Gino's Trip To Abbey Road
It is a full blown classic piece-moving yes but certainly a bit of an about face even for an artist as gifted and creative as Vannelli was. Much as with his previous album The Gist of the Gemini this album concludes with the title suite,in four movements. Generally speaking this is where Gino Vannelli finally perfected his blend of jazz-fusion and progressive R&B. Songs such as the upbeat "Madri Gras" and "A Song And Dance" are two of his best contributions to the form. My favorite song here is probably the bass-ARP funk-pop hump of "Valleys Of Vahalla" which is set to the most unusual lyric for a song of this type;typical of Gino's unconventional musical bent. The same combination of music and tempo is heard on the bouncy "One Night With You" wheras "The Surest Things Can Change" and "Black And Blue" are two of his best ballads-the later being a great blend of vocal and musical experimentation that you will enjoy thinking about. What is the most interesting thing is that 'A Pauper In Paradise' is essencially the last album Vannelli would produce in this particular style;in the future Gino would persue a more coherant,superbly crafted musical direction then his ARP synthesizer-charged brand of Stevie Wonderish R&B/fusion of this and the previous three albums before it.
Excellent Gino Album
Gino is a superb and very gifted songwriter/vocalist. 5 stars all the way. I especially love his earlier albums such as this one.
Describing the Indescribable
As I write this review, I have the 1st Movement of Pauper playing. How do you? Gino's music defies simple categorization. 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.
GINO'S BEST!
"Mardi Gras" is AWESOME, and "A Pauper in Paradise-3rd movement" is just indescribable-it is fast, mellow, funky, funny, and done in all keyboards (I think it is, anyway, except for drums) and it is so awesome, it will make you dizzy! I love to play that song in my car! Boy, Gino was "DA BOMB" back in his heyday! (but that describes a lot of us oldsters, huh?) . OH THAT SEXY GINO! EVEN tho his best 2 songs are "People Gotta Move" and "Fly into This Night", the gorilla sounds-added song, which are NOT on this album, this is still Gino's best album.
"Gino's Musical Paradise"
Gino is a vocal virtuoso !!!! A naturally gifted singer. " A Pauper In Paradise " is another one of Gino Vannelli's adventures in music. He is everything you would expect from a vocalist. Powerful,smooth,distinctive,articulate with awesome range and clarity.
This Cd also gives us an opportunity to hear Gino perform with the World Famous "Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" on tracks 6 and 7. Recorded in the summer of 1977 and still as fresh sounding today as it was then. Excellent musicianship abounds !!!!
Three keyboard players are featured along with Drums, percussions, background vocals and saxophone to name a few.
The use of three keyboardist in the same group is extreme to say the least. But, this also accounts for why the music sounds so full and orchestrated. All the Bass guitar parts are done with keyboards. Except for tracks 6 and 7 even the horn and string parts are played with keyboards.
Very creative percussion and drums. Tastefully played and blended without being over bearing.
Tracks:
Mardi Gra---- a funky Rock feel with some bluesy rock vocals. Impressive keyboard solo and fine drumming.
Valleys Of Valhalla---- features a refreshing sax solo, dynamic percussion and some nice background vocals.
The Surest Things Can Change---- Gino's beautiful ballad vocals are the highlight of this piece. Clear and Bright !! Solid keyboard and percussion. Background vocals add even more depth.
One Night With You---- a spiritually mystifying melody can be heard along with some spectacular drum fills. This song is very heavily keyboard influenced.
A Song And Dance---- a jumpy "happy" feel to this one. A little Bossa Nova rythym sets the mood and you can really feel the Fun that Gino's having while he's singing.
Black And Blue and A Pauper In Paradise---- "WOW" !!!! Gino singing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A real treat !!!!
Ease back in that recliner chair and be prepared to float in the cosmic void of Orchestrated bliss. Sensuous,vibrant,melodic and moving. " A Wonderful Piece Of Music "
This is a must have for all vocal enthusiast no matter what your age or gender. Enjoy !!
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You can see a complete list of all Gino Vannelli discography, or go back to the Gino Vannelli tabs
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