While I am waiting for my brie, fig, shitake mushroom, rosemary mac and cheese I can go up First Avenue, between 13th and 14th to the Birdbath Bakery. I can happily listen to a 45 minute take of “Being It”! The legendary cellist, composer, and avant-garde pop musician Arthur Russell died in 1992 of complications from HIV-AIDS. Arthur Russell discography and songs: Music profile for Arthur Russell, born 21 May 1951. He would have been thrilled that his fan base has grown as it has. What was your day-to-day life like back then? The Arthur Russell estate has partnered with Ghostly and Audika Records for a new apparel collection.. Read more: Previously unreleased Arthur Russell performance shared for the first time The clothing features gig flyers from the mid-’70s, designed by Russell and his long-time partner, visual artist Tom Lee. What's the best venue to see music here now? What's on TV & Streaming What's on TV & Streaming Top Rated Shows … I soon grew to like all of his music, because I could hear and understand it more from its genesis. Thanks to Russell's partner Tom Lee and to Steve Knutson of Audika Records, who have forged several records from Russell's vast archive of unfinished and unreleased work, the world now hears many versions of Arthur Russell. His music spanned different genres, do you have a favorite period of his work, or song? I was so happy just ambling on home with him carrying his cello. Which New Yorker do you most admire? When I think back to that time I think I was looking for a way to make some friends in New York and he seemed like a good place to start! It’s friendly, always busy and yummy! There's the Iowa boy, the disco mystic, the singer-songwriter and composer, and the fierce perfectionist deep in a world of echo. He was hoping to make an experimental biography, thinking it … The visionary musician Arthur Russell is as widely known as he's ever been. Matt told this story through a few people and I think it makes it very personal while at the same time allows people who did not know Arthur get a strong sense of him. We both liked the silliness of the various characters and how they would tease and interact with the guest hosts. While we did not live together until 1980 we were generally staying at one another’s apartments, making food for each other, going to movies and meeting friends through those years. He has passionate and caring political views tempered with a good sense of humor. With the help of his friend, Kirk Winslow, he also looked to numerology to make sure he was choosing the best dates and song and album titles, in relation to proper number sequences and totals. He had close ties to this world through his friends Tej. I might have felt particularly connected to much of this music because it was developed concurrently to our relationship. Photograph: Tom Lee / Audika Records Photograph: Tom Lee / Audika Records/PR. It wasn’t long before Broderick was invited to examine some of Russell’s archival work, and asked to do audio restoration work on the old tapes. I was also going out to some bars and clubs to hear music with college friends and it seemed over the course of a few weeks I would spot him. Arthur usually always made the same meal, a one-pot mixture of brown rice with carrots and onions. He was mostly interested in hearing the quality and sound of the production, how the drums were balanced, the mix and levels of the vocals. Director Matt Wolf's critically acclaimed documentary examines the life and work of Arthur Russell, an influential singer, songwriter, cello player and disco auteur who died tragically in 1992. Thanks to Russell's partner Tom Lee and to Steve Knutson of Audika Records, who have forged several records from Russell's vast archive of unreleased material, the world now hears many versions of Arthur Russell. He was hoping to make an experimental biography, thinking it … Arthur had a laid back manner with a spiritual foundation from his interest and study of Buddhism. He often placed a battery on a key to create a sustained drone along with his playing and singing. Extensive Love Is Overtaking Me liner notes by Tom Lee provide an intimate perspective on Russell’s diverse catalog, which spanned an extraordinary diversity of styles and won the love of artistic communities that would seem utterly disparate, from Philip Glass, John Cage and Allen Ginsberg to rock bands like The Talking Heads and The Modern Lovers; the pre-Studio 54 disco-party scene of Nicky … Hey! Still living in their East Village apartment, he recently talked to us about what life with Arthur was like, and how it has changed since he died in 1992. By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms. âI think the truth is Arthur was writing more generically than that,â Lee says. I like the restaurant on my street called S’mac/Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese. I am happy to keep at it BUT, if I could leave New York, it would be to live in Maine, where I have a small house and wonderful community of friends (including Arthur’s sisters, Julie and Kate)! I Forget And I Can't Tell 13. I started to notice Arthur on the phone along the wall of the Gem Spa, a newspaper and magazine store. The… We would have breakfast together in the morning, and he would go to the studio, and I would hop on my bike and go to work.