Name: Picture of Bunny Rabbit
Brand: Arthur Russell

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

RT0425LP

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

[r27457110]

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

191402042511

Total Cap

Black LP

RT0425CD

191402042528

Artist

Arthur Russell

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Rough Trade

Rough Trade is a multinational label that was started by Geoff Travis in 1976 as a London record-shop. It quickly grew into an independent label and distributor, collaborating with notable labels such as 4AD, Factory Records, and One Little Indian. The label's catalogue numbering system for singles/EPs included prefixes like RT### and RTT###CD for different formats. Albums were numbered sequentially as ROUGH### with extensions for different formats.In the early 1990s, Rough Trade faced financial difficulties after expanding into the US market. The US branch was shut down and the German branch ended up in the Zomba Music Group. One Little Indian provided financing and took over the label in the UK, retaining ownership of key releases like A.R. Kane albums. Geoff Travis eventually regained control of Rough Trade around 1999–2000 and re-launched it alongside Tugboat Records.

Arthur Russell was an American cellist, composer, and artist. Born on May 21, 1951 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, he began studying the cello and writing his own music at a young age. In the early 1970s, Russell moved to California where he studied Indian music and collaborated with Allen Ginsberg. He later relocated to New York City and contributed to various musical projects with renowned artists such as David Byrne and Peter Zummo.

Russell's groundbreaking career included producing disco singles like "Kiss Me Again" and "Is It All Over My Face". In 1982, he co-founded Sleeping Bag records and released his album "24-24 Music". Throughout the mid-1980s, Russell continued to experiment with different genres while captivating audiences with his performances on cello accompanied by innovative effects.

Tragically, Arthur Russell passed away from AIDS-related illnesses in April 1992. His deeply personal songs left a lasting impact on the music industry. A documentary titled "Wild Combination: A Portrait Of Arthur Russell" was released in 2008 to honor his remarkable contributions.

Rough Trade Records in partnership with Audika Records are excited to announce Picture of Bunny Rabbit a new album of previously unreleased World Of Echo era material by Arthur Russell recorded in 1985/86.&nbsp;

Picture of Bunny Rabbit features nine previously unreleased performances from this era compiled from completed masters culled from two unique test pressings, including one, dated 9/15/85 by Arthur, provided by his mother and sister.&nbsp; A further four tracks were discovered in his tape archive. The track listing includes an exceptional and dramatic solo recording of “In The Light of a Miracle” and the enigmatic title instrumental “Picture of Bunny Rabbit”, written especially for a friends pet rabbit. The bulk of the material was recorded with engineer Eric Liljestrand at Battery Sound Studios, New York, which was located directly opposite the World Trade Center and at Arthur’s apartment studio in the East Village.&nbsp;

In 1986 Arthur Russell was diagnosed with HIV, that same year he released his career-defining masterpiece World of Echo, the first and only solo album issued during his lifetime.&nbsp; Arthur&nbsp;had found his voice and a fresh direction with a set of new, transformative material, unlike anything he or anyone else had previously released. His illness ensured that the artistic growth and sense of exploration encapsulated in World of Echo would be tragically curtailed. Within six short years Arthur was gone.

Arthur’s final years were filled with a renewed commitment to creativity and unceasing live and recording work. He regularly performed the World of Echo material and incorporated several of its compositions in collaborations with choreographers active in New York’s innovative dance community. Arthur worked closely with Diane Madden, Allison Salzinger, Stephanie Woodard and John Bernd, usually playing his cello and effects boxes off stage as the choreographers’ pieces were performed.&nbsp;In 1993 Arthur posthumously received a prestigious Bessie Composer Award for his work in the dance world.&nbsp;

Picture of Bunny Rabbit

Music GB

Discover Picture of Bunny Rabbit by Arthur Russell on CD and LP. Previously unreleased material from the World Of Echo era. Released by Rough Trade Records in partnership with Audika Records.