Gianluca Ginoble – Page 3

IL Volo in Concert: Boston MA 2013

While this review is dated, it was the second live performance of IL Volo I have attended. This a character study rather than a musical review. These are my own impressions of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble.

Location: Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, Massachusetts

Date: September 14, 2013

Almost a year ago to the week, I attended my first IL Volo concert at this very location. It was a leap of faith that brought me to the first concert and based on remembrance, I can say without doubt that IL Volo (IV) made an artistic leap in presentation and song for 2013. Barone, Boschetto and Ginoble were wonderful in every way. The Boston audience was delighted with two full hours of non-stop exciting entertainment. IV twirled and sang up a spell of enchantment under a bright, crisp waxing harvest moon.

The Italians have a phrase and sense of living called Bella Figura. La Bella Figura as defined in EyeItalia: “Bella figura goes well beyond image, visual beauty and presentation…it also is defined by behavior: knowing how to properly and graciously interact with others in any social or public situation. Exhibiting good manners, tact and gentility is an essential component of “cutting a beautiful figure”.

I came to understand the visual meaning of this phrase during this concert. From head to toe, the cut of the hair, the drape of the fabric, sheen to the shoes, the physique and aura of class was present in each artist. The opening number, “Quest’Amore“, with the soothing, stirring strings of violins ushered in the silhouetted images of the guys. As each artist was projected onto the screen, the excitement began to build until the beautiful moment they walked towards us on stage singing with strength and confidence.

Barone was magnificent in voice, so graceful, powerful and clear. In live performance, his rich tenor can be overwhelming and conveys not only a beautiful sound but a virtual aura that can surround the senses. I truly think if he keeps on developing his art, he will have one of the finest voices of his generation. He has a tremble, con voce tremante or delicate weep at times in his voice. As his eyes hold that naturally down turned tilt conveying a bit of sadness within, so does his voice in song, all at once it is hope, sorrow and joy. I watched him extend such courtesy to fans and was surprised at his genuine attempts at inclusiveness. He came off the stage towards my section of the audience to find his Maria. He tried to select a little girl from deep in the row of fans but was thwarted by the crowd. With grace he kept the show moving forward with a quick flexible timing. Towards the end of the show, I was so overwhelmed by the experience that I went to the very edge of the stage as IL Volo were shaking hands with fans. I threw aside my normal bashful ways and went right up to Barone and smiled, extending my hand. He paused, looked down and reached down a cool hand to greet me.

Ginoble was debonair incarnate. Frank Sinatra was popular before my time but I have memories of his success as a singer and actor. Ginoble’s rendition of “Night and Day” was smooth, relaxing and sexy. I love that way he puts his whole body into the notes. He sat on the stool and crooned to us. He just has such style and presence. My hope is that given his age and beauty, he will continue to explore and popularize a more sophisticated manner for young male artists. In stance alone, he manages to convey what the French call: C’est si bon. Or, better in Italian: Molto elegante. At the end of the show, I stayed close to the edge of the stage after shaking hands with Barone, I was as close as I could be when the guys sang a cappella a portion of “Smile”, the look of satisfaction on his face, the light smile, and the look of love to the audience just radiated out. He was well pleased with the show.

True confessions, until Saturday night, I did not appreciate Boschetto. Perhaps the show last year caught him at the wrong moment for me as a fan. I saw a teenager, uncomfortable at times and out of sync. Tonight, he was fantastic. I loved his funny bone, his flirtatious, loving manner with the guys and of course all of us. During the song, “Granada”, Boschetto pantomimed winding up Barone as if he were a watch or toy, letting go of the key the moment Barone finds his long musical note in the song. He also revealed his savviness and intelligence as a performer. He knows how to make us all feel welcome. Beyond that, his skill as an artist was remarkable. He hit all the notes, held them long, and sang from deep in the body. I was able to film him singing “Memory” and continue to enjoy this personal memory of his gift. Unfortunately, he did not come to the side of the stage and I was not able to shake hands or share my joy at discovering him as a man and artist. I more than admire his growth as an artist and look forward to following his career.

There were several moments of musical brilliance on stage. During the song “Surrender” on the “We Are Love: Special Edition” CD, Barone hits an exciting high note. In performance, at this very moment, the three twirled closer together on stage and hit their highest note all at the same time. The notes were held for several seconds. The harmonics were pure IL Volo. The closest approximation I can relay is the sound made when a large crystal bowl is played. The tone and vibration carry outward and through the entire body. They are so compelling as people, joyful and sincere.

For the Boston audience, there was a moment of courage and support in recognition of the Marathon Bombing that had taken place in April of 2013. Barone started talking to us about Boston Strong and remembering what happened. IV sang the National Anthem to recognize the fallen and go forward empowered to face the worst of fears.

