Danijay - Dance & Breakfast

Genre: Italo
Label: Universal
Type of media: CDA
Bought at: www.americandisco.net
Reviewed by: Luc Trombini
[rating]6[/rating]


Daniele Zaffiri better known as Danijay originally released this as his first, and so far only, album back in 2006 as a culmination of a series of successful single releases since 2003 where his first single il Gioco Dell’Amore was released.

The album starts with the Bikini version of L'impazienza which reminds a bit of the style of DJ Ross in some of his productions (like Luka - To Nem Ai (DJ Ross Remix)), a good mix of House vibes with dance sound. Then we have Encanto, one of the anthems of the album, written and sung in Spanish. Real italo starts here with a powerful build up as Danijay always makes. Then starts the synth which, personally, is instantly making me having a musical orgasm, it is awesome.

One of my favorites from the album is the 3rd track on the disc: The Sound Of Love. Once again the BPM has been lowered and it has some electro clash sound (Like Benny Bennassi used to make some years ago). It fits the song well. The vocals from Henry are a pleasure to listen to. So is the Guitar riffs we can hear as lead melody.
Vampires is the Halloween oriented song from Danijay in track number 4. The general atmosphere is quite cool and the bass powerful, I like the strings in the background. Vocals are perfectly performed, and it goes easily in your head for several days!

Then comes the original or Canotta XXL version of L'impazienza, one of Danijay's best songs. The melody is just perfect, the lead synth is a perfect choice and so are the vocals. There is a little intro with an arpeggio string that prepares the listener for an avalanche of power where after the bass comes - it just smashes your head! And if you speak Italian you might enjoy the lyrics that are really sweet. Notice the reversed vocals in some parts that remind of those in I Fiori Di Lilla.

Now is the Turn to...Turn Around! This one got released on CD some years before the album; it is the original version of it. here the BPM also is a bit lower. It has some similarities with Sound of Love, but it is still a great track.
Next up arrives the DJ Morgan Electro remix of the track Condition. At first sight you probably would say "WHAT THE FUCK? ELECTRO?" Well... you already know that Danijay actually dislikes electro, so he would never put some on his album. And it is true, it is not electro in that sense, it has a powerful bass and a really huge lead, the vocal editing is also quite cool.
Luna Nera, one of the most famous tracks from Danijay, has come in a "Live" version, though I doubt it was recorded live. It is just as powerful as the original version, however. the vocals from Axel are nice to hear and are actually better than the original.

Now comes I Fiori DI Lilla remixed by Gabry Ponte. This one is a kind of a dream coming true for Danijay. When he released I Fiori Di Lilla in 2003, according to an interview, he said working with Ponte would be an exceptional experience. After seeing lots of fake remixes all over the internet, which were just a cut of the original edit and after a promo edition leaked on pirate sites, a Gabry Ponte remix of I Fiori Di Lilla was finally made and the dream came true. Too bad it is not really that good, though still enjoyable since it is one of Gabry's last italo productions and since you can still hear the distinct Gabry touch in it.

Happiness, my personal favorite track of the album, is a 2006 rework of the original from the Luna Nera E.P. released in 2004. Lyrics and vocals are really great, not to mention the lead and melody! I go NUTS when the lead starts with a bit of filter on it and then a violent and strong bass. Surely one of Danijay's BEST productions. it is WAY better than the original from 2004.

2 years after his previous release, Danijay brings back Roby Rossini who performs here in a wonderful song: Arcobaleno. A good song, actually good enough to get released on vinyl some months later. Vocals are powerful and lyrics are pretty cool too, you can easily recognize the classic voice effect that Roby Rossini always uses. Hearing this one feels great and reminds a lot of the golden years in italo.
Say Me, the experimental track of the album and also a fairly known hit-single, mixes a powerful and strong bass with an aggressive lead. It is full of energy – perfectly made for the clubs.
Il Tauro is not one of my favorite tracks. It sounds a bit messy but it is always good to listen it whereas it reminds a bit of Gigi’s style in some parts.
Thereafter comes the Sander remix of Turn Around. Sander gives huge power to the track, it's his usual style, but you notice that he made it during his transition between italo and hands-up. It is still interesting to listen. The lead Melody is working pretty good but it could have been better.

One of the less famous remixes from Provenzano DJ comes just here, it is his L’impazienza remix. Generally it is a little weak, not really my taste, Provenzano used to do a lot better. In the end Danijay is remixing way better the productions of Provenzano (listen to "Vibe").
The Spanish version of L'impazienza remixed by Jordi Carreras is next and he has done a really great job. You can hear a nice melody played by the piano and a catchy lead synth which fits good. A good and different mix from the original with an original touch by Jordi.
Lastly is Tonight. The 'sad' song from Danijay. I really like this one, it carries a powerful melancholic feeling and is definitely one of my favourites from this album.

Generally this album is a masterpiece every italo listener should have, and just for that it deserves the 6 stars. But why this review 4 years after the release of the album?
Well I felt like Danijay needed a tribute after everything he has done to bring back the italo to the scene. A Tribute to a guy who always kept his statements, especially about electro, a genre he never liked and promised never to produce (not like his producer colleagues Provenzano, Promiseland or DJ Ross etc.). Simply a man who makes music by passion and not for money. A producer who gave all his love to dance.

Dani, if you read me, we all hope you'll come back one day!

Track list:
1. L'impazienza (Bikini)
2. Encanto (Spanglish Extended)
3. The Sound Of Love (Extended)
4. Vampires (Extended)
5. L'impazienza (Canotta XXL)
6. Turn Around (Extended)
7. Condition (DJ Morgan Elektro Remix)
8. Luna Nera (Live Edition)
9. I Fiori Di Lilla (Gabry Ponte Remix)
10. Happiness (Remake 2006)
11. Arcobaleno (feat. Roby Rossini)
12. Say Me (Extended)
13. Il Tauro (Extended)
14. Turn Around (Sander Remix)
15. L'impazienza (Provenzano DJ Remix)
16. L'impazienza (Jordi Carreras Spanish Rmx)
17. Tonight