The songs of Arthur Russell are a kaleidoscope of American pop history, uniquely channeled through his unmistakable voice and cello-driven harmonies. It’s hard to think of a genre he didn’t inhabit. His lyrics drew from everyday observation, experimental poetry, Buddhist philosophy, and memories of his childhood in Oskaloosa, IA. Seeking a middle ground between the everyday and enigmatic abstraction, Russell would often consult his East Village neighbor Allen Ginsberg for guidance. And he would frequently metamorphose his songs into wildly different styles, from boisterous dance tracks to serenely sparse cello hymns. In the spirit of their author, his songs remain ripe for covering and remixing.  

Tonight we are fortunate to hear eight reimaginings of some of Russell’s most beloved songs. Each song has been arranged by members of the collective and is sung by members Jodie Landau, Darian Donovan Thomas, and Christopher Rountree, alongside special guests cello virtuoso Andrew Yee, luminary vocalists Robin Pecknold and serpentwithfeet, and saxophonist Shelley Washington. The songs offered here range from Russell’s earliest folk efforts (“Close My Eyes,” “I Never Get Lonesome”) to his later infectious pop anthems (“Keeping Up,” “Wild Combination”), and close out with Yee’s arrangement and performance of an unreleased song, “Out on the Porch.”