Meeting the fans who come from far and wide to attend the show is a part of the experience. In line waiting for the gates to open, I met a couple from Austin, Texas who had decided to take a vacation in Boston as well as attend the performance staying after the show for the Meet and Greet. They came so far and this was the highlight of the trip. I wish every fan could attend a live performance. The guys stand in front of the audience and look out at each person, look around slowly and take their time to catch your eye. As they gaze at you with a smile from the heart, so do you reply in the same way. At the moment the eyes meet, the connection is formed. They are on stage, but could easily walk off stage and be by your side. Somehow, they invite every heart be a part of it all. The theme of the tour is perfect: We Are Love. The secret of IL Volo is their message of love; as it is something to be given, it is something to be accepted and returned.

Contemplations on Music and Nature

There is very much about the human experience and the environment we in live that is difficult to understand. As I plan for my spring garden, I consider that I can plant the seeds and if the soil is warm enough, moist enough, if the air and rains are gentle, and if the woodchuck will mind his manners, perhaps something will sprout. The seed may germinate and someday be abundant with the pollinators that are hardly seen in the foliage. All these little things happen but do I ever notice? Do we only see such things with our eyes? Can we hear the sprout break the soil? Can I smell the spring rains? I do not hear the woodchuck chewing on the tender greens. Or do I? I live by a few internal beliefs with a phrase borrowed from liturgy: Belief in things seen and unseen. There are so many things that are seen and known without conscious awareness. I cannot touch the rainbow, only, if I am looking carefully, can it be seen. Or can it be touched? Can we transcend our day to day experience and reveal what is unseen?

Music+Higher Revelation

Music has been with humanity I daresay since we were formed. Musical instruments reflect the environment. The flute is the trill of the birds and part of a category of wind instruments. The strumming guitar is the rhythm of rain and one of the string instruments. I swear the look and sound of a harp reminds me of the gentlest of waterfalls. The drum is the percussion of thunder on earth. We can create music with our voice as the instrument.

People generally enjoy song and find great comfort in listening to music. My mother used to say that when I was very young, I played over and over again the song, “Puff the Magic Dragon” made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary. I barely recall this now. Over the years, I fell in love with so many recording artists and have collections for a few in particular. This is part of being. The composer Beethoven once said, “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” Most of all, I would guess it is not to be explained why the music is loved, or in some cases, so absorbed into our psyche. This is part of the seen and unseen contemplation. I cannot explain it but it is at once the most intimate part of a person and the most public as well.

Quite a while ago now, I began to enjoy the music of Il Volo. They came in to my life when I thought my love of music had faded. I credit Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto and Piero Barone with waking up that part of me I thought was lost. Many fans discuss their mutual love of Il Volo and struggle to find words to explain this. There are communities created around the trio to offer support, but more, a way to get closer to that which cannot be understood. We want to be a part of it all. We are a part of it all.

In an earlier article, I discussed the idea of a spirit animal around Piero Barone. Piero Barone’s Spirit Animal ~ The Mighty Macaw! The concept of identifying our character or essential nature to that of an animal is understood by some. This is an old belief and follows us from the first petroglyph drawings to the name of Il Volo. In English, this can be translated several ways including take flight or take wing. We fly by mechanical means, emulating what birds can do without having to engineer anything. Il Volo fly with their voices lifting us to that higher revelation of our selves. This is hard to be explain, it can best be felt as a presence in the body.

Gianluca+Transcends our Senses

When I look at Gianluca, I see his beauty and masculinity. I often call him GG, which is an acronym for generally gorgeous. However, another part of me is awakened and several impressions come in pictorial form. I am trying to describe an intuitive impression in words. Mother’s and lovers may understand this language without the need for words. The emotion of love, perhaps the unconditional quality of love, if that can be achieved, transcends our senses into another realm of purpose.

When I Listen to GG sing, or glance at his image, I often get the impression of water. Without doubt, I see a brook, a cheerful brook in springtime rolling to the sea. The brook sings over the rocks and splashes cool water on the shores. At dawn, the birds bathe in the shallows and deer drink their fill. Something in his nature raises this image. He does love to tease and flirt with his fans on twitter. He can at times overflow with messages. He is always talking, thinking and sharing, always in motion with his thoughts. The impression comes to me that as much as he loves to sing, at times, the situation overwhelms him and he is tumbling wild down the waterfall. When he finds the flow, he is smooth, sultry and a voice perhaps of silk trembling with emotions.

