There Was A Paradise In This Island

Celebrating DJ Alfredo Fiorito, following the sad news on Christmas Eve of his passing at the age of 1971.

 

There are a countless number of tributes out there, so many from people who knew Alfredo, worked with him and of course experienced his passion for music through his DJ sets in Ibiza (and beyond). Frequently labelled the father (or godfather) of the Balearic Beat, his impact on dance and DJ culture in the 80s, 90s and up to the present day cannot be adequately measured.

I'm a prime example: I've never been to Ibiza, never experienced any of his DJ sets; yet, indirectly through DJs like Danny Rampling and Paul Oakenfold, who were inspired by their own visits to the island, and those early Balearic compilations, I learnt of Alfredo and his influence on not just a genre, but the art of the DJ.

 

This is one hour of music from a set at Amnesia in 1989, Alfredo dropping in Soul II Soul, Carly Simon, A Guy Called Gerald, Richie Havens, Les Negresses Vertes, Rhythim Is Rhythim, even Grandpa's Party by Monie Love. No snobbery, no boundaries, music is music. And it feels good.

 

If you can spare another hour, there's also a fascinating and lovely interview with Alfredo by Ben Turner (amongst many other things, the co-founder of Muzik magazine) at the International Music Summit in 2014. 

 

Lots to enjoy from this modest man, his voice and delivery matching the gentle and welcoming embrace of his profession, one that seems more serendipitous than planned.

Many memorable quotes, not least the one that succinctly describes Alfredo's (and any DJ worth their salt) raison d'etre: "To make them dance you have to tell them a story".

Alfredo suffered a stroke in 2021 and was no longer able to work, which led to further struggles to access health care and support himself day-to-day, leading to a fundraiser to address this. It was shameful that the island's clubs and businesses, which had - and continue - to profit from Ibiza's position didn't consistently and unconditionally rally round to support someone who had made such a significant contribution.

 

Alfredo is sadly no longer with us, but his legacy remains, continuing to inspire music into the present day. One of my firm favourites is Jezebell aka Jesse Fahnestock and Darren Bell, who have taken those Balearic elements and created something new and exciting.

 

In 2022, Jezebell released an EP called Jezebellearica Volume 1 (and yes, there was a Volume 2). The lead track is Jezebellearic, 7:43 of sheer bliss, weaving in disparate sounds from artists like Lionel Ritchie, Peter Gabriel and (I think) Prince, with samples of Alfredo from IMS 2014 floating over the top. It's utterly, utterly beautiful and a wonderful tribute to the man.

Jezebellearic appeared again on 2023's compilation Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1, which literally wore it's influences on it's sleeve and is full of similarly inspired music. Incredibly, this album - and in fact, the entire Jezebell catalogue - is available digitally on Bandcamp as a name your price purchase.

Alfredo's DJ set has ended, time to head from the club to the beach, watch the sun above the sea and sleep. 

 

Rest easy, Alfredo.