â. I like the restaurant on my street called S’mac/Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese. Do What I Want, the first public exhibition of materials from Arthur Russell’s archives, ... Arthur on the beach. I loved the dreamy quality of “The World of Echo” music and when he performed that music in many downtown venues I always hoped that my friends would hear it and like it as I did. Genres: Art Pop, Ambient Pop, Singer/Songwriter. That gradually changed to the busy area it is now. Lee is a terrific salesmanâa guy who loved Russell dearly and still gets choked up talking about his late partnerâs lyricsâthough on some level, he wonders what makes the product so appealing. Through contacts at work I found a cheap studio on Avenue A, between 12th and 13th streets. I might have felt particularly connected to much of this music because it was developed concurrently to our relationship. Because Russell never got famous enough to have to explain himself in interviews, thereâs a wonderfully mysterious quality surrounding his music. Time Away 6. Duration: 05:39 Mustafa Ahmed remembers working with Arthur Russell. GIC-160 Audika & Tom Lee — Ghostly x Audika Arthur Russell Instrumentals Long Sleeve Tee. They have some great combinations of ingredients in their macaroni and cheese and while their clientele may be mostly NYU’ers I like that their staff seem like they are friends and family. I think that Matt’s movie captures the essence of Arthur. While all of these elements of Russell … About an hour later we would have a nightly ritual of determining if we should go get some ice cream, who should go get it and what kind. When Arthur started to get more ill over the last couple of years of his life we would be more and more at home. In 1973, Russell moved to New York and enrolled in a formal degree program at the Manhattan School of Music, cross-registering in electronic music and linguistics classes at Columbia University. He is a composer and musician and he is some one who has kept working on his music over the years. All rights reserved. Tom Lee talks about Arthur Russell's attitude to his own music. Photograph: Tom Lee / Audika Records Photograph: Tom Lee / Audika Records/PR. He wanted to make the sounds that people would be listening to hear on the street from boom boxes, (which today, would mean what people are hearing on satellite radios or on their iTouch.). We’d go to places such as The Kitchen, Tier 3 and CBGB. As many people might hope for I wish that New York was an affordable place for people to live not just artists and musicians and dancers, who enrich our lives with their work, but for anyone who might want to live here and take advantage of life in the city. With the help of his friend, Kirk Winslow, he also looked to numerology to make sure he was choosing the best dates and song and album titles, in relation to proper number sequences and totals. He also taught me his Iowan ways of buttering corn on the cob by rolling it in a piece of buttered bread. Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip and singer/songwriter Devendra Banhart explain … Though reason might suggest an eventual end to the steady stream of brilliant work from the Arthur Russell archives, thankfully they haven’t been exhausted just yet. I always remember when he brought home a Chet Baker record and while I at first thought he shouldn’t have bought yet another record I was mesmerized it quickly became a personal favorite and I was grateful to have it. Nearly all of the songs included on Calling Out of Context had never been previously released in any form. It feels deeply personal and tender to me. It’s been an honor and privilege getting to collaborate with these two stewards of Russell’s legacy, who were just as excited as we were to continue the project. (Of course Sam and Chet would not be playing anywhere that I could go to!). I remember one particular late night walking home from a gig with him along a very quiet, desolate lower Broadway, just above Houston Street. This Time Dad You're Wrong 9. Oh Fernanda Why 5. What are you doing these days? âThe big question I have of all the artists on [Master Mix] is that I would love for someone to unlock the secret of what they connect with,â says Lee, who oversees Russellâs catalog