Last Sunday I had the pleasure to squeeze a film at the MFA into my busy schedule. The film was Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell by Matthew Wolf. "Wild Combination is a visually absorbing portrait of the seminal avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and DISCO PRODUCER. Before his untimely death from AIDS in 1992, Russell prolifically created music that spanned both pop and the transcendent possibilities of abstract art. Now, over fifteen years since his passing, Arthur's work is finally finding its audience and a new generation is discovering his work thanks to his longtime partner Tom Lee. Wolf incorporates rare archival footage and commentary from Arthur's family, friends, and closest collaborators—including Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg—to tell this poignant and important story." The synopsis apart, the documentary was quite brilliantly put together and of course the music sort of speaks for itself. If you are not familiar with Arthur Russel's work, check the you tube videos below to refreshen somethings you might have heard before. And Don't forget to catch it at the MFA today @ 6:15pm or tomorrow at 6pm...It might be your last chance before trying to find it on DVD.
Loose Joints - Is It All Over My Face (1980)
Dinosaur L - Go Bang!
