Issued in Canada 1975 on A&M 8587-B.
One of Montreal’s most celebrated sons, Gino Vannelli rose from obscurity to worldwide fame and recognition. He is a master vocalist and composer. He plays drums and guitar. And back in the ’70s, he had major-league hair. (Just kidding, Gino!)
He studied music theory at McGill University, and started a group with his brother Joe Vannelli, about whom it must be said that he is a supremely talented keyboard player and arranger. He is responsible for the way Gino’s music sounds. I’m sure it would have been much different for Gino if his music had been under someone else’s direction. Gino and Joe worked together for much of his catalogue, until Gino branched out and began to work with orchestras and jazz ensembles. Later, their brother Ross joined the group.
Gino and Joe were signed to RCA in Canada, and put out a small number of rather abysmal recordings under the name of Vann Elli. The brothers toured Canada as Gino Vannelli and Good Friends, then took their demo tapes to Los Angeles to try to break into the music industry. After being turned down by every major label in the US, and a lot of smaller ones too, Gino decided to lay in wait outside A&M Records for Herb Alpert to arrive at work. There was a brief misunderstanding, and after it was established that Gino was not a rabid fan, Alpert allowed him to come in and audition. Herb signed him up, under the condition that he would produce the album. “Crazy Life” was released in 1973 to universal indifference, with no singles. However, the next album, “Powerful People” was the one to set Gino’s career on fire.
When you listen to Joe Vannelli’s musical backing, consider the fact that all the synthesizer work you hear was recorded one harmony part at a time, each on its own track. In 1974, there was no such thing as a polyphonic synthesizer or sequencer. All of the electronic accompaniment had to be built in tape overdubs, on synthesizers that were capable of playing only one note at a time. It was a remarkable achievement, and Joe earned his place in music history as a keyboard maverick by making it happen.
The album’s first 45, “People Gotta Move” went to #22 US and #21 in Canada in the fall of 1974. The next single, “Powerful People” entered the RPM 100 on February 15, 1975 at #99, and reached #34 with a bullet on April 12th. Then, a very strange thing happened: it disappeared completely from the chart. From #34 to oblivion in the space of one week. I find that highly suspicious. If the record was issued at all in the US, it failed to even Bubble Under.
About the single, the original is on A&M 1652. On its label, the time is listed as 4:39, but the vinyl contains an edit down to 3:40. Sometime later, before A&M designed a Back-To-Back Hits label, such a single in their 8000 series was issued, pairing “People Gotta Move” and “Powerful People” in what the label says is a 3:31 edit, but it is actually a 4:04 edit of the LP track. Neither version has ever been reissued. There are apparently no known versions that run either 3:31 or 4:39, as the labels indicate.
The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Universal Music Group. They have graciously allowed this presentation to remain on the site. If you like this music, please buy Gino Vannelli recordings issued by UMG.
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Duration : 0:4:10
Yes, XPECTRON, we …
Yes, XPECTRON, we all got the power, if only we want!
This song is my …
This song is my favorite ever, This tells me: i got the power
Gino, the powerful …
Gino, the powerful man!!
Gino is badd!!! i …
Gino is badd!!! i never understood why there wasnt a great big deal made out him..his material was strong and his records sound amazing….its evident that this guy has a great feel for music..and sound as well…his sound is big but nothing is overpowering and way-too off the top..he stays right in there, which makes for a quality listening experience..and that is always,what it is about…
I remember hearing …
I remember hearing a version of this record, turned into an instrumental, on one of those Muzak stations, on or about June 13, 1975.
I heard this version for the first time in September of ‘77.
Correct me if im …
Correct me if im wrong but i think this came out in early 75.
Joe! Always really …
Joe! Always really enjoy those chords.
J’ADORE ce type la …
J’ADORE ce type la depuis des années, en fait depuis que j’ai 15 ans ! et j’en ai 44 !
A great talent!
A great talent!
this album brings …
this album brings back strong memories. thank you.
One of my favs of …
One of my favs of Gino. This is great Canadian music.
Making a point of …
Making a point of seeing Gino in Vegas November,
he is one of the best, great pipes and a sense of groove
Great job!!!! Yep, …
Great job!!!! Yep, he’s still got it!!! I can’t wait to see him again for 2 nights in a row in November….
You are so right …
You are so right about Gino’s recent material. I always found him to be on the introspective side even all those years ago.
He’s still got it.
One doesn’t hear …
One doesn’t hear this one too much anymore. Very cool song, it’s got that sheen of sophistication, very 1970’s Montreal.
Thanks, James! I …
Thanks, James! I have “These Are The Days.” It’s a great album, and the new half is every bit as good as the old half.
Alway’s loved …
Alway’s loved Gino’s music! Mojo, thanks again for posting. You should check out one of Gino’s more recent tracks, “Venus Envy.” It’s a great song that deserved so much more attention. Gino’s never sounded better.
Cheers!