Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
His Very Best Gift !, December 4, 2005
"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 suprise. 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 suprising 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 givng a beloved one the freedom to choose, soar, and explore, and Gino's vocal talents make you "feel" the emotional commitmment 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 priviledge 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, gifits 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 saddness we should feel at how little respect we often show for the earth and its people which has 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 suprise tap sequence by Greory 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 beaufiful 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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential - Gino's best!, April 16, 2000
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!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Gino's Best, June 16, 2005
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.
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~ Gino Vannelli
~ Gino Vannelli
~ Gino Vannelli
~ Gino Vannelli
~ Gino Vannelli
by Gino Vannelli 
