“Will I be strong or barely keep alive
When I’m thirty-five”
Those words are from a song I wrote, called Where Am I Going, recorded in 1975. How little a 23-year-old knows about the future, let alone himself. Fifty years later comes “The Life I Got.”
Half a century ago, how could I have ever imagined shooting a video to a tune called, Nowhere to Go But Up, in Belgrade, Serbia, with a large cast of young dancers and musicians. The video definitely marks a time and place for me.
Most of The Life I Got was written at the outset of Tricia’s illness. Thus, the soul-baring content, as honest and as loving as I could conceive. The only possible exception being, It’s All Good Mama, a true story about my first trip to NYC when I was just shy of eighteen. I had slept under any roof I could find, including the sky above a few park benches. (I would have slept on a bed of nails if I had to in order to jump start my career) Cold and hungry, one night I entered into a dim, smoky, underground bar, filled with men in leather. Though it struck me as a little odd, I didn’t hesitate to come in out of the freezing drizzle. I was hoping for hot pastrami on rye, but I got something I never bargain for—a lesson in social science. Tricia always got a smile out of that story and insisted I add It’s All Good Mama to the record.
The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved) is number 23. I believe it’s one of my best efforts. Maybe you’ll agree.
G
The new album, “The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)” is out now.
No Where To Go But Up
22 Comments on “Life I Got”
Got the CD today – it’s another gorgeously produced collection – thank you for sharing your words and music that came from such a personal place. Forever a lover of your music. I’ve been listening since the early days of Soul Train and have always enjoyed being part of that musical journey – albeit from a distance! Cheers to you – hopefully see you on tour this year! Please come back to Ohio, Columbus or Cleveland (again). We’ll welcome you with a full house and open arms!
Tears come to my eyes by just reading only the words above. These words accompaning the new album, as a rememberance of fifty years ago and as an ode to your beloved wife, Tricia.
I clearly remember fifty years ago, sitting in a room at my friends home listening to this song ‘Where am I going’ and ‘Storm at Sunup’….Wonderful, and getting a glimpse of what life was going to be in advance. I was 17, nothing great happened still, but music always opened my heart. And now, at 67, I know…how life tricks us and enchants….
Thank you Gino, for all the love you’ve shared in all those years. I feel it…always.
Heartful greetings
Joop
I get it…
The first song I heard was Appaloosa, and all the other masterpieces on Brother to brother, in my bath tub. The sound was great. That record is still one of the best ever. Almost 50 years later I still listen to Gino Vannelli daily.
Your voice, melodies, lyrics, amazing chords and orchestrations is the best world of music.
Thank You!
I received my7 pre-ordered CD of The Life I Got today, just in time for my 73rd birthday. Thank you for that release date… it made quite the exciting self gifted present.
Like all things Gino, I need multiple plays to fully appreciate all the depth of musicality and lyrics. But even on the first play, I agree it is one ofyour finest, tho oft times bittersweet. Yet with your loss, your music still reflects light and hope. While your life’s plans at an early age did not manifest quite the way you thought, I am happy you recognize how blessed you are in life, love and boundless artistic talent.
One thing I didn’t find on the album credits was the name of the woman on the duet, Across The Dark Night. Such a lovely vocal pairing, and her vocals had a mesmerizing haunting quality..
It took 51 years before I could finally jive my schedule and state of residence to catch Gino live in Portland on Oct 10th, 2024. It was well worth the decades of waiting. He graciously signed my old, well worn, Crazy Life vinyl album, which is now framed on my wall. Since then, I have been eagerly anticipating the new release. As always, he never disappoints. I highly recommend it to any fan of Gino’s music, and a worthy addition to my collection.
Thank you, GIno, for sharing your gift with the rest of us.
I love you Gino Vannelli. You are my number one. You write the most beautiful lyrics and express yourself in the most romantic way. Love your style in every way. I admire your strength. Listening to you makes me dance in my kitchen. I know what you’re going through because I lost my son. Your music makes me happy and builds me up. My 💔 for you and with you. Sending love and hugs to you.
I just listened to this song two days ago and really loved it. I hope you are doing well and wish for you the best. We are still praying for your comfort.
Gino,
Aaaah dear precious one
You beat me to the punch as I am being engulfed right now
in this moment by what I believe is truly your best musical work thus far
It’s so very brave and powerful… I really love ” A Little Bit Broken”
that sweet horn, the crisp piano, soothing bass,
and the depths of your aching soul pouring out
through the most exquisite instrument of all… your vocals… Wow!
I love every song on this album… that’s a given with your awesome gift and work.
“Come to Jesus Moment” and my hope is that people truly will come to Jesus Christ.
Love it… love it!
Within 10 seconds I got big tears on “The Hero You See In Me” and “Stormy River”
I so enjoy the “Nowhere To Go But Up” video… lighter, youthful, funky fun and cool.
I know you can’t help but ache terribly for Tricia
but nothing can steal away the power of the love and life you both shared together
and the beautiful gifts that came with all that… especially Anton.
Gino… I love you and the way God made you.
You give such awesome beauty and worth to being in this very ugly world.
Thank you so very much, Gino!
And mostly I thank You, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior
for giving me Life and Life more abundantly (John 10:10 NIV)
It’s All Good Gino…Kisses and Hugs to you.
Love to you, your family, friends and fans!
se te ve triste. ojos muy tristes pero como dices solo queda subir.
te acompaño con cariño. la vida siempre nos tiene preparadas grandes cosas. un abrazo
I will forever and always be a fan! Thank you for helping to shine a light in my life and gifting me with such amazing art!
