|
Gino Vannelli live on stage in New Orleans
in Louisiana, USA on Friday 21 and Saterday 22 November 2008:
Hi...Sound check was awesome.......some technical difficulties but you know everything has to be perfect.........will do my best to send pics of tonights show later tonight.
take care,
Susan
Dearest Barend & Trees,
"Summers of my Life" was beautiful and Good Thing truely was a good thing.
Just a few quick photo for you. Patrick Lamb was smiling all night. You can tell that everyone is really enjoying playing together. Lots of old songs with new arrangements.....Great show.
(4):An e-mail from an anonymous person in the USA dated Saterday 22 November 2008 with the subject: GINO VANNELLI!!!!!!!!!!! GINO VANNELLI is a good reason for people to miss work!!! What a voice!!! It was fun and it was good to see and hear Gino again. I am excited for the new CD. Sounds like a totally new sound. A.P. (5):A 4th e-mail from Susan G in New Orleans right after the concert dated Saterday 23 November 2008 with the subject: Saturday show!!!!!!!
Hello!! The only disappointment was not enough of the new songs from the forthcoming CD.........but seeing Gino is always a good thing
(6):An e-mail from Michael & Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi, USA dated 24 November 2008 with the subject: Gino at Harra's New orleans 11/21 nad 11/22/08
Hello from Mick and Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi!
(7):A second e-mail from Michal & Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi, USA dated 24 November 2008 with the subject: Mick and Suanja at Gino concert in New Orleans 11/21-22/08
As you can see, the list is dated 11-08. He shared a couple of stories about his earlier days in the business.
(8):A third e-mail with pictures from Michael & Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi, USA dated 24 November 2008 with the subject: Mick with Gino Pics
(9):An e-mail from Margie W. in Franklinton, Louisiana, USA dated 24 November 2008 with the subject: Gino Vannelli
I was surprised when they announced he would be available after the show for pics and autographs! Who does that??? Of course I insisted to my fiance that we stand in line however long it took so I could get a moment to tell Gino how much I love his music. His voice is in great shape...and so is he! Sexier than ever and better than that he seems genuine and you could tell he was having fun onstage. I'll be a fan forever! I'll attach a few pics for you...the ones of him onstage aren't too clear but you can see who it is. The one of him and I is better although my fiance cut some of his gorgeous hair off and I wish I looked like I did when I was 16 and saw him for the first time but that's life...hahaha! If you are interested I also have some very old pics I can scan of Gino in concert from back in the late 70's and a few from '77 when we followed him to his hotel and got in the lobby to take pics and get his autograph. Even back then he was kind and sweet to us. We even asked him to turn our high school class ring which is a local tradition here and he obliged and asked us what it was all about. His parents raised some great guys! Take care and keep up the good work on your site! I love seeing other people who appreciate the genius that is Gino! xoxoxo.........Margie (10):An e-mail from Kathy in Texas, USA dated 25 November 2008 with the subject: Kathy's Gino Vannelli picture...
Hi guys,
Here is Kathy's message written in our Gino Vannelli guestbook on Monday 11/24/2008 4:56:27am:
Hello, Berand & Trees,
We had front row seats on Fri. night and second row seats on Sat. night... too wonderful! I loved every song and the voice of Gino was perfect. The band was totally awesome, especially Randy and Allan!
I look so forward to meeting you two someday....but for now need to enjoy Texas life for awhile....hahahahaha (11):An e-mail from Terry in Pittsburgh, USA dated 25 November 2008 with the subject: I blew my coop and flew to New Orleans............ To feast my heart on ......... (It's best I not go there!!!) I know there isn't one thing I can add to the accolades! Both shows were just outstanding as always!!! Mama Coco was......... I felt sorry for all those people in Detroit who screamed "Mama Coco" over and over again. Haha! I hope they get the chance to go to a show while it's included in the set list. I thought my head would explode listening to Bert and Alan Caron tear up Good Thing in Montreal this summer but when Allen and Sandin put their twist on it.......... just unbelievable!!!!! The solos by Reinhart, Patrick, Randy....... what can you say that hasn't been said???? The first night we sat next to a gal who manages the hotel that Gino use to stay at on his visits to New Orleans. The owner has his picture with Gino and Joe hanging in his office. She