A collaboration recorded by Arthur Russell and Allen Ginsberg has been uncovered, with a release due later this year.
Arthur Russell’s posthumous rise to fame has been one of the more enjoyable aspects of the past decade. The classically trained producer developed his own sound, disco submerged in echo.
Working in New York between the mid 70s and the late 80s, Arthur Russell acted as a conduit between the arts scene and the world of disco. A noted classical musician and performer, his depth of knowledge drove his productions in new directions.
Recording profusely, many new tracks are yet to be discovered. One new artefact, however, is a collaboration with legendary Beat poet, performer and activist Allen Ginsberg.
Ginsberg took the young musician under his wing, with many speculating on the exact nature of their relationship. Romantic or otherwise, the pair were close friends with the poet helping Arthur Russell to secure a flat in New York.
Once, when the composer’s electricity ran out Allen Ginsberg arranged a length series of extension cords to run power out of his own apartment into Arthur Russell’s home.
Now a new recording has been unearthed featuring the pair working together. Originally recorded in 1977, it has been found in amongst the extensive series of recordings left behind by the composer.
‘Ballad Of The Lights’ is set to be released later this year, available on digital formats as well as ten inch vinyl. Kept to a strictly limited edition, the disc will be released on October 19th on Japanese label Press Pop.
Listen to ‘Ballad Of The Lights’ HERE.
Retaining his role on 2008’s ‘Love Is Overtaking Me’ Grizzly Bear singer Chris Taylor has helped to clean up ‘Ballad Of The Lights’ before its release.
Arthur Russell / Allen Ginsberg track ‘Ballad Of The Lights’ is set to be released on October 19th.
