Search - Gino Vannelli :: Pauper in Paradise

Describing the Indescribable

Luke V. Saucier, III | Louisiana | 06/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How do you? Gino's music defies simple categorization. As I write this review, I have the 1st Movement of Pauper playing. It is beautiful beyond compare. Thirty years ago I ordered this album (at that time) from one of those buy one, get twelve free deals with Columbia House. I had no idea what I was ordering. I had heard a Gino song on the radio and was just looking to fill the order. What a stroke of luck that was! That began my life-long love of this man's music.

I have always prefered those musicians who write both their own lyrics and music. Gino fits that criteria. Sadly not many of my contemporaries are familiar with his music, nor do they understand or appreciate it. It is hard to classify. It doesn't fit easily into any one genre. As others here have said it is a blend of classical/jazz/latin and pop, but then it is so much more. It is wonderous. It is avant garde. It is not ahead, nor behind of its time. It's timeless. The score for the four movements will leave you speechless. It sounds as incredible to me this moment, no, even more incredible this moment, than thirty years ago. My appreciation has grown. Over the years I have listened to it thousands of times to pick out every note, every nuance. It's good stuff.

I will go out on a limb and suggest that you may not enjoy this CD if you are not a fan of classical music. However, if you are, or you are willing to experiment, give this CD a chance. Who knows, it may change your life."