THESE ARE THE DAYS [GINO VANNELLI]

Like a fine wine, some things just age with grace and impeccable class, and such is the case with Gino Vannelli. This time around, the Canadian offers up seven new compositions on These Are the Days that are natural extensions of where he left off on 1998's Slow Love. The new songs are focused but relaxed, his aim clearly being his die-hard fans who prefer his trademark adult contemporary/jazz hybrid. But it's the seven tracks that make up the second half of These Are the Days that are a real treat. Digitally remastered with amazing clarity, Vannelli personally oversaw the reconstruction of seven of his most well-known tunes, including the U.S. chart hits "I Just Wanna Stop" and "Living Inside Myself." The results are crisp and bright when compared to some of the greatest-hits compilations recently issued, and makes this a must-have for Vannelli enthusiasts, even if you've already purchased a best-of compilation already. ~ Rob Theakston, Rovi