Flute Job - Serge Miquel / Documentary Short (23min.)

"If you know the story about the Pied Piper... I'm gonna take all the rats and all the children outside!" - Serge Miquel

Flute Job / The Messenger - An upbeat Documentary Short Film about Serge Miquel / aka "Serge 47". A very talented and oddly charismatic "Flute Player" from Peru who is trying to find his way professionally in New York City. He deserves, exposure, discovery and a "Job"!

This "rock & roll funky show dimension cybernetic flute boy"('s) first time in a recording studio and his LIVE PERFORMANCE at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, NYC.

This NYC MUSICIAN/MESSENGER and "Street Player" from Cusco and Lima, Peru can really make a "pretty sweet sound" with his flute. I first "experienced" Serge and his percussive style, at "Le Bar Bat" on West 57th St., NYC.

The space was full of "good vibes" and was previously the "world famous" recording studio, Media Sound. Before that, it had been an old Manhattan Baptist Church. Everyone from Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Guns N' Roses, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Joel, BB King, John Lennon, Meatloaf, Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder (to name a few) recorded multi-platinum records there. Media Sound was owned and founded by John Roberts who had put up the money and produced The Woodstock Music and Art Fair.

Serge's energy is electric and intense. He was running around the club jumping from one stage to another singing and playing "original songs" on his flute and accompanying himself seamlessly. His music is both "aggressive and sweet". Wild! I figured he was "spun out" on "serious drugs".

QUITE THE CONTRARY, later after his set I introduced myself. It was surprised to meet someone so "clear thinking" direct and original. He has never taken any drugs. After talking with him I felt committed to interviewing him on camera. I have rarely encountered a person as "talented and unique" as Serge.

STREET MUSICIAN - Serge played regularly on the corner where I live. His flute playing was so distinctive (like hearing Ian Anderson, Eric Dolphy or George Crumb). Once I recognized his style I heard him playing everywhere. He worked / The East Village (by the Cooper Union Cube) / 14th Street at Union Square / Columbus Circle (by the U.S.S Maine Monument) / Central Park (by the Sherman Monument) and all over New York City. He rode his bike around, chained it, opened his flute case and was in business. He is innovative; his music has a rich, magical and joyful resonance. He's the "King Hamelin" of Pied Pipers.

I was surprised to find that he had never recorded and more surprised to find, he played the bass, keyboards and seemingly any instrument he could get his hands on. I decided he was either "crazy or brilliant". His father is French and a professional clarinetist, his mother is from Peru. He grew up in Cusco and Lima and hung out in music stores. You might be surprised while watching the video to know that has never owned a bass or a keyboard but HE CAN REALLY PLAY!

I decided to record Serge at my Friend (Benjy King)'s "Home Studio". Benjy, a "Former Pop Star" and keyboard player (of the 80's band, Scandal, with Patty Smyth) had a comfortable studio in his Lexington Ave. apartment. He produced a "really good sound".

My favorite memories of working with Serge, including filming him while he built his tracks, were following him around town on his bike, seeing his "Studio/digs" (in the basement of the former, Piano Store Theater) and his neighborhood haunts. I loved our cam interviews and listening to him tell about Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima Peru, "His love of music" and his Close Encounter with UFOs that live at the bottom of Lake Titicaca. Not sure what planet he's from but I'm convinced he's an Alien. That might explain his EXTRAORDINARY TALENT.

I haven't seen or spoken with Serge in quite some time. He hasn't been playing at his old haunts around town. I miss hearing his flute playing and seeing his "honest face". The City Streets don't feel quite the same without his electric energy.

Someone once told me, "Talent is like cream to milk, it rises to the top". If that's true, I know well be hearing a lot more about "Serge 47". I hope you enjoy the film and meeting THIS GIFTED MAN.

Serge, I know you're out there... ET Phone Home!

Sincerely,
Richard Currier

P.S. On "New Years Eve 09" I had a dream that Serge had phoned and had come by the following Thursday evening. He played some of his new songs on the piano and sang. I remember one was called "Mumbles" and another, "Underwater". It all seemed so real. He was living in (Dumbo, NYC) and he sang so wonderfully! We had a great time, drank a bottle of Jack Daniels and talked about everything from "music theory" to his "complete faith" in Jesus Christ. Around 5:00 AM I woke up thinking about Serge Miquel, "The Man who never existed". Dreams are funny...

Produced & Directed by Richard Currier
©2011 If I Were. LLC

Film Type: Documentary Short Film (23min)