with a stay at home wife and 6 year old daughter and money is not easy to come by and traveling from my home to the concert was an expensive and once in a lifetime opportunity. I will never forget it. It was well worth it and the memories of that evening will remain and uplift my spirit always. Media West Reading:
Refusing to rest on his laurels, the longtime entertainer escaped to Holland to seek new inspiration for songs he’ll sing Friday night at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
By Tracy Rasmussen West Reading, PA - When discussing music, Gino Vannelli is as likely to talk about physics as he is about lyrics. And with a handful of hits as well as a career that’s spanned more than 35 years, Vannelli has found a lucrative niche in the space-time continuum. “You know if you talk to any physicist who knows his work that when something seems like it’s nothing but vacuous space, it’s actually filled with energy and power,” Vannelli said, describing both his longevity and his varied musical history. “I have always been able to go into my own vacuum and come up refreshed from it all. It’s really important to find a place where you can let go of who you are and the attachments that you’ve had, to do it.” For Vannelli, who will showcase the fruits of his latest inner journey at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Friday at 8:05 p.m., that vacuum existed most recently in Holland where he’s been working on “Dutch Beat,” which he hopes to release sometime in 2008. “Most of us get into trouble when we have this very, very sentimental longing for nostalgia, but you can’t hold on to the past,” he said. “You become this imprisoned icon. And you know the people won’t do it for you, they want you to be the same as you always were, but this is what I need to do to feel alive and vibrant and creative.” So when Vannelli went to Holland he did nothing for the first few months except observe. “I went to as many places as I could and I really was very comfortable letting go, and I was able to build up a whole new work,” he said. “I do have a very deep affinity for the songs that I’ve written and I love to sing them, but they don’t sing me. That’s why I have a great time singing them.” Rest assured that when Vannelli takes to the stage Friday night you will hear his hits, which include “People Gotta Move,” “Living Inside Myself,” “I Just Wanna Stop” and “Wild Horses.” They will, however, be sung with the voice of Vannelli’s experience, and with the help of the musicians with whom he loves working. “When you pick guys to play with, the music is different,” he said. “If it’s just me as a piano player it’s going to be different. And when you reinvent a song, you can’t do it by piling a song upon another song. You have to rethink it. Because what was great about the original version will still be great. The original intention of the song will still be there. The object of the game is staying interested. Dispassion is really our enemy.” Vannelli admits that his choices have taken his career in many different directions during a time when musicians fared better by genre identification. He began his career loving jazz and studying drums. His first band — at age 12 — was a rock band, followed quickly by a Motown-influenced band called Jacksonville 5. He began attending concerts by the Montreal Symphony when he was 14. He inked his first record deal when he was 17 in Canada and camped out on Herb Alpert’s label’s doorstep in America until he got a deal here. He played acoustic versions of five of his songs for Alpert himself, and he was signed to A&M records right there. His A&M albums were influenced by the jazz and R&B he grew up on, but with enough contemporary flair to score hits. But when he was asked by A&M’s new ownership to record a disco album, Vannelli switched labels and recorded an album that included “Living Inside Myself.” Despite the success, Vannelli took several years off because of clashes with his record company. “Black Cars” was the result of that journey, followed by “Big Dreamers Never Sleep” and the single “Wild Horses.” Vannelli doesn’t worry at all about the twists and turns in his career partly because he’s managed success along the way, but mostly because that’s just the way he is. “I love blue when I’ve seen red before it,” he said. “I love yellow following blue. So it’s really a question of what particular kind of music I like. If I want to, I’ll do a “Canto,” or I’ll strip away everything and be a piano player and do my old hits. You just can’t limit yourself.” It’s because of that he’s moved to create new music, as well as re-create his old music. “As we grow older we can’t help but be mirrors of society,” Vannelli said. “Lost sentiments, and broken dreams and all those things there is always plenty to say and you just have to make the right mood and the right place. It’s just too easy in this day and age to be continually distracted.” “Dutch Beat” is the result of his recent sojourn away from distractions. “It’s really just a lot of thoughts I’ve had,” he said. “I wanted to go there and just absorb knowledge. I wanted to be transparent and be a fly on the wall. It was a little painful and a little lonely, but I was really able to tap into the jumping particles that are inside of me and bring them into focus.”
correspondent Tracy Rasmussen at entertainment-readingeagle.com.
