Review: Gerardo Frisina & Toco feat. Luzia Dvorek - Deixa Passar (Schema Records)

Back in 2021, I said that Gerardo Frisina's 'Moving Ahead' was the Album Of The Year'.  He followed that up with a double album, 'Joyful Sound' and now it's time for his latest monster 12"!

It's been a while since the 'Joyful Sound' album (see review HERE) but even longer since the 'Frisina Meets Toco' EP, 5 years to be precise so definitely time for a reunion. 

And joining them on this 12", featuring Luzia Dvorek, the totally world-class Gianluca Petrella (trombone) plus Eduardo Taufic (piano).

If you're new to Mr Frisina, it's worth going way back to catch up with the most recent albums or even early 12s [now on Bandcamp] like 'Gerardo Frisina Blends Sabu Martinez & Shaib Shihab' and 'The Gods Of The Yoruba/Cohete' as he's been the best now for a very long time.

The jazz dance trio of Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge and Colin Curtis love this and it's a great start to the new year.

Artist: Gerardo Frisina & Toco feat. Luzia Dvorek

Title:  Deixa Passar 

Release date: 3rd January, 2025

Label : Schema Records

Catalog Number : SC541

Format: 12" vinyl   / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Seven Drops ft. Izzy Day - Edge OF Time (Mass Digital Remix)(Be Adult Music)

Seven Drops, joined by the incredible voice of Izzy Day, brings us 'Edge Of Time' to start the year with Mass Digital adding the perfect finishing touch with a stunning remix.

You don't need to have a good memory to know that Be Adult Music's last release was on Boxing Day, Detrás Del Vitral's 'Memories In Motion' (see review HERE).

So as we leave Merry Xmas and head towards having a Happy New Year, both tracks (original and the remix) get us feeling all dreamy and warm of spirit.

Artist: Seven Drops ft. Izzy Day

Title:  Memories In Motion

Release date: 2nd January, 2025

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM395

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: Various - Gator Boots Vol 20 (Gator Boots)

Even for JKriv, 2024 was a busy year so it's there's no shame in looking back at one of his many projects that came out late last year.

Yes, JKriv (aka Jason Kriveloff) steps outside of his Razor-N-Tape family (see review of Vol. 4 HERE) to give the a polish up some "Cabo Verde & Ghanaian pearls" with some NYC disco dancefloor.

'Batonga' is particularly powerful in a post-go-go which will sit with either Pedro Ricardo (see review HERE) or even Boddhi Satva & Dino D'Santiago's 'Moda Boddhi' (see review HERE).

However, the one for the party percussion disco is JKriv's rework of 'Valsadeira' in the summer Fania vibe with the bonus of a 'Jkriv Drum Tool'.  And for those that like a up-down shakin' dance (although I can't see it making Ally Pally anytime soon) there's the jazzy-rock sunshine of 'Ofo Kakra Sika Kakra'.

This one reminds me of Osibisa / Cymande influences and Gator Boots has previously released 12s by YATM favourites like Sol Power All-Stars (see review HERE), Inkswel (see review of his latest album HERE), Japan's Dazzle Drums, Soul Clap and many more: all on vinyl!

Definitely a label to follow even if will the idea of Boots made from Gators would be a step to far for this footwork team.

Artist: Various

Title: Gator Boots Vol 20 

Release date: 30th July, 2024

Label: Gator Boots

Catalog Number: GB20

Format: 12" Vinyl