An ELLIS Film Testimonial

[JEV1A]

Hello all Don Ellis fans:

Last April 15th (TAX Day in the USA) I presented my Feature Documentary Film ELECTRIC HEART, the Biography of Don Ellis to "The Library of Congress" in a Special Screening at The -Mary Pickford Theater in The James Madison Building in Washington D.C.

It was a cold, rainy and generally speaking.. a miserable day in the Nations Capitol. The Screening was set for 7:00 - 9pm with Discussion and Q&A. I metup with Larry Applebaum whom is the Archival Musical Curator and the small audience was seated.

I was astounded that the rain soaked audience even came out and they seemed mesmorized with the Film not making a sound as most of my Audiences always applaud and or laugh or ?? during certain segments of the Film. But all I was getting was silence...

When the end credits rolled, applause broke out and I was happy that they were actually still there and seated. Larry introduced me and we went into discussion immediately on general topical issues of Don Ellis and my Production of the Film.

That is when a mysterious Lady... (I won't mention a name here) stood up and told me that she lived with Connie & Don for sometime and knew both very well during Don's East Coast years... but most of all she declared that the Film told her a story that she did not know before. All the sides of Don that were somehow new to her! She was almost in tears explaining that my Film was the true and untold story of Don's life and hopefully everyone can get a chance to see it.

Well lest to say, this was and is the highest compliment a Filmmaker can ever get, expecially with a Documentary Film I Produced, Wrote and Directed and never even met Mr. Ellis.

Just before the end of the Screening, I dedicated a Special Library Copy of ELECTRIC HEART to The Library of Congress.

The sole purpose of myself and Producers making this Film was to rightfully put Ellis back in the place he belongs in Jazz, at the top!

And this evening proved that someone forgotton somehow in the Musical World can be brought back to life for all to enjoy.

I hope you have enjoyed my own Testimonial of a night I will never forget.

Long live Donald Johnson Ellis (1934-1978)

John Vizzusi, Filmmaker

ELECTRIC HEART don ellis

Sights & Sounds Films and Sleepy Night Records present

-Jazz had to Invent a New Term when it came to Don Ellis

ENGLISH, 70 Minutes, Not Rated

Official Website: http://www.DonEllisFilm.com

Distributors Website: http://www.sleepynightrecords.com