had brought a copy to show Gino and have signed. We stopped by the next day to see the "wall of fame" and to get a photo for you. Neat to see all the photos of the rich and famous who have stayed at the hotel. The owner who is now in his 80's still remembers Gino. The next evening we sat next to a couple of local guys. Their friends had driven all the way from Austin, Texas. They all loved the show!!! Gino thanked everyone for coming out and supporting he and the other musicians during the economic "downturn." When you think of how the city and people are still struggling but to see the turnout - amazing!!! But what really touched my heart was when he read from a Taoist daily meditation book. He chose a verse that offered insights on healing. At first I thought he was going to recite one of his own poems and was a little disappointed. But when I realized he was offering words of support to the people of New Orleans he touched my heart so deeply. Here is the passage: Fire Cools Water seeks its own level "No matter how extreme a situation is, it will change. It cannot continue forever. Thus, a great forest fire is always destined to burn itself out; a turbulent sea will become calmer. Natural events balance themselves out by seeking their opposites, and this process of balance is at the heart of all healing. This process takes time. If an event is not great, the balancing required is slight. If it is momentous, then it may take days, years, even lifetimes for things to return to an even keel. Actually, without these slight imbalances, there could be no movement in life. It is being off balance that keeps life changing. Total centering, total balance would only be stasis. All life is continual destruction and healing, over and over again. That is why, even in the midst of an extreme situation, the wise are patient. Whether the situation is illness, calamity, or their own anger, they know that healing will follow upheaval." 365 Tao - Daily Meditations, Ming-dao Deng
Another great trip, we met some wonderful people and listened to a lot of stories of struggle and survival during and after the storm. We got personal insights from cab drivers, a cemetery caretaker, store owners and even a balloon clown. We drank gallons of hot chocolate, ate way too many beignets and chargrilled oysters. But we were more than happy to contribute to the rebirth of the "Crescent City!" (Trees if you can, please confirm this quote with Gino. I have this book and looked it up but I might be wrong!) (12):An e-mail from Ross Vannelli back home in the USA dated 25 November 2008 with the subject: New Orleans
HI Guys,
DATES: (13):Another e-mail with pictures from Mary Lou in Pennsylvania, USA dated 26 November 2008 with the subject: New Orleans Pics
What a fabulous weekend in New Orleans.
The tickets were for very good seats.
Thanks for all the updates and work you do to keep us all up to date. So many fans
I met in New Orleans mentioned your website and how much they enjoy all that is posted and your dedication to Gino. You are two special people with big hearts.
(14):A 4th e-mail with pictures from Michael & Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi, USA dated 26 November 2008 with the subject: Mick and Suanja Emailing: DSCF0807, DSCF0799, DSCF0801, DSCF0802, DSCF0806, Gino Pics We are still exploring the pictures. The City, Suanja and I, Ross-The Great songwriter/engineer. The songs have swirled in my head now for days and I can't get them out. I don't want to. Can't wait for the new tunes in January. Ross told me it was ready and that I would like it. He is a kind soul. These pictures are for your pleasure. Sorry to send so many. By the way, Sandlin Wilson is awesome!! Sorry I don't have more of him... Mick and Suanja
(15):An e-mail with pictures from Reed in Oklohoma, USA dated 2 December 2008 with the subject: Emailing: Gino New Orleans 8 pictures Some of my pics aren't very good. Had to use my phone, the digital camera we brought, the memory card got left at home. Got what we got. What a GREAT TIME!!!!! Your message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Gino New Orleans 8 pictures... Some of the pics are not so good. I didn't know how to send them all at once, so had to send them one at a time. Sorry, Reed
 (16):A second e-mail from Reed in Oklohoma, USA dated 5 December 2008 with the subject: Gino in New Orleans
The editors B&T: Reed also wrote about New Orleans in our Gino Vannelli guestbook:
Sunday 11/30/2008 7:10:36pm (17):An e-mail with pictures from Melissa A. from Texas! USA dated 29 November 2008 with the subject: New Orleans, Las Vegas fr. Childhood Poem Giver
Dear B & T
I've added 2 pictures, though a little blury, due to the stage lighting from the Vegas show. As I review the others I have, I will try to send more.