Hello from Paris,
an absolute masterpice may be your best album with Canto but i confess it’s difficult to make a choice in your large discography. Before receiving it (cd and vynil) i was convinced it will be a sad album according to the interview you did explaining the creation period of this recording but no!…even if the context is very sad the musics and the lyrics are very beautiful. If you allow me by moment the music is so fresh and slight that i catch myself singing and dancing. A very very beautiful recording i cannot stop listening it for sure this recording will surprise a lot of people all around the world. Bravo et merci Gino c’est un chef d’oeuvre !
Dear Gino, I have been listening to your music since the 1970s and you have always been one of my favorite singers and songwriters. I have purchased almost all of your albums, many of which I know by heart, bar by bar.
I have followed some of your interviews from which all your depth and beauty of soul emerged.
Yesterday I listened to your new album in memory of Tricia and reading the lyrics I cried several times because I know the pain of loss.
The album exudes elegance, refinement and beauty.
What can I say? I stand by you with empathy and affection….
I look forward to seeing you in Rome.
I listened to the album 4 times straight through. it is excellent. Thank you for pouring your heart into this work as you have done for us for the past 50 years.
wow!!!
Quelle voix magnifique! Puissante et douce à la fois!
J’écoutais cet artiste à l’époque de Whills of life or ni le timbre de sa voix, ni l’énergie n’ont changé depuis!
Magique🌷🌷🌷🌷
The new album is wonderful. As much as I love all of your albums, you are correct to say it’s one of your finest. Intimate and majestic all at the same time.
I wish I could get information about the musicians playing (and singing) on this album. Hope to see Gino in Arlington TX in May, forty-eight years after I last saw him perform live.
Gino, condolences for your loss, I understand how difficult losing a loved one is. I’ve had many of my love one pass. I carry all their memories with me.The sweet, funniest ones.
Good luck with your new album and be kind to yourself,
Yvonne
Dear Mr. Vannelli,
First, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family upon the loss of your wife. I know that the depth of your love is immeasurable.
I thank you for your beautiful music,your creativity, and your refusal to be boxed into any one genre of music. Your courage and ability to explore , have kept your music fresh and interesting. I love Pauper in Paradise and Canto, and of course the songs from your beginnings and both your inner and outer beauty.
I traveled by train for 7 hours to see you at the Syracuse Jazz Fest, on a bus for 8 hours to see you at the Saban in LA and will be flying to Atlanta in a few weeks to see you at the Center. There are only a few artists in my lifetime for whom I have been willing to go out of my way to experience- Tony Bennett, Jessye Norman, Pat Metheny and you.I have had the pleasure of meeting you all in person.
Thank you for your beautiful soul. Keep doing what you are doing. Your voice is still golden.
Mille Grazie!
MBT 3/11/25
Dear Mr. Vannelli,
First, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family upon the loss of your wife. I know that the depth of your love is immeasurable.
I thank you for your beautiful music,your creativity, and your refusal to be boxed into any one genre of music. Your courage and ability to explore , have kept your music fresh and interesting. I love Pauper in Paradise and Canto, and of course the songs from your beginnings and both your inner and outer beauty.
I traveled by train for 7 hours to see you at the Syracuse Jazz Fest, on a bus for 8 hours to see you at the Saban in LA and will be flying to Atlanta in a few weeks to see you at the Center. There are only a few artists in my lifetime for whom I have been willing to go out of my way to experience- Tony Bennett, Jessye Norman, Pat Metheny and you.I have had the pleasure of meeting you all in person.
Thank you for your beautiful soul. Keep doing what you are doing. Your voice is still golden.
Mille Grazie!
MBT 3/11/25
Hallo Gino
Heel mooi,Uw lieve Tricia leeft in Uw muziek voort ,dat hoor je zie je en voel je.
Ze is onlosmakelijk verbonden met Uw muziek en daardoor heel breekbaar maar zo krachtig tegelijkertijd.
De kern van de boodschap is zondermeer aanwezig
Kijk ,hoor zie,voel, zweef als een vogel,als je er in gelooft dan gebeurt het.
Als we allemaal zo geloven,dan verlicht dat een hele boel, allemaal kunnen we ons steentje bijdragen , dankjewel voor de muzikale inspiratie, het ga U goed en ik ga Uw cd kopen.Dank jewel .
Hello dear Gino, How accurately everything is described! I join the words above, music is the salvation of our mortal world. “The Hero you see in me” is the pearl of the whole album. I will try to make a version on my viola. With the deepest respect, Artem. Russian National Orchestra. (vannell_video rare)
Hi Gino
Great song and music.
Being a Montrealer, I saw your shows at your early stage in your career, could not miss them ! 🙂
Canto, among so many, is one I never get tired of listening.
Thanks for sharing your talents
Gino! MR. Vannelli!!
I salute you with a degree of long appreciation for your music. And that including the beautiful sense of melody you write with, your powerful and clear voice and so artfully supported by your musicianship and stellar production.
I’ve been personally moved by many of your recordings and this newest project ‘Life I Got’ continues to intrigue with the most beautiful sentiments through this most difficult and loving journey you’ve shared with your wife.
A BLOG doesn’t feel quite like the spot to expound much more on those most intimate subjects.
So I’ll only say here it’s beautiful art. As is your other previous works.
Two I’ll mention.
Listened to ‘Brother To Brother’ also today. That track is ‘ridiculous’! And the message still lives and breathes.
The other song I’ll reference is ‘Put The Weight On My Shoulders’. If ever there would be a time…I’d share an interesting story about that song. But for now, suffice it to say it still brought tears to my eyes today and encouragement to my heart.
You’ve had a really interesting career. With the successes and also pulling back from the craziness too. I completely respect that. I appreciate it. That’s sometimes hard to do (voluntarily). Says a tremendous amount about your character which lines up with your writings.
Ok. I hope someone is able to pass this along and it be an encouragement for you today as we ALL live ‘The Life I Got’. 🙏
Gp