and works as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn. Director Matt Wolf's critically acclaimed documentary examines the life and work of Arthur Russell, an influential singer, songwriter, cello player and disco auteur who died tragically in 1992. “I truly loved and was proud of creating these cards for each of Arthur’s concerts. I can also drift away to the hypnotic sound of “Platform On The Ocean.” I have memories of our conversations about that song and can picture sitting on the floor with him around the big reel-to-reel tape machine making suggestions for splicing various segments together. Broderick’s dedication to the music makes him the perfect person to be honouring the prolific artist. Albums include World of Echo, Calling Out of Context, and Another Thought. (Of course Sam and Chet would not be playing anywhere that I could go to!). He represents to me a ‘regular guy’ hard working and passionate about what he loves to do. Duration: 05:39 Mustafa Ahmed remembers working with Arthur Russell. I loved the dreamy quality of “The World of Echo” music and when he performed that music in many downtown venues I always hoped that my friends would hear it and like it as I did. He left behind hundreds and hundreds Arthur was involved with many different musicians, engineers, producers, and record company people. What drew you to him? It is hard to say what Arthur would be up to now. After making an especially lengthy edit he would make me a cassette copy and I would go out for a walk with it and then return to talk to him about my reactions. In FADER 56, to celebrate the release of Wild Combination we caught up with Tom Lee, who told us about his life with his longtime partner, the late Arthur Russell. Goodbye Old Paint 3. Tom Lee doesn’t mind sharing Arthur Russell with the world. By all accounts, he was never satisfied, and in the end, it might have been his perfectionism as much as his eclecticism that kepthim from attaining the success he deservedâand that he may have even wanted. It was perhaps 1:00 AM and there were no cars or businesses to be seen. We might have easily walked a few blocks right in the middle of the road. âBecause I donât understand it. Another New Yorker whom I admire is an old friend of mine, Mikel Rouse. Perhaps he would have wanted to have some do a mix of that song, bringing in some drums or additional keyboards or vocals. I have fond memories of Arthur preparing for various performances with his and Steven Hall’s group, the Sailboats or with Ernie Brooks and The Necessaries. Together we started to print post cards and album covers at the silk screen printing company, where I worked. Russell died a relatively obscure figure — though well-known in Downtown New York's experimental music scene — in 1992, at age 40, of complications related to HIV-AIDS. Given the opportunity, how would you change New York? Featuring designs from Russell and Tom Lee’s gig flyers. Ghostly International are collaborating with Audika Records and Arthur Russell’s long-time partner Tom Lee to produce a four-piece Arthur Russell collection.. Read more: The story of Arthur Russell’s World of Echo Visual artist Tom Lee designed many of the flyers for Russell’s performances. Tom Lee doesnât mind sharing Arthur Russell with the world.more Through a series of posthumous reissues, a 2008 documentary, and now Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russellâan all-star charity tribute album featuring the likes of Robyn, Blood Orange, Hot Chip, Devendra Banhart, and Sufjan Stevensâthe listening public has slowly gotten to know the unassuming musical visionary Lee lived with for more than a decade in New York Cityâs East Village. Even Arthur’s long-time partner Tom Lee took notice of these performances of Arthur’s work, and reached out to Peter personally. Featuring designs from Russell and Tom Lee’s gig flyers. âI think he did want it, but I think heâd need someone to deliver it for him,â Lee says. I do know the he would have kept working each day, negotiating studio time and listening to music on the radio and new CDs. In that time before cell phones we would leave each other quick notes on the kitchen counter, such as: “I’ll be right back,” “I went for a run,” “Be back at 9:00, put the rice on.” There would also be ones that might say: “Here’s $20.00..make it last,” or “Can you leave me $5.00?” He bought a lot of cassette tape on Canal Street in those early years! His young son had a lot of health challenges when he was born and I admire how Jorge and his wife have dealt with that, too. He would listen consistently to Indian vocal music, both traditional and contemporary, which seems to have influenced him a bit on his cello and vocal styling. Arthur had a laid back manner with a spiritual foundation from his interest and study of