Frank Vitolo – Liquid Soul (2022)
Born with a song in his heart and a saxophone on his lips (metaphorically, of course), Frank Vitolo is a natural talent that the world needs to know about. While jazz is his one true love, US-based Vitolo is not averse to other genres like hip hop, rock and soul – a musician not to be pigeon-holed. In 2017, Vitolo was nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year by Earshot Jazz Magazine, but he has also gained critical acclaim from curators across the globe. Come with us as we take a look (or rather a listen) to his debut single ‘Liquid Soul’.
A bad-ass melodic collective comprising the talents of numerous artists, Frank Vitolo (tenor saxophone and synths) is joined by Robert Papacica (guitar), Sawyer Adler (bass), Josh Farrell (drums), Daniel Dale (piano), Teddy Kingsbury (piano), Olivia Hughart (alto saxophone) and Calvin Sexton (trombone). Oh yes, let’s not forget the enchanting vocals of Edan Krolewicz. A, as I said, bad-ass collective that spins a sonic tapestry in such a harmonious way.
Breaking out of his “jazz shell”, Frank Vitolo leads this group into a psychedelic, soul-inspired, funk-filled sonic whirlpool – or is it just me that gets into this groove? Opening with a synth-inspired introduction, ‘Liquid Soul’ pulls you into the melody with a psychedelic twist. Yet, once you move past that “The Matrix scene when Neo looks at a cracked mirror next to him that mysteriously changes”, the song takes a much slower pace. Bring in Edan Krolewicz’s soulful vocals and you have the smooth foundation for ‘Liquid Soul’.
If I had to compare Frank Vitolo and his musicians to another band, it would probably be the iconic Chicago. Inserting saxophones and trombones into a funk-rock ballad, he already shows edginess in his music. When you hear the soft piano lull and combine that with the flowing vocals, your heart begins to spin and your soul soars. Well, at least mine did. Then again, I’m a huge fan of Chicago and finding a band to compare is quite something.
So, overall, what do I think of Frank Vitolo, the bad-ass collective and ‘Liquid Soul’? Listening to ‘Liquid Soul’ is like being on acid with a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm, only you aren’t on acid. I adore this type of funk and cannot wait for more from Frank Vitolo.
Learn more about Frank Vitolo on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
