NEW YORK (By Gaia Somasca/ Sally Fischer Public Relations/ www.maestro-documentary.com) - The legendary clubs, their patrons and pioneer DJs that paved the way for present day global DJ and Club Culture, finally get their due in the 2-disc DVD release of the internationally acclaimed documentary film Maestro.
Directed, written and produced by Cuban born, New York raised, Josell Ramos, Maestro has opened in cinemas in Australia, Europe, US and Asia, receiving critical acclaim. The soundtrack CD and DVD are set for simultaneous release by Sanctuary Records in North
America on July 26th, 2005.
For the first time Ramos' documentary puts into perspective the period of time spanning the late 60s into the early 80s when New York City saw the birth of the Underground Dance Music Culture, a musical and a cultural movement that deeply impacted social rules and ultimately set the groundwork for the Chicago House Music scene, the Disco era and present day global DJ Culture.
The quintessential elements captured in the DVD on the legendary New York and Chicago clubs like The Loft, the Paradise Garage, the Music Box, the Warehouse, and their renowned DJs Larry Levan, David Mancuso, Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles, have influenced parties and dance music productions across the world.
According to renowned film critic Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times, 'Maestro traces the roots of today's global dance-music culture with a passion, knowledge and insight that is as infectious as the music itself. For the uninitiated it is a revelation and for the aficionados it will surely be a special treat.'
A sure collector's item, the Maestro DVD provides extensive, unique and compelling insight into the lives of the people who inhabited that scene, such as club luminaries Larry Levan, David Mancuso, Nicky Siano, Frankie Knuckles, Franc,ois K, Tom Moulton, Tee Scott, Robert Williams, Danny Tenaglia, Tony Humphries, Derrick May, Tee Scott, Danny Krivit, 'Little Louie' Vega and regulars of The Loft, The Paradise Garage, the Gallery and the Warehouse such as fashion designer Patricia Field.
No cameras where allowed in the clubs, yet Maestro features never-before-seen original footage of the Paradise Garage and The Loft, which, though sometimes grainy and out of focus, still offers a rare visual documentation. Included are shots of Keith Haring's Pop Art murals at the Paradise Garage and footage of Haring himself dancing during the closing weekend as well as diva singers Gwen Guthrie, Liz Torres and the legendary DJ Larry Levan with his devoted crowd. The Paradise Garage was also the scene where, soon to be everyone's favorite Material Girl, Madonna had one of her first performances.
Other celebrities who parked themselves on the dance floor included Calvin Klein, Eddie Murphy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Grace Jones and many more.
Ramos also tracked down and interviewed unsung hero Francis Grasso, who happened to be Jimi Hendrix's roommate. Considered as the inventor of beat matching (mixing) and first 'DJ', he recounts his experiments with mixing records at the club Sanctuary as well as the birth of the Gay Liberation movement which found fertile ground in the underground club scene. This interview is the only existing footage of Francis Grasso who passed away shortly after.
The special features disc provides exclusive insight into the Chicago House Music scene. In his own words DJ Frankie Knuckles explains his close friendship with Larry Levan, his experience at the club Continental Baths and his departure to Chicago to become DJ of the Warehouse, where his fame finally took off. Robert Williams, owner of Chicago's Music Box and Warehouse, completes the tale by telling his side of the story on Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy, both considered founders of the Chicago House Music scene.
Displaying a more personal and candid approach, Maestro shows the true history of people through a realistic creative aesthetic. Tracing the underground's dance origin, Maestro imparts a real understanding of this intense lifestyle, and the lives that were lived and died for. Not merely nostalgia, Maestro is a mirror of the music and experiences it chronicles.
Maestro DVD Exclusive Special Features:
Paradise Garage Footage: never before seen footage of the closing weekend of the Paradise Garage (1987), commented by Larry Levan's close friend and roommate, videographer Michael Sampson. Sound Systems: An audiophile look with DJ David Mancuso and renowned sound engineers on the history of club sound and DJ equipment
Making of Maestro: Director Josell Ramos on his journey through the making of the film
Ron Hardy: a look into the Chicago House Music legend and mentor with Robert Williams
Tee Scott: in his own words, a radio conversation with one of the top early producers of Dance
Music The Dancers: from streets to clubs, a raw look into the world of the club dancers
Frankie Knuckles: a conversation with the 'Godfather of House'
DVD Specifics:
2.0 Stereo Mix
5.1 Dolby Surround Sound Mix
5.1 Househeadz Surround Sound Mix
DVD1: Original feature film documentary 'Maestro'
Running Time: 1 Hour 17 Minutes
DVD2: Special Features
Running Time: 2 Hours 26 Minutes
MAESTRO SOUNDTRACK CD
The experience of Maestro moves beyond your television screen. One can relive it anywhere with the original movie soundtrack which will also be released on July 26th. The Maestsro soundtrack CD is a not-to-be-missed journey through the history of dance music. Brooklyn native DJ Kervyn Mark, who played at legendary Body & Soul, Bang the Party, and resident DJ of Melting Pot, has selected and mixed some of the most representative, inspiring, and influential songs that filled the dance-floors at the Paradise Garage and The Loft back in the day. On this infectious compilation the rhythms of these classic songs are matched with new tracks and clips from the original motion picture..
The soundtrack also features original music by Haitian musician Jepthe' Guillaume and singer Astrid Suryanto in 'Way' in which Suryanto's soulful voice blends into guitars strings and a groovy percussion melody. The second new track is 'Oasis' produced by acclaimed Detroit based Aaron Carl.
Maestro Soundtrack CD Track Listing:
'Burning Love Breakdown' - Peter Brown
'Life is Something Special' - NYC Peach Boys
'Melting Pot' - Booker T & The MGs
'Can You Feel It' - Mr. Fingers
'Spank' - Jimmy Bo Horne
'Disco Circus' - Martin Circus
'Oasis' - Aaron Carl
'Let Me Love You' - DJ Rasoul
'Way' - Jepthe' Guillaume and Astrid Suryanto
'My Peace of Heaven' - Ten City
'Bang Bang You're Mine' - Bang the Party
'Let's Love Dance Tonight' - Gary's Gang