Buddhism. When Russell got to the studio, he, like many geniuses, would tinker and tweak incessantly. Russell has since died of AIDS — but his many tapes are finally being put together in a number of compilations, the first being a CD called The World of Arthur Russell. He’s been so passionate about each project and is responsible for nurturing Arthur’s legacy. The… Audika Records is the exclusive label and custodian for the musical archive of Arthur Russell. In Love With You For The Last Time Over the past decade, the visionary musician Arthur Russell has entered something close to the mainstream. How Does Everybody Know 12. Since I had the “9 to 5” job I would soon be off to sleep while he put on his headphones and played the Casio keyboard, quietly recording into the night in the next room. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. He was also a big fan of Terry Reilly’s, too. The late musician's partner, Tom Lee (pictured to the right of Arthur), is a major voice in the film. Arthur would constantly bring home records from record stores and I would be a little irritated because we didn’t have the money to buy these records that he would listen to for just a few times. Gothamist is a website about New York City news, arts and events, and food, brought to you by New York Public Radio. While I am waiting for my brie, fig, shitake mushroom, rosemary mac and cheese I can go up First Avenue, between 13th and 14th to the Birdbath Bakery. Thanks to Russell’s partner Tom Lee and to Steve Knutson of Audika Records, who have forged several records from Russell’s vast archive of unfinished and unreleased work, the … Movies. It was not something that I enjoyed previously and I did not get the connection that he was making with it to other genres. Tom Lee talks about Arthur Russell's attitude to his own music. As usual there might have been some frustrations for him if a particular music executive didn’t show up or a complaint about the sound system but I also remember the tenderness of our personal time together. Together we started to print post cards and album covers at the silk screen printing company, where I worked. ... Extensive liner notes from Russell's longtime companion Tom Lee provide perspective into the intimate nature of Arthur's process and songwriting. While studying at the conservatory, Russell repeatedly clashed with Pulitzer Prize-winning serialist composer and instructor Charles Wuorinen, who disparaged the composition "City Park" (a minimalist, non-narrative suite incorporating readings from the works of Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein) as "the most unattractive thing I… I love so much of Arthur’s music. The finished product runs 26 tracks and includes everyone from flamboyant neo-disco heroes Scissor Sisters to Glen Hansard, the earnest Irish singer-songwriter best known for the film Once. Arthur Russell: Homage to the lost hero of dance and minimalism. Thanks to Russell's partner Tom Lee and to Steve Knutson of Audika Records, who have forged several records from Russell's vast archive of unreleased material, the world now hears many versions of Arthur Russell. I Couldn't Say It To Your Face 8. Peter Broderick & Friends Play Arthur Russell is the vibrant and joyful tribute to one of Erased Tapes artist Peter Broderick’s greatest heroes. With designs sourced from Tom Lee’s original flyers. Arthur was interested in vocal music and he liked Chet’s a lot. Thanks to Russell's partner Tom Lee and to Steve Knutson of Audika Records, who have forged several records from Russell's vast archive of unreleased material, the world now hears many versions of Arthur Russell. Arthur would birth them, but he really needed someone else to take them away from him.â. Tom Lee doesn’t mind sharing Arthur Russell with the world.more Through a series of posthumous reissues, a 2008 documentary, and now Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell… What drew you to him? Lee knew him better than anyone, and even he doesnât have all the answers. Currently on my regular playlist is the music of Jose Gonzalez, Low, Little Dragon, Great Lakes Swimmer, Teddy Thompson, Sam Cooke, Arcade Fire, Mark Kozelek, Chet Baker and Nat Baldwin. Audika Records’ posthumous releases of Arthur Russell’s exceptionally varied, long sought-after music of Arthur Russell have succeeded at helping the beloved, late artist find the broader audience he always believed he would reach. It intrigued me that I kept noticing him and I became determined to say hello and meet him. Tom Lee is a New York-based visual artist, school teacher, and steward to the legacy of his longtime partner, the late Arthur Russell. I remember one particular late night walking home from a gig with him along a very quiet, desolate lower Broadway, just above Houston Street.