Some episodes of Toronto Mike'd are so surreal I can't believe they ever happened. Seven years ago today, there was a knock at the door, and it was Gino Vannelli and his brother Ross Vannelli.
The TMDS basement studio was configured a little different back then, and Ross wouldn't let me start recording until he was happy with the mic settings, because he knew Gino was going to play guitar and sing. I was simply trying to make Ross happy so Gino would be happy. We got it done, and I started recording.
I was told I had an hour with Gino. The final runtime was 1:03. It was episode 453 if you're keeping track at home.
Toronto Mike
Looking back, it was absolutely wonderful, but I'd consider the episode epic for 3 reasons.
- I'd ask a question and Gino would reply by singing one of his songs. That was surreal.
- He coined the phrase "can we get off Black Cars already?"
- He's Gino freakin' Vannelli and he's hanging out playing songs in my basement studio.
7 years ago today, but feels like it just happened.
