We’ve been busy renovating the new offices of Sono Recording Group. And for anyone who’s done construction, you know how painful that can be. In the midst of all the chaos, I happened to be talking to Gino Vannelli about everything that is happening and told him we are beginning to hang the walls in the office space.
As I’ve known Gino for a number of years, he’s been kind enough to sign a guitar for me and the vinyl record of Brother to Brother. Still, there was something missing. So during our conversation, I asked him if he still had an A&M platinum copy of Brother to Brother to complete the trilogy. And Gino being Gino, generous and thoughtful, agreed to send it to us, giving it a whole new life so people who walk in will discuss what a masterpiece it is. As a young man, making my way in the industry, I always had Gino Vannelli in my periphery. We always knew Gino was putting records out but they were doing moderately well until we heard “I Just Want to Stop” and instantly and rightfully, Gino became a superstar. So from my periphery, he suddenly became a freight train, undeniable in his brilliance, having pop overtones with complex chordal structures and arrangements.
Brother to Brother to this day still remains one of my favorite records. I’m just sad that I had nothing to do with making the record or promoting it.
Now fast forward 30 plus years, I’ve been blessed to have started a company built on integrity and great music which finally allowed me to work with artists that I handpicked. Starting with the Gino & Ross Vannelli project “LIVE IN LA” we are proud to have signed Take 6 and Brian McKnight as label mates. I just want to say a very special thank you to Gino.
Cheers,
Claude Villani, founder
SRG / ILS/ UMG
