Ginsberg, Allen; Russell, Arthur et al.

Ballad Of The Lights: Arthur Russell and the Flying Hearts featuring Allen Ginsberg

Tokyo, Japan: Presspop Music in Conjunction with Audika Records, 2010. First Pressing. 10" LP Record. “Arthur Russell and Allen Ginsberg first met in the early 70’s in San Francisco through mutual interests in music, poetry, and Buddhism. Drawn to each other’s creative energy, Russell would soon start to provide Ginsberg with musical backing during his poetry readings. And in the summer of 1971, “Pacific High Studio Mantras” was recorded as a track to be included in Ginsberg’s Blake album. Ginsberg’s confident and enlightening voice singing the Tibetan mantra accompanied by Russell’s rich cello unison underlining, can be considered one of the best in the early collaborations between the great poet and musician. Continuing their friendship as Ginsberg supported Russell in his musical career, “Ballad of the Lights” was recorded in NYC in 1977 with Russell’s band, The Flying Hearts and Ginsberg participating in voice. Floating above a backdrop of gentle, almost melancholic guitar pop that was inspired by the simple drumming of Fleetwood Mac and the melodic lines of Abba, Arthur’s lyrics were tender and simple yet also enigmatic and sophisticated. In contrast to the powerful tone Ginsberg shows in the B-side track, his voice is soft and gentle, being in perfect accord with the delicate and obscure world which only Russell can create. After many years of sleep, 'Ballad Of The Lights' was unearthed by Audika Records from deep in Arthur Russell's vast archive” (Soul Jazz Records). Recorded by the great John Hammond (1910-1987), the Arthur Russell (1951-1992)-led group, The Flying Hearts is perhaps best known for their wide-ranging collaborative openness; an openness that led Russell & Co. to working with such luminaries as David Byrne of the Talking Heads (a band that, for a time, Russell almost joined) among myriad others. Produced by Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear fame, and featuring artwork by Sea and Cake’s Archer Prewitt. From the collection of Allen Tobias, assistant to Allen Ginsberg beginning in the 1960s, curator, critical author & scholar who is our good friend & esteemed colleague at the European Beat Studies Network (ebsn.eu). “10 Single, LP-format: the First Pressing (or “First Printing,” as us booksellers would say) of this Ginsberg-related super-rarity. Record is still sealed, so in “As New” condition, as far as we’re considered; which is virtually unheard of for a record this rare. Sealed / As New. [Item #5577]

Price: $100.00