As some of you may be aware, TheBluesBlogger site experienced a technical glitch during an update to the latest version of WordPress 2.6. (My platform of choice that operates this site) This is not a technical blog, so I won’t be getting into any blogging platform jargon… Many of you who own their own blogs fear if things go wrong. And when it does, you all know the feeling.
WordPress 2.6
I must have sounded like Garry Shandling on the WordPress support forum. My whine was so great that I think the first response to my post was in 18 seconds … I must say that throughout the whole experience I learned a lot. The support team was incredible. One of the members on the forum went above and beyond and totally fixed my site. It was my birthday and after several crappy days my mind was finally at ease. I’m so grateful that I wanted to write something on the site for them. But how could I weave this one? Then I discovered that the new platform I upgraded to had a codename called Tyner.
McCoy Tyner
was born in Philadelphia on December 11, 1938. The oldest of three children, he was encouraged to study piano by his mother. Beginning his studies as an early teen, it didn’t take long for music to become his central focus. McCoy studied at the West Philadelphia Music School and later at Granoff School of Music. Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum would become McCoy’s major influences while learning his trade.
Tyner is best remembered from his days with John Coltrane. He first met Coltrane when he was 17 in Philadelphia and their rapport developed immediately. Tyner participated in some landmark Coltrane recording such as Africa Brass, A Love Supreme, and My Favourite Things. He also recorded many of his own albums for Impulse which included the classics such as “Inception”, “Night of Ballads and Blues”, and “Live at Newport.” And then later for Blue Note, which enabled him to feature his rich piano sound to amazing effect.
The list of accomplishments from this great pianist is vast. You can get more information regarding McCoy Tyner from his website by clicking here. Recently he has achieved a rejuvenated appreciation as a major player in the international jazz scene. His distinct and dynamic style has inspired a whole new generation of musicians, fans and even software developers around the globe.
WordPress Developers
have dedicated the 2.6 version of their blogging platform to this great musician. As a blogger who loves using the software for TheBluesBlogger site, I thought it would be cool to make mention of them and their fine support team that helped me get this blog back on track.
One thing I should mention… If you’re using WordPress and need assistance, please read through the FAQ’s first. These are very busy people and most questions can be answered by simply reviewing previously written posts. This is the best way to resolve problems that you may be currently having.
TheBluesBloggersWife, or otherwise known as TBBW, wanted to thank the team at WordPress as well. I think she was getting tired of seeing me drag my rear around the house. Tonight we are going out for my official belated birthday dinner and these guys certainly made a difference in brightening up the weekend. Good show… I look forward to future releases of this great blogging platform.
The winner of the Al Di Meola Birthday Trivia Challenge was Paul F! He had a score of 100% and won an Official Al Di Meola Prize Pack from Return2forever.com Congratulations Paul!
Thank you all for playing, and if you did not win, you can still order your own Return to Forever gear HERE.
Where has the time gone? It’s an interesting journey as I attempt to weave my personal life together with my experiences relating to music… This one in particular is a little more personal and telling than others, but it’s a story that I remember fondly. ( You can find Part 1 of this article by clicking here. )
While putting together Part 2 of this piece, I came across a recent article written about Vannelli. There was a quote that stood out that plays through my head. In it he said, “Passion operates on its own frequency.” It has a nice ring to it! I definitely believe it is needed in order to gain any kind of respect from your audience. Gino made mention of this zeal when discussing his latest stay in Holland and his involvement with several Dutch jazz musicians. The video you see above clearly shows that he still has the passion and desire. It’s an example of one of his well known songs re-arranged in a new setting that is performed to perfection.
Gino continues to be busy creating new musical works that to me compare with fine art. He is currently working on an album that, if all goes well, will be out this October or November 2008. Many of his loyal fans are anxious to see what Gino has discovered and created this time around. It will be the follow up to his 2006 release, These Are the Days… Prior to that he came out with Canto in 2003; a musical foray into a more classical endeavor sung in a combination of Italian, French and English lyrics. Slow Love in 1998 and Yonder Tree in 1995 were more jazz influenced releases.
