September 2003 :Gino Vannelli promoting His masterpiece CANTO in Canada : Toronto & Ottawa...
First Part from Judy Marazzi : Gino and David were accompanied by a new band that sounded GREAT!! (And I heard Gino say, only a couple days of rehearsal) I wasn't able to get everybody's name, but I know that the guitarist was Scott, bass-Rene', drums-Mark, and I didn't get the horn player's name or the guy on synthesizers. They did a wonderful job!!! I was right next to the stage, but there was a speaker that blocked my view a little bit. (But a good view of GINO!!) It was very nice to see Mario and Ives--such nice guys!! back with Gino. I got to see Gord and Karen again, and to my surprise, Helene' was there!!
Gino had on black - no surprise there! - and came on stage with a big smile! Here is the song list:
Wheels of Life
Then, the "Chick Quartet" took the stage ("with one transvestite on bass") Next:
People Gotta Move (I gave Gino and the guys a Standing Ovation on this!! It just rocked -- this band for being new lit this song on fire!!)
Hurts to be in Love -- the song that always catches my heart and brings tears
The only bad thing about this show was there was NO! -- No camera's allowed! I would love to have pictures of Gino on stage, and a picture of the Theatre so you could see how lovely it was. I tried to take a photo of the banners with Gino's picture on them, and was told absolutely NOT!
I will add to this, I have a little more to tell, but wanted to dash this off to you so Gino fans can read some information. I did manage to get a couple of photo's after the show, and will develop them and forward them to you for the web site. I do have a few small items from the show.
My thanks to Mario and again to the Vannelli family! Barend and Trees: Okay here is part two.... If you can download this Pope picture and put it in the story it would be really cool. (and funny, I hope!)
He also told of going to promote the Canto album, and he was picked up by limo to go to the radio/tv station. The driver told Gino how good it was to "see him back" in the public's eye again. Then when Gino arrived, the driver announce his arrival, saying something like, "Dino Ginnelli has arrived!" (And we all complain when the venues spell Vannelli wrong!!)
The morning after the show, as I was going to breakfast, I saw the front page of the Ottawa paper, and had to giggle. I took the paper to breakfast, and joined the Vannelli family. I told them that Gino's story the night before had reached the Vatican, and the Pope's reaction was front page news.
I am also sending copies of the three photo's I got to take after the show.
I hope you can see these. I don't have a scanner, and I had a friend scan them and send them to me. Barend and Trees will be getting the photo's by snail mail and maybe they can insert them again for you all to see.
end of part two... hope you can transfer these photo's some how!!  Words from the editor : Dear Judy thanks again for your stories which are very nice and great to read not only by us but also by people all over this planet without you and Gord (The Gino Vannelli reporters !) We could not follow what and where Gino is performing !!! Saterday 11 October 2003, we received Judy's package with the pictures and a great ticket signed by Gino !!! And also great souvenirs !!! We tried to scan the pictures the best we can. Here we go :
Gino Vannelli's number one fan on this planet : Uncle Vic Vannelli !!! Gino Vannelli shaking hands after again a great live concert in Ottawa, Canada. Gino Vannelli with fans and admirers pose for the pictures.... Here is the second review from Gord in Toronto, Canada :
Dear Barend & Trees: On stage Gino had with him a new, mainly Canadian band. They sounded GREAT! Gino was in a playful mood on stage and kidded around with the “sexy chick (string) quartet” (Gino’s words). It was great seeing the flirtatious antics of Gino and the quartet.
The sound was excellent as was Gino’s voice. It was great hearing
songs like, “Wheel of Life”, "Powerful People” "Keep on Walking”
Gino also sang a few songs from ‘Canto’ which, to me is always awe
inspiring…his voice only gets better!
I met up with Judy, and only had a brief opportunity to speak with her.
From the stage, Gino appeared pleased in seeing her there at Casino
Gatineau.
