John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling

This documentary is a profile of legendary guitar and mandolin builder John Monteleone whose instruments are known not only for their incomparable sound, but also for their visually striking and innovative designs. The film explores the master builder's background and creative approach to building with the musician in mind, as well as his aesthetic influences, some of which include the Art Deco movement, automobile and train design, and the work of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. We travel with Monteleone as he leads us through the mountains of Northern Italy, where he seeks out the world's finest wood, then on to the city of Cremona to explore the mastery of history's greatest violin builders. The film includes performances and interviews by famous clients including Mark Knopfler who wrote the song "Monteleone". Other performances include Woody Mann, Ben Harper, Julian Lage, Mike Marshall, Paul Ricci and Mafalda Minnozzi, David Grisman, Anthony Wilson, Paul Glasse and Mitch Watkins, Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola and Steve Salerno. 90 minutes of special features includes outtakes, additional interviews, a tour of Monteleone's workshop, an 18-minute short film featuring additional material from Monteleone's trip to Italy, additional performances featuring Woody Mann, Julian Lage, Ben Harper and Mike Marshall.