An E-mail review from Christopher Buckley dated Sunday 17 February 2008 Christopher who lives in Pennsylvania, USA. Subject: Atlantic City Review; It is often funny how fate plays a role in the events that surround our lives. Here I am waiting to attend the Gino Vannelli concert in Atlantic City only to catch the flu two days before the event. I was sick as a dog and did little more than sleep, eat chicken soup and drink orange juice. I thought that I might have to miss the concert. I'm not sure what worked, perhaps prayer, but I started to mend about 2pm. I pulled the faithful Hyundai out of the garage to begin the 91 mile trip down the coast to Atlantic City. Wild horses would not keep me from seeing this show! I arrived and was seated about 7:15pm. As it turned out, the seat numbers on the tickets were meaningless. If you can image a concert hall with approximately 800-900 chairs lined up into rows. The typical hotel wedding banquet chairs where your butt begins to go numb after 25 minutes. My guess was there was approximately 600 to 650 people in attendance. I didn't see anyone who appeared to be younger than 35. The show ran approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The audience called Gino back out for an encore. I think that the best song of the night was "Living Inside Myself" in which Gino poured his heart and soul. He also did a touching rendition of " Parole Per Mio Padre" with just Randy Porter playing the piano, ....err... I should say keyboards. That instrument looks like an ironing board! I'm sure that others will give you a rundown of the songs and provide some photos. After the show, people began to line up on both side of a table where a woman was selling copies of "Canto" and "These Are The Days" and a small poster. While we were waiting for Gino to come out, I noticed that Russ Mitchell and his wife (or girlfriend) was waiting to greet Gino two spaces behind me. I'm not sure if he heard this or not, but I said something like "until Gino appeared on the Early Show, I almost never watched CBS, now you can't pull me away. It looked like a slight crack of a smile on his face. The truth is that I watch all the stations until I find something interesting, but he doesn't have to know that!
An e-mail from Valerie F. in the USA dated 26 March 2008 with the subject: Gino??????? Atlantic City.
Hello, An e-mail from Cyndi Haskins in Pittsburgh, PA, USA dated 20 April 2008 with the subject: gino in reading and atlantic city
Hello Barend and Trees,
Reading, Pa......... Unfortunately, my ears were extremely sensitive to the music due to a sinus infection/virus that I had for almost a week. I still wasn't better but it wasn't going to keep me from going. The show didn't get off with the introduction that Gino obviously had planned. Someone forgot to turn on his microphone so the music started but Gino was on delay...........He asked to start the intro again and within a few minutes all seemed to fall into place. After the song was over, I looked at my brother and we gave each other that gleaming smile of approval that said, "It's Gino". The theater was larger than the show rooms that I have been accustomed to over the years so I didn't think the acoustics were the best for Gino and the band. I saw Ross working himself non-stop with the sound so I know he did the best that he could with the equipment and the room. Ross is amazing and I was touched to see the closeness that he and Gino share while working together. After the show by brother was anxious to meet Reinhardt to tell him what a remarkable drummer he proved to be. He could have talked to him forever but we needed to get out front to see Gino. Just as we were walking over to get in line I could see that Gino was starting to leave!! Oh No!!!! So I quickly asked him to meet with my family and he agreeably walked over to where they were standing. He surprised my 11 year old niece with a kiss on the cheek that left her a little "star struck." After Gino left, she looked at me with a smile on her face and said, " He's so nice." Gino did sign one of my brother's drum heads and so did Ross and Reinhardt but everything happened so fast that we failed to take pictures. I also want to say that Patrick, the saxophone player is a great addition to the music and I hope he continues to bring his talents to the band. Super nice too! It was a memorable evening in Reading, I loved the songs and again, Canto filled my eyes with tears. I do have to say the show in Atlantic City was far better. I had a fantastic seat, Gino's voice was tops, he looked amazing in the lights up on the stage and the music was superb!! Any fan would say it was an exceptional show and the A.C. crowd left with a night to remember with Gino Vannelli. Uncle Vic and his wife drove from Montreal to see the show. He is always very cordial to the familiar fans who continue to love and support Gino. After the show Ross had given Uncle Vic some recent photo's of Gino, (as if he didn't have enough from over the years) but the proud Uncle that he is, he was eager to have Gino sign them. I had to chuckle while Ross told him where to go to find his nephew. Thank you Gino for coming to the East Coast; I am grateful and I look forward to more shows in the future and your new album. To me, You are the best....forever. Cyndi An e-mail from Julie in the USA dated 20 April 2008 with the subject: RE: The Gino Vannelli short stories web page... Wow, I'm so happy to hear from you. I miss the days of WOF (World of Friends) and reading the stories. I wish I would have known you where in the US. My husband and I just bought house that is about an hour and 20 minutes from Atlantic City, New Jersey and would have loved to have you over for dinner or cocktails.
The concert was really nice. We were late for the concert in AC and arrived twenty minutes late. But, I loved every moment I was there!!!! I was fortunate enough to get a photo taken with Gino and me together. He so very polite. Gino signed a few photos my husband bought for me. I put them with the poster he signed for me about ten years ago. I'll try to send photos sometime in the next few days.