As Judy said in her review, the casino forbid any picture taking…. in
and outside of the casino. Our loss. The number one reaction from Indigo - Toronto, Canada by Judy !!! Gino Vannelli live at Indigo Thursday 4 September 2003 6.30pm :
Dear Barend and Trees,
I got to meet Gordon and his wife-very lovely people!!!
I saw David first--I had hoped he would be here. When he saw me, he opened his arms up and so did I for a BIG Hug!!! I said "I have something for you from me and Barend and Trees--a big Hug and Kiss!" He said he would send one back to you thru me! We got to talk some and then Gino came in. Boy, Gino made me feel really special-- he stopped to say Hello and give me a hug and kiss on the cheek! I think he was surprised and amused to see me! He did a brief sound check, and went out for a while. The store then introduced him, and he came out. They roped off an area for the performers and the audience stood around the area. I am not sure, but there were probably a few hundred folks there. Gino started with Canto, then did The Last Dance. He talked some, then someone shouted out "People Gotta Move", Oh, I am having a brain lapse. I forget the next song! And it was so funny, cause he forgot the lyrics 2 times in the middle of the song, and laughed. He did Parole Per Mio Padre, and told of his visit to perform at the Vatican. He ended with I Just Wanna Stop, and then he signed cd's. Yesterday was my parents 49th wedding Anniversary, and he signed both a card and a cd for them! I really appreciated that alot, and my Mom will think it is so special!
I wanted to add I remembered it was "Wild Horses" that Gino missed some of the lyrics. He sang, " I DO know the lyrics" and ad-libbed another line about the lyrics instead of the actual lyrics towards the end of the song. He was very playful about it with the audience, and everybody got a laugh.
Also, I was really happy to catch a great TV spot during a commercial break that was promotion about Canto--it had the music of the song Canto, and some of the photos used from the CD. The voice said something along the lines of "You know him and have loved him for a long time- now hear Gino Vannelli as you never have before" I felt so very happy, knowing that some effort to advertise on Gino's behalf is happening! I just wished those spots were on every TV everywhere for people all over the world to see!
Gord told you that Gino was dressed casual, jeans and white shirt. I heard a couple of men comment that they could hardly believe their eyes--how good Gino looked. There was some envy, but in a good, complementary way to Gino!
Also, I was impressed and quite pleased with the store and the employees. They went out of their way to try to answer all questions that people asked (ME!) and then when I told the marketing director of your site, and the auctions that you have done with Gino Goodies, they were very willing to help me get another item to forward to you! Here are Judy's pictures made in Toronto, Canada 4 September 2003: * * The venue in Toronto, Canada * * A close up of the Indigo books and music store * * Inside the music store with the great Gino Vannelli poster which is signed by Gino Vannelli and which we will auction starting at 15 October 2003 ! * * A very intimate and unforgettable Gino Vannelli concert * * Yes there is always an end also to a Gino Vannelli life concert... * * Than again Gino makes time for His fans * * pictures... signatures... * * And last but not least Judy and David Goldblatt the Master of the Grand-Piano * *
I overheard one of the promoters say that there were about 225 people in the
store to see and hear Gino.
Gino sounded fantastic as he sang 'Canto', 'The Last Dance', 'Wild Horses',
'Parole Per Mio Padre', and 'I Just Want To Stop'. It was quite amazing to
watch and hear people express their joy in seeing Gino and to hear him sing
his new songs from 'Canto'! I think a lot of CDs were sold!
Gino appeared relaxed in blue jeans and a collar-less white shirt as he
sang. We took 8 digital pictures of Gino, I will forward you these photos
when I get back to my homebase office next week.
I introduced myself to David Goldblatt, in which I had the opportunity to
say "Hi" to him for you both. He asked how you both were and mentioned that
he must write you. David looked relaxed, fit and tanned.
I also met Judy from Dayton, Ohio, whom seems like a very nice person. I am
sure that she will be contacting you soon. We will be seeing her in Quebec.
Well, I must get started on some work stuff, I will write soon. Have a
great weekend!
Photo 1 : David Goldblatt - Photo 2 : Test... testing...
