Customer Reviews

Yonder Tree

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Yonder Tree" is an exquisite, elegant, showcase of Gino's marvelous musical talents, and his very best gift to his fans.

On first hearing it, I must say, it was a complete surprise. The album seemed so unlike anything Gino had ever done before and it was magical. The album grabs your attention from the very first song and never lets go..even when the music stops playing.

Walter Whitman is not one of my favorite poets, but Gino obviously likes him very much to write such a beautiful song about him. That Gino admires poets is not surprising given his talents as a lyricist. The orchestration is lush and romantic and as always Gino's vocals are "superliscious".

My very favorite song on the album is "You Owe it To Yourself". I love the orchestration, the vocals, the lyrics, and the poetic message in the song. The lyrics encourage giving a beloved one the freedom to choose, soar, and explore, and Gino's vocal talents make you "feel" the emotional commitment of that offering. Actually, the message in the title is applicable to a lot of situations in one's life. I can never hear this song enough.

"A Little Bit of Judas", and "Jehovah and All That Jazz" are my other favorites. I very much appreciate their witty commentary on humanity, religion, and the life journey we all travel. The songs lyrics are thoughtful, the orchestration superb, and they are just so much fun to listen to.

The song "None so Beautiful", always reminds me of the fact that many have bravely sacrificed for the life of privilege that we enjoy in this country. Even though a decade has passed since the release of the album, something always seems to be happening in the world that makes the song forever relevant. For all those (known and unknown) who dedicate their time, gifts and talents, and/or lives to make our world a better place, the song is certainly a fitting tribute.

"Come to the Well" is a beautiful metaphor for the physical and spiritual expression of love. It is a really lovely song, as only Gino's voice can make it so. Another song of note,"I Die a Little More each Day" expresses the sadness we should feel at how little respect we often show for the earth and its people which have been entrusted to our care.

I grew up with the sounds of the jazz greats playing in our household, as my father was a huge fan. He taught me to love and appreciate it as well. This jazz album showcases the talents of some wonderful musicians, including a surprise tap sequence by Gregory Hines on the song "Fallen in Love", and of course Gino's orchestration, producing, writing, and powerful vocal talents. This is real music...sadly, a rarity these days.

It breaks my heart that this beautiful jazz album is labeled "soft rock" and not "jazz" in musical databases, and that it was not shown more appreciation commercially. I find it very hard to reconcile that fans preferred "Black Cars" to any of the wonderful songs on this album, as every song on it is a treasure.

If you like Gino Vannelli and you have never heard this CD before, "you owe it to yourself" to give it a listen.... for no true Gino fan should not have it in their collection.

My introduction to "Yonder Tree" was unusual and spectacular. On a summer day in August, I went on a 8+ mile walk around Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC. Not only was I listening to this CD for the first time, but I was taking in the awesome breathtaking natual splendor of North America's most beautiful city! I listened to the CD twice, everytime since then I feel like I've remembered every step.

The CD begins with "Walter Whitman Where Are You", a slow, bluesy type of song with Tollek Ollestad playing some great harmonica. One can definetly see Gino singing this in a smokey bar. "Fallen In Love" begins with Gregory Hines tapping his feet, and the Portland Rhythm Section falls right in. Gino first words are: "Pardon me, what a rare mood I'm in". That feeling is all over "Yonder Tree". Those vibes are particular on "Unbearably Blue", "None So Beautiful" and "I Die A Little More Each Day". I got the feeling that Gino had done some serious soul searching, it definetly comes across on the CD.

I was doing some serious soul searching of my own that day. Looking at the various 5,000 ft peaks over both West & North Vancouver, I had realized how special this moment actually was. Beautiful music and spectacular scenery. Naturally, I prayed for more of this in my life. I'm proud to say that British Columbia is my home away from home now.

This (for me) is definetly a Desert Island Disc. The next time you go to Vancouver, take "Yonder Tree" and go to Stanley Park, you won't be disappointed. On second thought, you can save a lot of money and just "click" to buy this great CD!

