Pitchfork

One of the most singular music-makers of the modern era-- and almost certainly the most unique to emerge from Oskaloosa, Iowa-- the late Arthur Russell is the subject of a forthcoming documentary from filmmaker Matt Wolf.

Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell delves into the life of the maverick cellist and disco producer, who died of AIDS in 1992 at the age of 40. To help paint a complex portrait of Russell, Wolf interviewed several of those who knew Russell during his lifetime-- including Philip Glass, Allen Ginsberg, and Ernie Brooks (The Modern Lovers), as well as Russell's parents and partner Tom Lee.

Those inspired by Russell appear as well, including Jens Lekman (pictured below) and Electrelane's Verity Susman-- both of whom contributed tracks to Lekman's recent Arthur Russell tribute EP-- along with Russell-reissuing Audika Records' chief Steve Knutson.

The Berlin International Film Festival will play host to Wild Combination's premiere on February 13, 14, and 15. Look for it at Greece's Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in March as well.

Thanks to reader Abraham Raúl Araujo Díaz for the tip.