(MusicPortal.com) (07/05/05)

Edited By Michael Bennett

NEW YORK, NY, USA - The legendary clubs, their patrons and pioneer DJs that paved the way for present day global DJ and Club Culture will 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, the United States and Asia, receiving critical acclaim.

The "Maestro" soundtrack CD and DVD are set for simultaneous release via Sanctuary Records in North America on July 26th.

For the first time, Josell 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, and the Warehouse, along with their well-renowned DJs, have influenced parties and dance music productions across the world.

According to 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."

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, Francois K, Tom Moulton, Tee Scott, Robert Williams, Danny Tenaglia, Tony Humphries, Derrick May, Tee Scott, Danny Krivit, "Little Louie" Vega and regulars of the clubs, such as fashion designer Patricia Field.

No cameras were 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 in the 3 1/2 hours of footage contained on the two DVD discs 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 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 one-time roommate.

Considered as the inventor of beat matching (mixing) and first dance club "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.

The interview is the only existing footage of Francis Grasso, who passed away shortly after it was conducted.

A "special features" disc also 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, the film imparts a real understanding of the intense clubbing lifestyle, and the lives that were lived and died for.

Not merely nostalgia, "Maestro" is a mirror of the music and experiences it chronicles.

The experience also moves beyond the television screen with the original movie soundtrack, which will also be released on July 26th.

The "Maestro" soundtrack album is a definitive 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 those classic songs are matched with new tracks and clips from the original motion picture.

The soundtrack to "Maestro" 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 the much-acclaimed, Detroit-based Aaron Carl.

"Maestro" Soundtrack Album Track Listing:

1. Peter Brown - Burning Love Breakdown
2. NYC Peach Boys - Life Is Something Special
3. Booker T. & The MGs - Melting Pot
4. Mr. Fingers - Can You Feel It
5. Jimmy Bo Horne - Spank
6. Martin Circus - Disco Circus
7. Aaron Carl - Oasis
8. DJ Rasoul - Let Me Love You
9. Jepthe Guillaume & Astrid Suryanto - Way
10. Ten City - My Peace Of Heaven
11. Bang The Party - Bang Bang You're Mine
12. Gary's Gang - Let's Love Dance Tonight

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