GG+Honey Bee

The other image which came quickly to mind was that of the honey bee. They are a fundamental part of our ecology and we are lost without their efforts. Honey bees are sun lovers and create the liquid sunshine of honey from their wanderings. They collect nectar and from the honey we create ambrosia. Meade is made of honey and perhaps one of our oldest alcoholic beverages. Honey bees are deliberate in their daily task and work diligently for the greater good of the hive. Gianluca is best known for his love of family first. There seems to be nothing more important in his life than his music, family and community of fans. He works for them and us but would chastise me to use this word. It is an instinct in him which he carries back to Montepagano, back to his hive. Busy as a bee, yes that old saying applies to GG. And, like Meade, he is slightly intoxicating to take in.

Foxfeather R. Ženková translates the bee symbolism as follows: “Communication, organization, abundance, productivity. Bee people tend to be industrious, family oriented, protective, and represent a strong sense of the feminine. Bee as a totem can teach us to refine our skills, simplify our lives, and is a great source of healing, purification, and renewal. Bee medicine is full of insight, seeing the parallels between nature and our lives, finding inspiration.”

GG has the most unusual color of eyes. In my poem, Sulla Giostra, I conjured up this image,

Sometimes you are a sunset tender. Sometimes your eyes reflect the sea light of chestnut and jade.

I also think of sunflowers, fields of barley and the sun splash of light on the sea. Back to the sea, the image of water persists for me. Honey bees are industrious, intelligent, directed and reserved. They go about their tasks with deliberation and avoid all unless provoked. Having been stung by a honey bee, I can say it was my fault for interfering with its task, but, the sting was gentle. GG strikes me as refined and intelligent. He is so curious, finding new ideas and sharing many a provocative thought and picture. His wide range of interests is remarkable. However, if he finds something absurd, he can be quite sharp and let the speaker know they strayed onto the wrong path.

Perhaps I have the image in mind from seeing him in performance. Despite his emotional nature, he grounds himself often in song. The first time I heard him sing “Maria”, in solo, he became so enmeshed in the melody and words, he fell to his knees at the last line “………like a prayer.” During his performance this year of “En Aranjuez con tu Amore”, the same sensation of being one with the song emerged on stage and he also fell to one knee, almost in genuflection to the power of the music in him. Bees above all, are grounded close to the earth. They are so intimate to our survival and livelihood that I wonder if that is what I am seeing. They are fundamentally flying but close to the ground. Does GG do the same in body and song? Does he unconsciously ground himself to bring down the moment of transcendence and thus not get lost in the revelation of the moment of oneness with his craft. In the words of the Taoist philosopher, Deng Ming-Dao, “all of us sail into the unknown nearly every day.” Yes, but the honey bee and GG instinctively find their way back to the hive, back to their essential selves at the end of the day.

Rhythm and Rhyme of That Which Is Unseen

These contemplations are an attempt to describe that which draws me to Il Volo, in their music, but also in recognition of them as fragile people. Something in me has been restored through their voices. The heart is perhaps transcending active thought and revealing in me the old rhythm and rhyme of that which is instinctively understood. Essentially, we are a part of it all, in nature and spirit. We all rise from a seed, the germ of an idea, but where we go in life and what we grow into is unpredictable. No, I cannot yet touch the rainbow, but through the music of Il Volo, I can find great comfort in the belief of all that is seen and unseen. Just listen, there is nothing more need doing. Listen and fall in love again.

On A Carousel (Sulla Giostra)

Sometimes you are a sunset tender. Sometimes your eyes reflect the sea light of chestnut and jade. Sometimes you are the golden eagle with the wild in his eyes; all fire and passion in the gardens of Aranjuez. Qualche volta, GianRomeo, sei un briccone! Qualche volta ti vedo la gioia e il dolore di fama. Sometimes you feel like a long-lost friend. And, sometimes an embrace of someone who passed this way.

We simply adore you. In that way you share your dreams, hopes, wants, aches and the wonders of travels with so many thousands curious to know just for a moment of you. Didn’t I hear someone say, that when I saw Gianluca, I had him close once more, I touched your hair, there was an echo. I wonder if he haunts me still. Not again will I hold my dearest near to me. But, for a moment, I could dream he was no longer my shadow.

But, you have bewitched me. I feel your warmth in the mystique of your voice, sensual and purring the ear in a romantic baritone. You were the friend, the brother, the son I could have known. Every time I thought I lost the dream, I heard you and became as I was. I was whole, I was content, and I was sunrise.

Gianluca born under the sunrise of a snow moon in the wee town of Montepagano. D’Abruzzo, the blue of the sea, the white of the snow peaked mountains and the green of the fertile foothills in between. So far from home, that old place of mulberry and olive groves reaching to the sea. Now you ride a carousel, sometimes I am in that dream with thee.