Yonder Tree is simply the highlight of Gino's creative works. I love it!

How can you beat the late, fabulous Gregory Hines tap dancing in and out of "Fallin in Love?" It's pure genius! My favorite song is "Jehovah and All That Jazz." It's such a jazzy, happy song I can't help smilin' and dancin' to it. This song really showcases Gino's vocal ability--a FINE piece of work in every way, as is "Walter Whitman Where Are You?"

What can you say about "Come to the Well"--except, it's a fabulous musical picture of intimacy. Man, how does he do it?

I don't understand why this CD hasn't been more successful because it seems more "Gino" than anything else he's done. Every serious Gino fan MUST have this CD in their collection.

This is unlike any Gino V. album past or present. Here, Gino uses his voice as a jazz instrument along with a fine collection of jazz artists to accompany him. I read the "Slow Love" review below and must say I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. I did not like "Slow Love" and thought it was on that disc that the confidence in Gino's vocals was waning, not on "Yonder". This is not a synth pop album like every other album Gino and Joe have put out. This is a jazz album with real jazz instruments making real jazz music, which explains some of the musical juxtapositions the other reviewer complained about. Its not perfect, but its a solid 4 and probably my favorite and it contains what I believe will become a Memorial Day, July 4th, & Veterans Day classic, "None So Beautiful As The Brave".

This timeless, amazing Musical work of art hit us in our hearts the first time we heard it. A real GINO VANNELLI musical adventure with lyrics from real life, lyrics nobody dares to say or sing. This YONDER TREE album is pure MUSIC and GINO VANNELLI's voice is impressive and rich! Trees's favorite songs are : FALLEN IN LOVE, JEHOVAH AND ALL THAT JAZZ, A LITTLE BIT OF JUDAS and WALTHER WHITMAN WHERE ARE YOU. Barend's favorite songs are : MOON OVER MADNESS, I DIE A LITTLE MORE EACH DAY, COME TO THE WELL, JEHOVAH AND ALL THAT JAZZ, YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF. SUPERB ALBUM, SUPERB VOICE,SUPERB MUSIC! Real Gino Vannelli QUALITY!

This is one of my all-time favorite CD's. It's truly an example of sophisticated song writing. The performances, orchestrations, and mixes are breathtaking. I also liked Slow Love, but I think I prefer Yonder Tree. I definitely like pop that pushes the boundaries.

This is the kind of work that all song writers, musicians, orchestrators and engineers should aspire to. I only wish I could give it six stars.

The consumate Gino musical masterpiece - goes far beyond anything Gino has ever written or performed...displays a depth of musical understanding that transcends his superb vocal technique and lyricism to reach into the listener's soul. Gino - when will you write a musical, opera or children's collection? We're all waiting!

Gino's vocal stylings are impeccable; the music, dee-vine. He has found his musical calling in jazz. All of the songs form a cohesive unit, both musically and lyrically, perfectly meshing with one another. Best picks are "A Little Bit of Judas", "Jehovah and All That Jazz", "Unbearably Blue", and "Walt Whitman Where Are You?".

Wonderful CD which I found in excellent condition, will always check you all out before I buy from anyone else.

I have been a Gino Vannelli fan for a long time thanks to my parents. But the only thing was we never owned any of his albums other than Storm at Sunup and Brother to Brother. My review for his albums and particular this CD is superb. Brilliant. I wish I had've gotten back when it was released. The only thing that pains me when I listen to it is why The Grammys didn't recognize this CD. This should've been the breakthrough CD that finally caught their attention about Gino. I wish it would've been more of a commercial success. I would've loved to have seen him win 8 Grammys like Carlos Santa did in 2000, someone else they overlooked for a long time. I love every track on her especially A Little Bit of Judas and Come to the Well. For those of you fans who have never heard this CD please take a moment and like another reviewer said "you owe it to yourself" to listen and relax. Gino you're a genius and I love you.