Then I started to recall my own experience with Vannelli. In 1991 he was in the midst of moving his family from L.A. to rural Oregon. We discussed how his working habits changed since becoming a family man. And the itch he was getting as he prepared to go out on the road after 12 years … As I typed the words below, I remembered my telephone interview and I started to
Flashback To 1991
For 17 years, Gino Vannelli has experienced a very successful and consistent career. Since 1973’s Crazy Life, his music has gone through many changes, reflecting the fact that the times and the methods people use to express themselves have progressed. With his latest release, Inconsolable Man, Vannelli enters his career’s third decade, proving he still has the skills to survive music’s turbulent moments.
In 1974 he received his first Grammy nomination for “Powerful People”. Then came his nomination for best pop performance for “I Just Want To Stop” in 1978. As well, he has received five consecutive Juno awards as Canada’s number one singer. In the 80s he scored hit singles with “Living Inside Myself”, “Black Cars”, and “Wild Horses” in 1987. In that same year he and his brother Joe won recording engineer of the year.
With his new release Vannelli mixes a bit of the old (by retaining some of the feel he maintained throughout the 80s) with currently available technology. As a result, the record has more of an R&B feel to it, and we get to see a truer side of the man’s personality. He dwells more on the human condition, expressing current themes that exist in today’s society. Stylistically somewhat different, songs like “Should I Lose This Love” and “The Jokers Wild” set this release apart from his previous recordings, and I don’t think Vannelli would want it any other way.
Speaking to Vannelli at his home is Los Angeles; he had a soft-spoken, relaxed, and sensitive attitude.
“I always try to keep my ear trained and my heart open to the possibilities of music”, he commented.
There appears to be a side to his character that needs to break free. As time goes by, certain things have dictated a degree of change, and for one reason or another these changes may have prevented him from touring. But certain technological modifications, along with a change of heart, have propelled him back to the stage after a 12-year absence.
“It’s sort of like a monster within you”, Vannelli explained. “And if you don’t let him out, he starts devouring up the cage. So this monster started devouring up the cage inside my body, and so I said that I was going to let him out and together we will take a peek. I don’t know what he looks like, and I don’t know how solid the cage is, but let’s do it.”
Throughout his career, Vannelli’s brother Joe has been there to help out by acting as co-producer and arranger, as well as contributing most of the keyboard work. “Joe and myself have a healthy relationship. He does what he does, and I do what I do, and together we are a team”.
Besides Joe, others joining Vannelli on his tour include Enzo Tedesco on drums, Mike Miller on guitar, and background vocalist Maxayne Lewis.
“You know, I’m really happy with the way rehearsals have been going. It’s a very unique sounding show. We’ve reproduced the records to a tee and more.”
As the conversation continued, I asked Vannelli about his family and if he found enough time to spend with his four-year-old son while recording.
“I’ve been devoting as much time as I can to my family. It’s certainly a different perspective on life having to take care of a little boy instead of spending hours at the piano. You find as you get older, and you get more people in the household, time management becomes the essence of existence,” Vannelli answered.
While L.A. has been Vannelli’s adopted home for 12 years now, he plans to move his family to the northwest at some point, as he finds himself tiring of the smog and congestion. He also hopes a move will inspire ‘a birth of creativity”.
At some point in the conversation, we started to discuss the current music marketplace. I was curious as to his thoughts on what was being produced today, and if he had any specific artists that he preferred to listen to.
“Music is kind of in a strange place right now. I’m not really a listener these days to pop radio, although I do listen enough. It seems to me that, especially in the U.S., a lot of record companies are really more interested in signing a dance group or a heavy metal band, rather than a solo artist. There are some exceptions, but not many. I can’t say that there is a problem, but music is so unspecific these days. A lot of people have mastered doing a pop record, where as 20 years ago, the great pop records and producers were few and far between. Although productions are great and a lot of musicians are great today, I suppose the only missing ingredient is that truly well composed songs are not commonplace. So in that sense, I will always go back and listen to Paul Simon’s Graceland, which has a lot of really nice lyric writing. And of course Sting’s last work is really good. As well, I listen to a lot of classical and jazz music.”
