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Permalink Reply by Beni Williams on October 18, 2009 at 3:16pm

Dear John Vizzusi,

I only know of this astonishing musical genius from his recordings and reading up on him - I am sure that he was one of the few truly inventive - in every sense - artists in the jazz firmament, and that time spreading the word is time very well spent (well done for your stirling work leading the field in this area). I can think of Eddie Harris as one other who pioneered musical forms and new instruments, and was a great all-rounder, but it was listening to the unbelievable 'Turkish Bulge' that took my breath away - I'd never heard any band swing and blow so hard over such an impossible time-signature - I have yet to hear anything come close in fierce intensity and precision. What also fascinates me is that Milcho Leviev was Don's keyboardist for a time, and that he wrote a book on playing conflicting meters (in the left and right hands) in the classical repertoire, and that after he used that talent with the Don Ellis band, he took that element to Billy Cobham's music (especially on 'Moody Modes'). I pick up any Don Ellis recording I can find, and will certainly be checking out your film - Congratulations!

Beni Williams, UK-based Composer/Keyboardist

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Permalink Reply by John Vizzusi on October 18, 2009 at 5:44pm

Dear Beni,

"Don Ellis was a monster of Jazz and his own breed of Music he simply called "Beautiful Noise". He was never sucked in by any commercialization of his sound but played from a creative end so difficult to find today. My United Kingdom Distributor is Sleepy Night Records www.sleepynightrecords.com where you can find our "Special Edition" DVD available to purchase. Its the only Film ever made on the incredible Don Ellis. Over the last year I have invisioned a resurgence of his music but find resistance because of the fact he has somehow almost been completely forgotten. Here in the States, he is basically unknown. He is unlike anyone else is Jazz or otherwise, hence the reasons for a Feature Length Biographical Documentary Film.

I thank you very much for your candid comments, rest assured I will continue my own activism for a re-discovery of so many greats in Jazz that have been lost in our memories.

All the best

John Vizzusi

ELECTRIC HEART www.donellisfilm.com

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