Gino Vannelli new single 'Keep On Walking', forthcoming album and exclusive interview
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Newsdesk
Since his debut album release of “Crazy Life” in 1973, Gino Vannelli has remained one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. His voice is as memorable as his hair, as he has been dubbed, “The Canadian singer songwriter with a lion's mane.” But glorious locks aside, Vannelli’s ever-evolving music has kept his fan base growing for over 40 years. From rock, to jazz, to soul and classical, this singer/songwriter/producer has left no musical stone unturned. His latest single is the musically dynamic “Keep On Walking”: it was released on 1st November 2024 and will be followed by his most personal album to date, dedicated to his late wife: “The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)”on 7th February 2025.
Gino Vannelli is, quite simply, a living legend, and his live shows should be seen to be believed! Some things get better with age and, indeed, Vannelli is a living embodiment of that sentiment. Not many artists can boast an amazing 21 albums: most of which blasted into the Billboard charts with some considerable force! His achievements speak for themselves: Vannelli’s release “Live in LA” a concert shot at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, California, was an incredible number one on Amazon for some time. He is also nothing if not prolific: in 2019 he released his 20th album entitled “Wilderness Road”: a collection of songs written on his acoustic guitar. In 2021 he released a new remastered compilation “(More Of) A Good Thing”, which contains a contemporary remake of “The River Must Flow”, (a song from the 1978 “Brother to Brother” record), featuring Brian McKnight on backing vocals and Michael Phillips on talk box.
The forthcoming album “The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)”, set to land 7th February 2025, was written during a time of personal hardship as his wife, Patricia, battled cancer and sadly passed earlier this year. Its eleven finely etched tracks encompass the emotional turmoil of losing one’s soulmate and finding the will to move forward: “This collection of songs was written during my beloved wife’s illness,” Says Vannelli, whose luminous and soaring voice imbues the album with both warmth and urgency. “It’s an account of all the joys and suffering. She passed away when the record was completed. I remain in awe of Patricia’s courage. I miss her so. My love is eternal.”
First single from the album “Keep on Walking” (out now) was originally written by Vannelli for his 1975 “Storm At Sunup” album. Its stirring lyrics embody the acceptance stage of grief with an uplifting message: “I love you in my loneliness/And it keeps me hangin’ on/I gotta, I gotta keep on walking.” He heard the song again recently and it resonated with him so much that he decided to re-arrange and re-imagine the song and include it on the forthcoming album. He says, “…even after all these years it struck me as a melody and lyric that held up quite well. So much so, I started composing a whole new arrangement in my head as it played on. Being a fan of Miles Davis and Gil Evans, I thought this horn arrangement would suit the new version perfectly. “
Whether performing concerts in theatres, singing before symphony orchestras in concert halls, big bands or a pop ensemble, to throngs of enthusiastic fans, Vannelli remains impassioned and true to his art as ever. His standing as a powerful and innovative live performer, his well-hewn musical skills as a composer, poet, producer, arranger, and bandleader, keep his career rising to greater heights.
Pre-save the album “The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)” now here.
GINO VANNELLI – The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved) Track Listing: 1. I Have Dreamed of Days Like This 2. Stormy River 3. No Where to Go But Up 4. The Life I Got 5. Come to Jesus Moment 6. A Little Bit Broken 7. It's All Good Mama 8. The Hero You See in Me 9. Good Neighbors 10. Across the Dark Night 11. Keep on Walking
In an exclusive interview we had a transatlantic chat with Gino about what this work means to him.
What inspired you to rearrange and re-release "Keep On Walking" for your new album? I wrote Keep on Walking just before I met my wife Tricia in 1974. I consider it somewhat of a harbinger song that led and braced me for finding the love of my life. I recorded it in 1975.
Can you share more about the emotional journey of creating "The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)" ? The Life I Got is a collection of songs primarily dedicated to Tricia. It describes our journey before Tricia passed away last April. It was a difficult record to complete in the last days of her life. I consider it my most personal work, well of course it would be. I still have a difficult time listening to some of them since she's gone.
How does the music arrangement in the new version of "Keep On Walking" reflect your musical influences? I have always been a fan of Miles Davis and Gil Evans. The use of harmon mute trumpet and arranging for three horns was one of my goals for the recording. Also, upon hearing the old version one morning on Spotify, my head started spinning . . . et voila.
What message do you hope listeners take away from your forthcoming album? Can you explain your choice of title "The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)" ? The overarching theme is one of gratitude for having loved and been loved by the most beautiful woman, inside and out, that I have ever met in all my years, both professionally and personally.
How did the intimate setting of the garage for the music video of "Keep On Walking" contribute to the song's classic feel? My friend Ken who lives three doors down has a 42 acre farm and is a vintage car collector. One day he showed me his mint /52 chevrolet. I knew we would use it as a backdrop for something.
Looking back over your 50+ year career, what would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as a musician? That this is my 23rd album, and it is one I am pleased with. And that I have another already written. To look down upon your own well within and see no bottom to it is a blessing.
You've explored various genres from rock to jazz to soul. Is there a particular genre or style that you feel most connected to, and why? I have a place in my heart for all genres. Simply because it is the way I was raised and how my senses work. Jazz, classical, Americana, Soul, Latin, world music, they all have terrific appeal to me, of course, providing the genres are inspired.
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting their musical careers today? Expect to be a hermit monk for a while. Hunker down and focus and plan a life of music. I am a living example of one who has had his share of successes and failures (at least in the public eye) But because of my love for music and art, the wind has been at my back, at least blowing enough to help carry me to the next destination. Lastly, model yourself after the best. In a world filled with mediocrity, most of us recognize something unique and authentic and put an ear closer.
