Florence-based DJ and producer Ricardo Baez unveils Tutto Passa (Everything Passes), his deeply personal debut album out on the renowned Live At Robert Johnson label. A deep exploration of the producer’s life, the LP weaves together electronic music and intimate storytelling, offering listeners an engaging blend of nostalgia, introspection, and emotion. The album’s unique charm lies in its narrative, where each track reflects pivotal moments from Baez’s past—from his Italian roots to his Venezuelan heritage and his life-changing move to Florence.
The opening track, Hi No Tori 2772, sets the tone with glitchy, industrial synths that evoke a world in flux, inspired by Baez’s childhood love for manga. The emotional depth of the album is further explored in Piccolo Incerto Futuro, where Baez’s own experience of leaving his small hometown at the age of eleven is encapsulated in a driving bassline and uplifting synths, blending sadness with a sense of hope for the future. These personal moments continue throughout the album, offering a window into Baez’s internal world.
Tutto Passa also ventures into spiritual realms, with tracks like Tears of Joy and Inside of Me highlighting Baez’s journey toward self-acceptance. The former reflects a moment of pure euphoria, while the latter presents a darker, more reflective side of the producer, paired with choral voices over a sinister riff. These songs create a powerful emotional connection, as Baez encourages listeners to acknowledge their flaws and embrace personal growth.
In addition to the album's introspective nature, Baez pays tribute to his Venezuelan roots with tracks like Arroz Con Leche and La Isla Margarita, which carry deep emotional significance. The latter, a dreamlike homage to a paradise Baez has never seen, closes the album with a remix by Johannes Albert, taking the track to new heights with an acid-infused, dance floor-ready version. Tutto Passa is a remarkable debut that demonstrates Baez’s ability to capture both the personal and universal, making it an album that resonates long after the final track fades.