A lot of Vannelli fans of the 70s developed a taste for his inventiveness. As the 80s approached, his music began to progress in different directions, and some of his older fans may have felt left out.
“The physical universe depends upon change. Everything atomically is moving. If an artist keeps repeating himself and doing the same kind of stuff, it becomes very hard to handle,” Vannelli explained. “To me, “Black Cars” is fun to do, and something like “Wild Horses” I’ve never done before. So whether some of the things I’ve done is everybody’s cup of tea will be up to them. You can’t be all things to all people all the time”.
That doesn’t mean any of his older fans should despair. In his live performances he will span his whole career, going right back to the very first work he ever recorded. Vannelli assures us that his band is a very tight, skillful, and entertaining unit.
Since Vannelli hasn’t released a record since Big Dreamers Never Sleep (which was three and a half years ago), he is very excited to get rolling again. With his new single, “The Time Of Day”, receiving such excellent response from the radio stations, it would appear that Gino Vannelli will continue to receive the respect he deserves well into this decade.
Gino Vannelli Returns To The Stage After 12 Year Absence
Back To The Present
And that was the article. So there you have it … The title of this post was taken from a song of Gino’s from 1991’s Inconsolable Man. I never forgot his kind words of encouragement… I wanted to mix a bit of the past with a some of the new and create a unique updated article that honors this great artist. I hope you enjoyed the journey… Thanks Gino.
Last but not least, I would not have the opportunities that exist today if it weren’t for my family. Their love and support is truly my driving force… Since my heart attack last fall I have now shed over 50 pounds. Thanks to TBBW, I’ve been eating great and exercising. And I feel fantastic!
Now forgive me as I must prepare the evening I owe TBBW for finding the above article. I will post updates in the comments below. But before I go … I have to ask you… Do you have any Gino Vannelli stories or relate any of Gino’s music to times in your life? Please feel free to send your comments below.
When I first started this blog I mentioned I hadn’t written much in the past 20 years. Since my heart attack last fall, I decided I would take a journey and rediscover myself through my love of writing and joy of music… As a result TheBluesBlogger was born and I had a canvas to work with.
I always wanted to do an article featuring Gino Vannelli. His story, as you will see, is an interesting addition to this site… From the very beginning of his career, I enjoyed listening to his music. Some of Gino’s songs throughout many of his albums and the level of musicianship involved was remarkable … I have an enormous respect for Mr. Vannelli.
Before I started to write this piece, I kept on thinking about a previous article I did on Vannelli over 17 years ago. I called this the “lost article” as I have searched unsuccessfully for it. A few days ago my wife TBBW came into the den with a playful grin holding something behind her back. Making me close my eyes, she then told me to open them as she held the missing article in front of me. I was a bit surprised as it has been well over 10 years since I’ve last seen it. As I went to reach for it, she pulled it away… “A night of fine dining and good lovin,” she said. Reminding me of the promise I made if she ever found it. It was to be a home cooked meal with no kid too! Boy I had my work really cut out for me. Was it going to be worth it? Well I guess we will see.
Reading through my article after all that time passed, got me even more intrigued to do something else for this very talented artist. Times sure have changed since then. Especially the way we deliver information. I no longer require a publisher to have my work read and I enjoy the freedom to express myself and the process tremendously.
Gino Vannelli
was born in Montreal Canada in 1952. Vannelli developed a love for music at an early age. His father was a jazz musician and it helped inspire Gino who went on to study drums and music theory at McGill University… He gained further influence through jazz drummers such as Ed Thigpen, Joe Morello, Gene Krupa and Elvin Jones.