This is my work email, so I'll try to write from my home email. Media Atlantic City:
WHAT TO EXPECT: Music has always been Vannelli's life. Having studied drums, music theory and formed his own rock band by the age of 12, the son of a jazz singer was well on his way. The influence of his father's jazz roots could often be heard in Vannelli's music and helped define his pop sound. Although it's been some years since Vannelli has scored a hit, his voice is still in top form and concertgoers can look forward to a captivating evening at the Hilton Saturday night. Fans can expect to hear hits like "People Gotta Move," "I Just Wanna Stop," "Living Inside Myself" and "Crazy Life" along with some new songs from his recent album "These are the Days." WHAT'S NEW: Vannelli's latest album, "These are the Days," features seven classics as well as seven new songs. It has been labeled as Vannelli's return to pop. SHOW INFO: Tickets are $45, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Hilton's Grand Theater. 
The same article/interview in two newspapers: ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Last updated: Friday February 15, 2008, EST 9:07 It would be easy to see Gino Vannelli's name on a casino showroom marquee and brand him as another 1970s-era retread living off the success of a few hit songs. It would also be inaccurate, not to mention grossly unfair. Vannelli is a gifted musician and singer whose tastes and talents extend far beyond his best-known songs, which include 1974's "People Gotta Move" and the 1978 chart-topper "I Just Wanna Stop." Vannelli still includes those songs in his act -- his fans would have it no other way -- but they hardly define his career. "I will confess to [singing] seven or eight of my best-known singles in the show," he says, "but I wouldn't call it a greatest-hits show." Vannelli's one-night stand Saturday at the Atlantic City Hilton will cover many of the musical influences that shaped the Canadian-born entertainer. There'll be a little jazz, some classical and the pop sound that introduced him to the masses 35 years ago. Speaking from his home in Oregon, Vannelli, 55, is so passionate about music that he does the interview seated at his piano. When the subject of his critically acclaimed 2003 classical album "Canto" is broached, he plays chords to demonstrate how certain pieces came together. "I was brought up with a real affection for classical, especially opera and bel canto," he explains. "I always loved Puccini and Verdi, and I always wanted to try my hand at it." "Canto," he says, was never meant to be "a grandiose or dramatic" piece. "I was just looking for a way to tap into the dynamics of my own inner space, and that's what that album was all about," he says. In a testament to his talent, Vannelli wrote the entire album, which featured songs in Italian, French, Spanish and English, in a scant 12 weeks. The lush music borrows from opera, classical, pop and even flamenco. Vannelli tends to speak in philosophical terms about his life and his music, which seem to be inexorably intertwined. It's difficult to reconcile the artist on the phone with the skinny kid from Montreal, who in 1972 chased down A&M Records President Herb Alpert in a parking lot and insisted he let the brash 20-year-old audition. In a story that's become a minor legend in the music business, Alpert invited him to his office and humored him by letting him sing. The following day, he signed Vannelli to the label. Looking back on that watershed moment, Vannelli chuckles as he realizes Alpert never stood a chance. The determined young singer wouldn't have taken no for an answer. "If I had detected the slightest warble in his voice, I would [have] kept searching until I found whatever it was that was going to make him hear me," he says. Failure, he adds, simply wasn't an option. Dividing his time between his home in Oregon and one in Holland, Vannelli is something of a global musical ambassador. One day he's performing a pop show in Las Vegas and a few days later he's gigging with a classical orchestra in Russia. "I think there's an honesty about [the music], a forthrightness, an honest attempt at self-expression," he muses. "It doesn't matter what form it takes -- jazz, folk, symphonic, contemporary. I enjoy all kinds of music." Even a country song can get his toe a-tapping. "If I come across a great country song, I'll listen to it," he says. "I have no [musical] bias." Gino Vannelli performs at the Atlantic City Hilton at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $45, available through Ticketmaster. Pre-fun: about West-Reading, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. An e-mail from Cynthia in Las Vegas, NV, USA dated Saterday 23 February 2008 with the subject: GINO TONIGHT! I'm so excited.
GINO TONIGHT! An e-mail from Guy and Tami in colorado, USA dated 19 February 2008 with the subject: Seeing Gino for the first time on Friday!
Are there any funny stories you could share that might make him laugh?
That always helps with first impressions.
So, wish us luck? It's going to be a special night for sure! An e-mail from Aaron in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA dated 18 February 2008 with the subject: from aaron in las vegas
Hello Barend and Trees- will be at the Saturday show next weekend. More pre-fun words from an e-mail dated 13 February 2008 with only a TS as sender and this e-mail comes from the USA that's for sure! The subject: I hate to jinx myself but..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't stand it!!
