2 WATCH OR DIE! #10: The Love Project Journey

Straight up: Yael and crew are contagious. Need proof? Check out the documentary The Love Project Journey where the energy and good times are on display. At every stop, at every session, smile and passion seem to infect every person associated with the project. Love Project follows Yael traveling the country to produce an album with an eclectic group of musicians whose styles range from classical to opera to metal. Having said that, the movie goes deeper than just producing a record. It's about individuals with differences musically coming together, finding a medium, and creating something important: sharing the creative experience.

The community collaborating on the album secures itself with a strong base. Most of the crew grew up or near each other and the chemistry is plain as day. As Yael puts it, "Alain knew Nik, Nik knew Yael, Yael knew Yury, Cory knew Alain, and everyone kinda met through different ventures in music or art over the years only to collaborate on a very serious level and are actually still continuing."

This sort of strong, diverse community contributes to the appeal of the film and music. Love Project revels in genres living together in harmony, evident when hearing the mellifluous voice of Sasha Lazard seamlessly blending with the backing rhythm provided by Yael (drums), Dave Eggars (cello), and Lucia Micarelli (Violin and also featured on my main man David Simon's Treme as Annie) on the track "Senza Paso." The sound absolutely mesmerizes, especially, the beguiling voice of Sasha Lazard. She takes you to another realm, man.

Then shit starts getting loud.

Roy Mayorga enters the scene to batter some drums with Yael. The collaboration seems to summons some tribal entity hell bent on kicking ass. "Yael A Yorga" travels into Sepultura country (Roy used to bash for Soulfly) and it delivers a toothsome punch loaded with intensity. In fact, Mayorga used to helm the kit for the mighty Sepultura after leaving Soulfly and now resides in Stone Sour. He and Yael pummeling their kits make one shout, "more, more!

More indeed: Yael's journey crosses paths with shredder Alex Skolnick of Testament. It's cool to see the crew working on the album in someone's apartment. Seriously, Skolnick unleashes some brutal licks right smack dab in the living room. The song is simply entitled "Somethin' Pretty Heavy." That's no shit. Inversely, Alex shows a softer side and some jazz chops on the song "Somethin' Pretty", an ode to a friend, Marc, who was taken away much too early from this world. In an emotional part of the film, Yael presents an "In Loving Memory" drum she made at DW as a gift to Marc's mother. This scene confirms that loved ones are never truly gone and always present on our journeys.

The music in The Love Project is incredible, showing the true power behind collaboration. By bringing in different musicians with different backgrounds, a rich sound develops, not to mention, the kinship viewers witness developing on screen, which could prove to be the film's most provocative theme: the power of coming together.

From a film stand point, the guerrilla approach works to perfection. The film wears blood and sweat on its sleeve for all to see, which adds to its allure. Some of the raw footage makes one feel like a fly on the wall. If a sound is uttered, it could cause a disruption, so you sit, quietly, watching the magic all unfold.

The Love Project took four years to make, but really it's about a life long journey. As an educator, what really hit home is Yael's music teacher trying to convince her to give up drums and take up the flute. Yes, it provides a comical moment, but that instant verifies a pivotal moment in Yael's life and unveils the importance of following your heart. Also, the scene reveals the significance others play in an individual's journey. People, young people especially, need to be encouraged creatively and pushed to take risks. Words have impact. Think of all the journeys altered by closed minds. Every step of a journey proves crucial. Veer one way or the other, the journey changes completely.

Whether focusing on the creative, collaborative process, or one making their way through this world, The Love Project is making waves. Love Project played South by Southwest as an official event, sold out their premiere at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and even screened at Cannes (not as an official selection) for press only. Now, The Love Project Journey ventures to the Atlantic City International Film and Music Festival on September 11. The journey continues.

Hopefully, Love Project will make it's way to Seattle. If not, buy the DVD here to see the all the awesomeness unfold.

I didn't write about this, but Love Project features drumming legend Terry Bozzio. Check it!