Not only that, Tim Lawrence launches his definitive biography of Arthur Russell Hold On To Your Dreams and he will be reading from the new biography and there will be DJ support from from Yam Who? and Tom Relleen (Phonica Records). And in the not too distant future, there’s going to be an album by Arthur’s Landing of classic and rare Russell songs they will be released on Strut!

Even if you’ve don’t recognise the name Arthur Russell, you’ll probably know at least ‘This Is How We Walk On The Moon’ from his music from T-Mobile TV advertising campaign, a track taken from the Another Thought album.

Like the Tim Hardin and Nick Drake, Arthur Russell is a “Lost Superstar” but stands out for his leftfield jazz and disco leanings. With Arthur’s sad passing in 1992, his reputation as a unique musical spirit has continued to grow and Arthur’s Landing is a celebration of his work being a broad collective of musicians that worked with Russell on all aspects of his work - from his more experimental acoustic work (‘World Of Echo’) to his disco projects Loose Joints (Bustin’ Out) and Dinosaur L (for the best, 101 get the compilation The World Of Arthur Russell on Soul Jazz Records).

The band comprises a core of five members that is led by guitarist Steven Hall who calls on “floating” guests available for specific gigs or larger events. The collective also work together on side projects which will be part of the Arthur’s Landing umbrella, including Steven Hall and Joyce Bowden’s Recent Memory acoustic set-up.

The band have just signed to STRUT Records to record their debut album for release in April 2010. The album will comprise new versions of Arthur Russell songs, some known, some never previously heard, and will be produced by Peter Zummo from the band. New York producer / DJs Brennan Green and Pocketknife (Tambourine Dream) will mix the album. Tracks will include ‘Love Dancing’, ‘Your Motion Says’, ‘I’ll Be Fencing’ and ‘Lucky Cloud’.

There will be regular Arthur’s Landing releases at least every six months highlighting different strands of the collective. These will include a remix album, a live album and an acoustic album featuring various Arthur’s Landing side projects.

Not only that, as interest in Arthur Russell continues there are a number of other projects happening around this release. The film ‘Wild Combination’ is now available on DVD, Electric Minds have released Go Bang!, a Russell covers album featuring new versions by Yam Who and more, and Tim Lawrence is releasing his long-awaited Russell biography Hold On To Your Dreams in February.

Clearly Arthur’s Landing debut UK Gig at the ICA is just the start of a busy year; it’s a good job they’re in love dancin’.

Band line-up (Core band / club gigs): Joyce Bowden (vocals), Ernie Brooks (bass), Steven Hall (guitar, bandleader), Peter Zummo (trombone), Bill Ruyle (drums), Mustafa Ahmed (percussion)

Regular guests: John Scherman (Guitar), Elodie Lauten (Keyboards/Vocals)

Other guests: Peter Gordon (saxophone/Horns), Max Gordon, Michael Evans, Carlos Hernandez, Zach Layton (keyboard/electronics), Alex Waterman (cello)
Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) - Keyboards / Guitar
Brennan Green - Drums
Nomi (Hercules & Love Affair) - Vocals

Links:
The band perform their debut European live date at the ICA in London on 20th February 2010 at the launch of the new Tim Lawrence Arthur Russell biography. Tickets: £14 + £1 booking fee in advance. ICA BOX OFFICE: 020 7930 3647 www.ica.org.uk
Online footage of live work:
Diesel UMusic In-Store Live Session - New York on www.youtube.com
‘It’s A Boy’ - New Museum, NY on www.youtube.com
‘Is It All Over My Face’ feat. Nomi (Hercules & Love Affair) on www.youtube.com
www.youtube.com Sing Tractors: New Museum, NY
souljazzrecords.co.uk 7 Broadwick Street, Soho, London
Phonica Records, 51 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 7LZ www.phonicarecords.com
www.myspace.com/phonicarecords