Arthur Russell

Posted by: kj burrell on 01 May 2004

Read about Arthur Russell in an issue of Wire at the end of last year. I have to confess I'd never heard of him but the article stuck in my mind. Saw a copy of the Soul Jazz compilation while browsing last week and picked it up on spec.

It's a wild record. Imagine, if you will, a mix of, say, A Certain Ratio, John Martyn, New Order at their most expansive, Primal Scream at their most percussive, Blondie at their most disco, a bit off free jazz, traces of african guitars, all mixed up by King Tubby... Some pieces are very 80s avant disco, others start off with cello and John Martyn esque vocals before dub effects drift in, then some disco bass, then waves of percussion.

Apparently Russell was a formally trained cellist who studied Indian music then did a dj/producer slot at some NYC clubs in the 80's, sort of bridging ae disco and early house. He was also into buddism and a friend of Alan Ginsburg. One of those records you buy that makes you think "shit,I;ve been listening to some dull stuff recently".

Anyone else come across Russell? Is there anything else I need to look out?

Kevin

Posted on: 01 May 2004 by sideshowbob

It's good, isn't it? Pretty comprehensive as well. AFAICT nothing much else is in print ATM, but no doubt that will change now.

-- Ian

Posted on: 04 May 2004 by DISCO

Hi,

Arthur Russell is up there in the hall of fame in disco/dance music. He did produce some amazing leftfield dance stuff which to helped push disco music on. He also was the Co-founder of Sleeping Bag records which was a company that produces some of the best dance & hip hop music in the 80s. Tracks from the likes of Mantronix, Dhar Braxton, Tricky Tee, Indian Ocean, Nocera, Joyce Sims, T la Rock, EPMD & Dinosaur L. This helped the label stand up above the competition.

Arther Russell wasn't a DJ. He made records and gave then to DJs to remix & play in the clubs. He did released his stuff to masses. People like Larry Levan & Walter Gibbons & Francois Kevorkian help to mold his work. The sounds of Arthur Russell helped shape the sound of Paradise Garage. This inturn helped shaped modern dance music.

The Soul Jazz record is a very good start. He has relesed a few albums over the years.

There is an album called Out of Context which may be worth a listen.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001CVB1Y/ref=sr_aps_music_1_1/026-9814411-5764447

He has also released albums called 'Tower of meaning', 'Instrumentals', World of Echo & 'Another Thought'. Not sure if any of these are still on general release.

Also look out for the Disco not Disco Vol 1 & Vol 2 albums on Strut records. These contain Arthur Russell tracks plus loads of other leftfield disco music. The downside is that Strut have gone out of business. It's a shame because it was a quality label.

You can still find the orignal 12" singles of his many tunes but you may have to pay good money for them.

For a few more pointers, at this link

http://www.jahsonic.com/ArthurRussell.html

Dean

Posted on: 04 May 2004 by kj burrell

Wooooooooh!! You ain't called DISCO for nothin!!

Thanks for this: gives me plenty to follow up. Reminded me a litle of the awesome "Wheel Me oOut" by the otherwise aweful Was(Not Was). Similarly out there, pushing the boundaries of the disco form. Shame thar The Was's track didn't influence more people if you ask me.

Kevin