Customer Reviews

Canto

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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 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!

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.

This collection presents Gino Vannelli's magnificent voice in a format he hadn't recorded previously. Let's call it pop-opera, for lack of a more precise description. The beauty (tender, heart-tugging ballads) of this music is matched by the power (brawn) of Vannelli's voice, soaring to operatic heights with passion and confidence. I'm no opera critic (or fan), so I can't really say if the performance compares to those of legitemate opera singers. But I can say that, for a popular recording, this is one remarkable vocal tour de force, accompanied by lush but not over-done orchestration. A highlight: the Celtic folk-influenced "Wayward Lover," a song that brings me to tears. Why this CD has not been formally released (or marketed) in the US as of this writing is beyond me. Millions more should be exposed to the beauty of this remarkable recording.

I first heard Gino Vannelli back in 1975 by accident. American Bandstand was on the TV featuring a vocalist singing this very funky catchy tune called "People Gotta Move". Enthralled with the unique sound and this long haired vocalist with a tremendous voice, I instantly became a fan. Since 1973, Gino has made fourteen albums. Each work is brilliantly written, performed and produced. Canto, the culmination of 30 years of creating exposes Gino for what he truly is, a brilliant vocalist, writer, musician, and artist. Sung in four different languages, this album is a beautiful showcase for his extraordinary talent. Had a rough day? Sit back and listen to this CD. This music will touch your heart, your mind, and your soul. If you're a fan of Gino, then this album is a must. If you have somehow stumbled on to this review and have never heard any of Gino's work, do yourself a favor and start listening. Gino is one of the finest musicians in the world and unfortunately not too many people know about him. He is so much more than the guy who sung "I Just Wanna' Stop". It's time to spread the word and give Gino his due.

Thank you Mr. Vanelli, for creating another *masterpiece* that opens the heart and makes the soul sing!!

What a beaufiful cd...every piece is amazing. Since Crazy Life, you have inspired me...with Pauper and Paradise, you stunned me!

I have no words to describe Canto. Just....Thank you!

I am so glad that you followed your heart and decided to share this wonderful music with the world! What a loss if you had never recorded again!

Your fans will always adore your music and want more! Always!

May the Universe give back to you what you have given to us!

Like so many others, I've been a fan for decades. The first time I heard Gino I was driving my Pinto to college. People Gotta Move came on, and I lierally pulled the car over to wait and hear the name of this amazing new artist. I was late to class, but it was worth it.
I've bought every one of Gino's albums/cds, including "Crazy Life", and I've enjoyed them all, to various degrees.
I must admit that I became worried in the 90's, when it seemed like his voice was getting overworked. On several albums (be honest: you know the ones I mean) his voice seemed strained, and I wondered if we'd seen the end of the power and range (and that freaky falsetto thing he used to do). Lucky for us, the voice is back.
Gino credits his vocal coach on "Canto" and the guy earns every penny. Gino's voice is as clear and as strong as I've heard it in years. He really sounds like a pop version of Bocelli.
The songs he chose are remarkable, mostly because I suspect they were among the most difficult he's ever performed. Three foreign languages, all spoken with amazing diction (especially the French, and if you speak French you'll know what I mean).
The cut, "Parole Per Mio Padre" was a poignant message to his dad, who (I suspect) passed away near when this CD was made. It's one of two references he makes to his dad.
In fact, the whole CD seems to be something of a reflection, by Gino, on his life. He talks about his wife and his child, the choices he's made as an artist, and how his priorities have shifted with age.
This CD is rewarding on so many levels if you're a Gino fan. It's also a "find" for anyone looking for a full-voiced "new" tenor".
Finally, I must admit, I would welcome another offering from Gino in the "Powerful People/Storm at Sunup" vein. If you're listening Gino, grab your brother Joe, put your heads together and come up with something new that pounds, like "Mama Coco", "Gist of the Gemini" or "Appaloosa".

I've been a fan for years and this CD blow me away. His voice has gotten better and his songs are so beautiful. If you don't buy this CD you are missing out of a delightful experience.