Photo 3 : Gino checking the sounds and His gear !!! - Photo 4
Photo 5 : Gino Vannelli drinking the water of life, while David's fingers move the keys of the grand-piano in a masterly way !!!
Photo 6 : Gino Vannelli conducts the small orchestra like the Master of Music !!! The audience deeply enjoyed Gino Vannelli's live performance... What a dream such an intimate concert... And what a Master of Music giving the audience the same magical emotions as in a big concert hall with His Voice... with His Music... and with His beautiful Spirit... The third review by Peter from Toronto : Hi Barend and Trees! Thank you for getting back to me, and thank you for asking about my family. We are all doing rather well, and of course now living in Toronto. Yes, last Thurs evening at around 6:00 we strolled over to the Indigo bookstore at Bay and Bloor.. it seemed almost magical Gino was performing so close.. and for free!
We arrived a few minutes early, and there were about a 100 people gathered around the stage area He followed with "Last Dance", but he did admit he was reluctant to include the song on the CD. He was aware that he needed something on the CD that would receive airplay. He told the story of how he recruited brothers Ross and Russ for this number, in fact he did phone Russ asking him if he had 'any hooks lying around'. Then for me came the highlight of the evening when he performed a jazz ensemble version of "Wild Horses' with piano, bass, drums, tenor sax, which was outstanding. Other than the melody, was nothing at all like the recorded version. The chord changes were totally different ( something he does while performing many of his earlier works ). It worked very well, as it seemed the band would have really enjoyed continuing performing what seemed like an improvised effort . Gino did forget a few of the lyrics, but no one seemed to care, in fact it gave Gino an opportunity to provide a few well-placed self-deprecating wisecracks. Upon introducing his next song, the lovely "Parole Per Mio Padre " Gino then told the story of how he had met the Pope... the Pope apparently told him to 'do something with his hair'.. which provided another light moment. The arrangement of this song was probably the closest to that of the CD, and of course, sung beautifully and passionately. He then ended the evening with his newer arrangement of "I Just Wanna Stop", again giving the opportunity for the audience to sing along -- which they did remarkably well, considering the relatively small number attending! In the end, I found it a very satisfying 'mini-concert'.. as his pure artistry shone through, and was willing to share it with his audience -- in a unique brand of informal intimacy.
Gino did make himself available to sign CD's that were bought in the store. We didn't stay for that but I would like to meet Gino sometime, but I would like to discuss technical and musical things with him -- such as composition and chord changes, and this would have not been the place for that -- but Jojo and I left right after the show, because we had tickets to ther baseball game too, and it had already started!
Subject : September 3, 2003 - Comments on Gino on CityTV's 'Cityline' Program
Hi Barend and Trees: Gino sang beautifully and he looked great! The one hour TV program was recorded live and was broadcast nationally across Canada. The TV show has Gino offering some interesting and personal thoughts on his life and career. Some quotes from Gino are: "Letting go of the past is building of the future" and "He would like to move music in a new direction when everyone else wants you in the old direction". Gino also commented on that he loves classical and Jazz music. The 'Cityline' show was interesting and allowed a lot of time for Gino to speak about his music, life and family. At the end of the show, Gino mentions some fall tour dates in Eastern Canada, then Europe and then full orchestral concerts in central Canada and, I think the U.S. in the new year. I hope Holland is on his tour radar for you.
I truly wish you both the best of health and that life has to offer.
Gord Subject : City Line
Today I was able to catch the City Line program on a local station.
Just wanted to let you know that it was on and I hope other people enjoyed as much as I did.  There are promises flowing around that we will get pictures in the mail, the "normal" mail from the City Line show and when we receive such pictures we will show them overhere ofcourse, so keep on coming back...who knows what will fall down in our mailbox. Copyright (c) Barend and Trees in Holland 2003 - 2007 Back to Canto : the Master in Masterpieces. Back to the top of this page... Thanks to Gord and Karen B. - Thanks to Judy M. - Thanks to Peter K. - Thanks to Sharon M. For their never ending support to Gino Vannelli's life's work !!!
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