 The editors B&T: Here is Melissa's message in our Gino Vannelli guestbook:
Friday 11/28/2008 5:26:13pm
Comments: My husband and I just returned from Gino's excellent show(s) in New Orleans and Las Vegas. What a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. Our first time to see Gino and 25-30 years was worth the wait. The entire band was fantastic. In early years, I couldn't afford to travel much and thankfully my new life has allowed us to do so and see Gino in his works of Art. I began listening to him since I was 7 yrs old, thanks to my older brother(s) who are such fans of Gino; there is no other Artist/composer as creative as he is. Fortunately we got his autograph and picture at the Orleans show, it was so difficult to choose the only one item to be signed so I chose the "Slow Love" cd, the slow-sensual Gino, and my husband got Gino's first release "Crazy Life." What a wonderful feeling! I should add I was able to give him a small gift as we took our picture together: "A childhood Poem" (perhaps Gino will remember)dedicated solely to his music through so many years of my life..These two trips, we will never forget. Patiently waiting for his upcoming Release. Thanks again for your website and keeping us posted! (18):A second e-mail with pictures from Terry & Ken in Pittsburgh, PA, USA dated 5 December 2008 with the subject:
The editors (B&T) totally and completely agree with Terry for us it's a BIG disappointment too!!! We mean so few reactions which we may post on this Gino Vannelli web page!!! Promises... promises... always big promises but most people do not know the value of a promise!!! Most promises mean nothing but we are thankful forever to the people who helped us built this web page with their very enthusiastic and emotional e-mails!!! Thanks for your BIG support to Gino Vannelli's life's work and also to ours! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORDS AND FOR YOUR PICTURES!!! NOBODY CAN TAKE AWAY OUR FEELINGS FOR GINO VANNELLI AND HIS VOICE AND HIS MUSIC!!! B&T dated 5 December 2008. (19):An e-mail from Robert in Texas, USA dated 8 December 2008 with the subject: Guestbook failed:
Dear Barend & Trees, It was the best shows ever, that is for sure! The addition of the Trumpet and Trombone players to Patrick just makes it even better! Patrick had a smile on his face the whole night. You could tell they were all having a blast. Gino was in rare form both nights, what an unbelievable voice!! And the band gets tighter every time I see them. This makes 8 now, can't wait for the next time! I sure hope he makes it a yearly stop!! It sounds like he's sure got a lot going on right now. Are you two going to get to see him this time around? It was great meeting Kathy and Mary, and seeing DJ again. Such an incredible town to see Gino. Gotta be 2nd to Las Vegas. Once again keep up the great work. (20):An e-mail from Patti in New York, USA dated 8 December 2008 with the subject: New Orleans
Hi there~ I have to say these 2 shows were great! Gino has a way of pulling you into the song with such emotion and it's a wonderful experience. The Portland band is so tight now and so together that I have a hard time remembering the other musicians he has toured with. They all were great musicians but these guys can read Gino very well and he seems very comfortable with them. I also LOVE the harmonizing that Sandin does with Gino. It really sounds great. Nick and Ross round out a great team. The crowds were really into the shows and were screaming and chanting Gino, Gino and he was loving it! Who wouldn't? I was asked several times if I would sell some of the pictures and I told everyone to watch your site and management would post some in time. I enjoy taking them and I hope that Ross will share some when he gets a chance to view them. I spent some time with Terry and Ken and we hung out in the French Quarter during the day, munching our way through the town. We met some new Gino fans and saw the hotel that Gino had stayed in for some time in the early years of his career. His photo was on the wall and it was a blast from the past. I offered to send a current one for them to add to the collection and Pam, who worked there, was happy to accept and said she would gladly hang it up. She had attended one of the concerts and was blown away by Gino and the band. I was a little sad that there are no more concerts scheduled in the States for a while but I have many pictures to sort through that will keep me going as well as your site. Reading all the reviews and seeing the photos that people send in is a great way to remember the concerts and the excitement we all had. You have an invaluable source of info here and in the middle of a Gino "dry spell", this is where I remember the great shows and friends I have met along the way. I visit here often and keep myself informed as to what Gino is doing and where he is. Don't ever stop doing this because there are many of us who rely on your services and love you for it. I have to bring Toni from now on...she really hates when I leave her and since I have only left her for Gino, she says I can't go without her anymore. That's okay...she will have fun in a new place, we'll see the town during the day and at night she will be able to see what I get to see, a great performance by Gino, and then another and another and...I don't understand why she doesn't get excited like I still do??? Oh well, she is only 11, she'll grow to love him yet! Keep in touch and have a great Holiday. Patti (21):An e-mail with a picture from Kathy K. from Texas, USA dated 8 December 2008 with the subject: Vegas Picture-Canto