Hope you're not going to bonkers with the guestbook?!?!? Relaxing a little before your brother swings back into town! An e-mail from Julie, Philadelphia, PA in the USA dated 13 February 2008 with the subject: Gino's wonderful music
Hi everyone, It's Jules from Philadelphia, PA USA Is anyone going to his concert in Atlantic City, NJ on February 16, 2008? I'll be there with my husband. Last time I saw Gino the WOF (World of Friends) was in AC and we had a table up next to the stage. Another e-mail from Christopher Buckley in PA, USA dated 8 February 2008 with the subject: RE: West Reading, PA
Howdy, me again, Another e-mail from Christopher Buckley in PA, USA dated 5 February 2008 with the subject: West Reading, PA
Howdy, Regardless of the mixed up telephone number, which was my error, I would have expected a return e-mail offering tickets for sale.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip. Not even a peep.
Did you hear if a single ticket was obtained? LOL!
Who is minding the shop? An e-mail from Ingrid in the USA dated 31 January 2008 with the subject: YEAHHHH GINO VANNELLI IN LAS VEGAS...
Hi B&T
Thanks for letting us know and making us crazy. An e-mail from Patti Jean in New York, USA dated 28 January 2008 with the subject: Hello Gino Friends!
Hello Dear Barend and Trees, An e-mail from Cheryl in California, USA dated 13 January 2008 with the subject: Las Vegas
Hi B & T; An e-mail from Valerie F. at the East coast of the USA dated 2 January 2008 with the subject: Gino concerts
Happy New Year, guys! Just got an ipod for xmas, guess who is fully loaded on this? The web has opened up gino to so many people that didn't know what they were missing. More pre-fun e-mails from Christopher Buckley in PA, USA dated 12 January 2008 with the subject: Received Ticket!
An e-mail from Terry in PA, USA dated 7 January 2008 with the subject: Happy New Year!!!
I hope you are both feeling BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
I bought our tickets for Atlantic City and Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!! I'm going come hell or high water!!! I reserved some Inn in Reading that the woman suggested and got a room at the Tropicana in AC. The Hilton was too expensive - $500 for Saturday compared to $325! Are the boys from Portland playing with Gino?? I haven't seen any mention from anyone else. Just wondering. An e-mail from Christopher Buckley in PA, USA dated 2 January 2008 with the subject: Gino Vannelli Tickets--Reading, PA--Wrong Phone #?
Howdy, She said that somebody else called looking for Gino tickets as well.
I suppose that I could have pressed a wrong button, but I thought that I
might tip you off if there was an error in the phone number.
Go to all the GINO VANNELLI reviews - Las Vegas page 1 - Las Vegas page 2 - Las Vegas page 3 - Las Vegas page 4 - Las Vegas page 5 - Las Vegas page 6... Yes already 6 Las Vegas web pages and more web pages will be created... Wanna leave Las Vegas? Than go home again... And search for new Gino Vannelli live concerts overhere... Or go to the other concert reviews But you can also go to the top again...You are on the Las Vegas web page number 6... Copyright 2007 - 2008 (c) Barend and Trees in Holland
 
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I went to the soundcheck/rehearsal and shaked hands with Ross Vannelli and Rheinhardt Melz the Drummer of the band. What can I say??? The music gets to me immediately and in the empty showroom the sound is already fantastic. I see some of the Vannelli Family members and also a few fans like Terry and Patti. Recognize them from the pictures on B&T's web site... Only a few hours to go to the real concert that evening. I cannot wait.
GREAT SHOW GINO!!! 
Well what a surprise to be able to spend time with you both in Las Vegas!
Both shows were great but Atlantic City had more excitement and a much better sound. It really doesn't matter where these guys play, they can sound good anywhere. It would be great to get an all acoustic show together and tour with that. That's my opinion.
Dear Barend & Trees,
You can post this if you like, and use the pictures, (Pictures in the 
Hi Barend & Trees!
setlist:
Finally, I was my turn to get autographs and I had Gino sign my "These Are
The Days" Cd insert and a interesting post card that I found on Ebay. I
have to call that number and see who picks up. ("Hello, Kentucky Fried
Chicken") Gino told the story of how he knows he made it is that when he
calls up and says "This is Gino Vannelli", he often gets the retort "Shut
up". Don't feel bad Gino, how you know that you've made it in accounting is
when your staff starts stealing office supplies from you!
Casino Scene
Gino Vannelli brings his music tastes and talents to the Atlantic City Hilton Friday, February 15, 2008
Dearest Barend and Trees,
Howdy,