Gino Vannelli - Canto (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Gino Returns!!

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 07/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Canto" is Gino Vannelli's first album in over five years. What a comeback it is!! Gino's vocal gymnastics have more bravado than ever before. Also, he not only expands his pallet musically but ligually. On "Canto", Gino sings original compositions in Italian, French, Spanish as well as three in English. For the most part, Gino is accompanied by a full symphonic orchestra. The overall musical sound is a cross between a full-blown opera and a broadway musical. Only the ballad, "The Last Dance" shows off the more familiar Gino Vannelli style.
Gino's latest effort is truly surprising and extraordinary. The emotion in his voice cuts right through the speakers sending shivers up the spine. I almost didn't pick up this album because it was not sung entirely in English. After hearing it, I'm glad I did. You don't have to be fluent in Italian, French or Spanish to understand this music. The music as well as Gino's flawless vocal performance say it all no matter what language it's being sung in. "Canto" is truly a triumphant return for Gino Vannelli. Highly recommended."

Bravissimo!

Jeff Scott | Owasso, Oklahoma USA | 07/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long-time Gino Vanelli fan, I was intrigued by the sound bytes from this CD's previews. From the beginning of the first track I was in awe. As another reviewer mentioned, the groundwork laid in Pauper in Paradise begins to be fully realised with this effort.
Vanelli has always impressed my with his vocal range, but reaches new heights with Canto. Perhaps the most striking revelation to me, was that once again, he's realized the ability to touch deep into your soul with his music. While I've never heard anything by Vannelli that I didn't like, few of his albums have left the mark on my that his earlier works such as Pauper in Paradise and Powerful People left.Interestingly enough, my teenage daughter is also enraptured with this CD. Once again, Vannelli has demonstrated his ability to cross not only cultural and genre boundaries, but also time and age.I can only hope this is the first of many more efforts in this vein.If you're even remotely a fan of Gino Vannelli, this is a must have addition to your collection."

What happened to the Gino Vanelli I loved?

John C. Courtney | New Orleans, LA | 07/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a Vanelli fan since I was in 7th grade. Along with my own musical and psychological development, I have enjoyed watching and listening to his changes (and growth). My musical tastes have shifted over the years and I have liked some of his albums/CD's more than others. Now comes "Canto." I am stunned. This music grows the backdrop that Pauper tried to be and "Yonder Tree" began to hint clearly at. The combination of his lyrical poetry, magnificent orchestrations, and a voice that has matured into the phenomenal produces a series of pieces that prods the listener to be careful, to relax, to dream, and to attend to the melodic intensity. *THIS* is a great work. Is it for everyone? No, of course not. But, then again, neither is Eminem's work . . .and his efforts will sell millions more without being 1 ml as musically deep as that found in "Canto."If you read this, Gino Vanelli, congratulations on a tremendous result. I think it was worth the wait..."

Gino Never Better

Truth Seeker | Seattle area, USA | 12/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gino Vannelli has done it again--created yet another masterpiece in an over 30-year career that is still going as strong as ever. When I first heard this Canto CD, I thought "only three songs in English." But it turns out that it doesn't matter what the language is--every song is a gem, perfectly paced as only Gino can do it with his always right-on musical instincts. You don't need to speak all the languages to feel the message.

At first, my immediate favorite was Wayward Lover, a Celtic-touched ballad that evokes images of a solitary man walking down a rural road toward his far-off home. On the threshold stands his woman as she spies him coming back to her from his long journey. It's a powerful song about devotion and the discovery of the things in life that really matter.

The more I play this CD, the more favorites I have. All of the songs are equally emotional, as Gino's voice soars and soothes with his usual honesty and soulful intensity. From the three incredibly beautiful duets, to Mala Luna with its darkly atmospheric Gypsy guitar, to the anguish of Dea Speranza, this CD is magnificent from start to finish. The final song, The Last Days of Summer, is the perfect ending for this latest musical journey. Gino's voice has never been stronger. If these songs don't give you goosebumps, you might want to check for a pulse.

Any fans who don't like this CD because they think it's too far removed from Gino's pop or jazz releases need to realize that we're just along for the ride with the gifted Mr. Vannelli. His refusal to be put into a category over the years is to our benefit, as we are always the lucky recipients of his diverse artistic works. Buy this CD!

"

A true artist who follows his vision

Bruma | TN | 11/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off, I have been a Gino fan since the mid '70s. With each album (they were albums before they morphed into CDs!!), Gino had a different twist on his music. Initially, I was drawn to the intricate pop/jazz and his deeply sensual lyrics. Case in point, "Omens of Love" on Gist of Gemini album.

But as fans, I think we forget our favorite artists grow as we do. Gino has always looked at his music as a live and growing work of art and wasn't afraid to try new paths. Yes, Canto is opera-lite. No, I'm not an opera fan but this album works for me because I like the artist enough that I can transcend the opera setting. Just listening to his voice range and emotions is very moving.

Listening to this album is like loving a person even if they change from what you loved in the beginning. You aren't afraid to experience and grow with them.

"

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