Strut

Since he passed away in 1992, singer/songwriter and cellist Arthur Russell’s legacy has continued to grow. Russell – a “downtown” New York artist whose bands The Sailboats, Singing Tractors, Loose Joints and Dinosaur L navigated the genres of pop, classical and electronica – had a myriad of collaborators. Now, several of his musical comrades have banded together as Arthur’s Landing to celebrate Russell’s artistry through new arrangements of his works (some heard here for the first time). Spearheaded by guitarist Steven Hall, the 12 songs sound in-step with the type of music Russell would likely be making today – amorous, groovy and cool. Whether it’s the chilled out disco of “Your Motion Says,” the Luna-like urban ethereality of “You Can’t Go Back” or the prowling bass line and Quaalude wispiness of “Love Dancing,” Russell’s trademark vacillation between charm and calculated detachment is heard throughout.