I first met Joe Melillo, years ago, when I was a young artist trying my best to be heard in NYC. Joe answered the call and has been a tremendous supporter of my work ever since. He has allowed me to create, consider, and have conversations with a large and dedicated audience at BAM and throughout the world. Those conversations are with the many young students of NYC, my fellow Harlemites, the Haitian community, and an ever-growing community of like-minded progressives, rebels, and outcasts.
Anyone who knows Joe can tell you about his voluminous memory, impeccable taste, and clear vision. It’s a relief in a world of compromise, change, and excuses. I need Joe because he makes me remember what I never hope to forget: that art is an antidote to the ills of the world and a conduit for the free flow of ideas—and the systemic changes that come with them. I’m a better artist for having met Joe, and in this, I’m a better person, trying to have the best conversations that I can.
We love you, Maestro Joe Melillo—that’s the need.
DBR
Hey DBR you definitely keep me intrigued with your music. I appreciate your innovation while showing the world the violin’s full versatility. You venture into elements of hip hop, jazz, rock & roll, and other styles of music that most violinists would not have dared to go. Have you produced any books/instruction manuals for aspiring violinists such as myself? I’m sure many people would love to hear your insight.
Darryl
DBR-I have a great violin for sale. It is from Paris,France and the name inscribed inside is C. Mancenol. It has silk stitching on the sides. It was played by my mother Clara Hegedus Le Claire who played it for Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Queen Wilhelmina (HOLLAND), Winston Churchill, King Zog, (Albania), and Zsa Zsa Gabor. My parents were professional entertainers from Holland and Hungry and worked in New York City at a variety of Night Clubs.She was called a Violin Virtuoso,and my father played the piano, accordian and he sang-Thye were on a show in the early 50′s Live like a millionaire on NBC. They went under the name Claire and Monny Le Claire. As I have no need for this beautiful violin, no one plays it, and is on line and worth $3,000.00.
I would like to sell it.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Juliette Dalbacka
jetted7@yahoo.com