Guess what I just found last night??? I found the box of LPs I had been looking for and I found all of my Gino Vannelli LPs, including the Black Cars that he had signed when I met him in Irving, Texas at a record store! My records are in excellent condition, I am so proud of them, I even had Crazy Life! What wonderful memories I have of playing these while experiencing my college days! (22):A message from the Gino Vannelli guestbook dated Wednesday 12/10/2008 1:17:13am 10 December 2008 from Ron O. in Alabama, USA with the subject: NEW ORLEANS CONCERT FANTASTIC CONCERT.....I HAVE BEEN WAITING 30 YEARS TO SEE GINO IN CONCERT...MY WIFE AND I HAD FRONT ROW SEATS!!!WHAT IMPRESSED ME THE MOST WAS HOW GREAT HIS VOICE STILL SOUNDED. SPEAKING OF THAT I HAD SOME TROUBLE HEARING HIS VOICE OVER THE MUSIC. IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THE MUSIC WAS MUCH LOUDER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH BEING ON THE FRONT ROW BUT I STRUGGLED TO HEAR HIS VOICE ALL NIGHT. DESPITE THAT GINO DID NOT DISSAPOINT. THE MUSICIANS WERE INCREDIBLE TOO. I ONLY WISH THAT HE HAD SUNG "WHEELS OF LIFE".....EVIDENTLY SO DID A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE TOO! HERE'S A FUNNY STORY, MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT RIGHT AFTER THE CONCERT SHE WAS STANDING IN LINE IN THE LADIE'S ROOM AND A BUNCH OF THE LADIE'S WERE SAYING HOW DISSAPOINTED THEY WERE THAT GINO DID NOT SING "WHEELS OF LIFE"....ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE SAID THAT SOMEONE STARTED SINGING THE WORDS TO THE SONG AND THEN THE WHOLE BUNCH JOINED IN THE SINGING....SHE SAIDS IT WAS PRICELESS!!! LAST BUT NOT LEAST THANKS TO B&T FOR SUCH AN INCREDIBLE WEB SITE! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DO TO BRING US INFORNATION ON GINO AND HIS UPCOMING CONCERTS. IF IT WERE NOT FOR YOU I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE CONCERT MUCH LESS GOTTEN FRONT ROW SEATS. KEEP BRINGING US GINO NEWS. CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR. HERE'S HOPING THAT GINO WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR TO PROMOTE HIS NEW ALBUM. STILL ON CLOUD NINE FROM THE CONCERT.......RON (23):An e-mail dated 13 December 2008 from from Ron O. in Alabama, USA with the subject: Thank You for signing... Thanks for the reply as far as I am concerned you guys deserve a "PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD" for what you do. I have always wanted to see GINO in concert ever since BROTHER TO BROTHER in 1978. If it weren't for you guys , I would not have known where or when to buy tickets or for that matter I would not have even known about the Concert much less the precise information you guys provided that allowed to me to get FRONT ROW SEATS. Thanks again from the BIGGEST GINO FAN IN ALABAMA. Sincerely, Ron (24):An e-mail dated 11 December 2008 from from Mary H. in Ohio, USA with the subject: New Orleans!!!!!
Dear B&T, The maestro was not there yet, but the band was....There was a young man who I sat next to, he was reading a sheet of music and had his instrument case with him. We started talking and he said they had hired him to play for the two nights!!!!What a thrill for a young musician....I was so happy for him....What an honor it had to be to play in a concert with Gino Vannelli!!!! He was reading the sheet music for "Summers of my Life". He said he was from North Carolina but had moved to New Orleans, he was a very nice young man. About an hour later, I looked over and guess who walks in.....The man himself, I could not believe that I was there....Ohhh, the practice was so wonderful to watch as a fan. To hear Gino warm up his voice.....WOW!!! I will never forget it...I think I sat there for 4-5 hours!!!!! It was amazing, a big THANK YOU to Ross for letting me stay and enjoy..... Oh and the concerts!!!!!! Michelle, Susan, Kathy and I had front row seats...OMG, what a thrill to have nothing but the stage in front of you!!!!! We were so lucky. Mama Coco was the best version I have ever heard...I hope he releases that version on the new cd. WOW!!! Summers of My Life was incredible too!!!! As a fan, to have Gino sit right in front of you with nobody blocking the view is an out of this world experience. The first night, he sat on the piano bench, right smack in front of me....You really see all that he puts into it!!!! He was dancing and getting into the concerts both nights, the energy from him and the band is incredible...Watching him interact with the band is like fire!!!! The first night he was grinning from ear to ear, having a blast!!!! He even walked to my side of the stage in the middle of the concert and shook hands with me and my friends, what a thrill that was....As usual, he was gracious to all of the fans on both nights after the show. Another wonderful Vannelli heaven experience for me.....Three in a year, I still can't believe it!!!!! I know there will be more to come.... Love from the USA, (and maybe more American coffee too, LOL) Mary......P.S. I had Gino sign the tag on my Gino Sista's t-shirt that my daughter made that Mary W., Donja also have...LOL...I think we need to make one for Mr. C !!!! (25):An e-mail dated 11 December 2008 from from Reed B. in Oklohoma, USA with the subject: New Orleans picture...
Reed's GINO VANNELLI goodies all signed in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. A correction e-mail from Reed in Oklohoma, USA dated 26 December 2008 with the subject: Autographs Dear B&T, What a great website!!! Thanks for all you do!!! Reed
Thanks, many and big thanks to our reporters in New Orleans who made pictures too: Susan G. - Michael & Suanja A. - Margie W. - Mary Lou - Kathy in Texas. | ||||||||||
(1):The Very first e-mail from New Orleans dated Friday afternoon 21 November 2008 from Susan G. with the subject: Today's sound check
Hey there Barend & Trees!
Two SOLD OUT shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello greetings from Texas!