Vannelli formed his first band at the age of 12 called The Cobras. This band featured his brother Joe on keyboards and it set the stage for Gino to further develop his guitar playing and singing. It would also mark the beginning of a unique and innovative partnership with his brother. At 14 Vannelli love for classical music grew, and he would attend The Montreal Symphony concerts regularly.
At 17 Gino picked up his first record deal with RCA Canada. Shortly afterwards he moved to Los Angeles with Joe in search of a U.S. record deal. The Vannelli brothers had a difficult time getting any real commitments, as their music appeared to go beyond the safe mainstream territory that was so popular in the seventies.
A Desperate Act
Feeling his time was running out in L.A. and with a move back home beckoning, he tried something a little crazy … He would hang out in front of A&M studios and wait for then head Herb Albert to appear. When Gino spotted him in the parking lot of the studio, he ran past security and asked Herb for an audition. Instead of being apprehensive, Albert got interested and granted Vannelli his wish.
As somebody who listened to a lot of music growing up, I welcomed the innovative style when listening to the Gino’s early stuff. The keyboard work of Joe Vannelli was astounding to me. I must admit I digged the whole Vannelli scene. Yes … Gino had that Saturday night fever v-neck white jump suit look, but those were the times, man. The chicks also dug it! As a fan of the music itself, you needed to look beyond just the hair, dance kicks and hips. If you couldn’t, you really missed out on something. He always had great musicians playing with him! Guys like drummers Mark Craney, Casey Scheurell and Enzo Tedesco. Guitar players Carlos Rios and Mike Miller and the list goes on … Gino not only has charisma, he has more talent than a lot people ever gave him credit for. Throughout his career, he created a decent sized fan base and a huge following in both Europe and Canada that still exists until today.
Back in 1991
out of the blue, I was called by a friend who was an entertainment editor. He asked if I would consider writing an article on Gino Vannelli for one of his magazines. At the time, Vannelli just came out with the album Inconsolable Man, three and a half years after his previous album Big Dreamers Never Sleep. It was also going to be his first live tour in 12 years.
I recall starting my gig at the recording studio the same year that Gino’s successful 1978 album Brother to Brother was released. Coincidentally, I ended up meeting and working with several of Vannelli’s road people at the time. It marks a very interesting chapter in my life. I guess those guys thought I was cool because they were always trying to drag me out of the studio and onto the road with their current projects.
Anyway …
I agreed to do the article because it was a change of pace from what I was doing in 1991. And I felt that perhaps I could put something interesting together. I remember truly trying to do the best job I could and I really enjoyed the whole experience. My biggest challenge was overcoming my inexperience of the telephone interview. I’m terrible on the phone and much preferred to discuss matters in person. Unfortunately this is not always possible.
After the article was published, Gino requested to meet with me and we got together one night… And he gave me one of the greatest compliments I ever received; a positive endorsement for my writing style. He also said I had a gift that should be explored and I should go after it and see where it took me … We discussed a bit about our studio days and life in general. And then we both set out on our desired paths. I never forgot our meeting and his words of encouragement. How ironic that it became one of the last writing gigs I have done until recently.
I didn’t want to give too much biographical information in Part 1 because I decided I’m going to turn the clock back to 1991 and give my readers of this blog the opportunity to view that Vannelli article. In Part 2 of Moment to Moment, I will take you on journey back 17 years to a musical flashback with TheBluesBlogger and the great Gino Vannelli … And I will also keep you posted on my special night with TBBW. Not too much personal information of course, but perhaps the food portion of the evening. Any ideas on what I should be cooking? I really could use your suggestions!
The music seen and heard on this site are meant to enhance the enjoyment of the articles and the reader's overall experience. My intention is to honor the artists that have inspired me by weaving my personal experiences together with my love of their music... If you like the music you hear, I urge you to support them by attending their performances and/or purchasing their music. If you hold the copyright and would like me to remove your song then please contact me. I will do so immediately upon request.
Moment to Moment [4:48m]: 
