Gerardo Frisina and Toco, featuring Luzia Dvorek – Deixa Passar / Ilê (Schema Records, 2025)
Five years after Frisina Meets Toco, Gerardo Frisina (Italy) and Tomaz “Toco” Di Cunto (Brazil) reunite for Deixa Passar / Ilê, a two-track EP presented in both original and reworked versions. The release combines samba jazz with contemporary Brazilian influences beautifully, highlighting Frisina’s exquisite arrangements and Toco’s warm, delightful Portuguese-language vocals and songwriting.
Moreover, Luzia Dvorek joins Toco on vocals, creating an utterly captivating and enchanting contrast. The instrumentation features irresistible Brazilian percussion, Gianluca Petrella on trombone; Eduardo Taufic on piano (Deixa Passar) and Fender Rhodes (Ilê); and Edu Moreno on flute (Ilê).
Beyond its musical depth, the EP reflects Brazilian cultural heritage. “Deixa Passar” channels the festive spirit of Rio’s Carnival, while “Ilê” pays tribute to Salvador de Bahia’s Ilê Aiyê bloco afro.
The cover art mirrors Rio de Janeiro’s iconic wave-patterned pavement, reinforcing its thematic connection to Brazil.
Musicians: Toco on vocals, acoustic guitar; Luzia Dvorek on vocals; Gianluca Petrella on trombone; Eduardo Taufic on piano and Fender Rhodes; Edu Moreno on flute; and Silvinho on percussion.
Buy Deixa Passar / Ilê.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.