Play Arthur Russell

Released on Christmas Day 2018, 'Play Arthur Russell' is Peter Broderick’s dedicated tribute to the late avant-garde cellist and songwriter Arthur Russell. While Broderick is known for his own minimalist compositions and work with Efterklang, this project represents a deep dive into another artist's psyche. The album focuses primarily on Russell’s more 'accessible' folk and pop-leaning material - songs from 'World of Echo' and the posthumous 'Love Is Overtaking Me' - rather than his disco or experimental noise outputs. Recorded with a stark, intimate production style, Broderick utilizes his multi-instrumental talents to layer cello, violin, and guitar in a way that honors Russell’s signature 'echo' aesthetic while remaining distinctly grounded. The record was praised for its sincerity and its ability to translate Russell’s often-difficult arrangements into a cohesive, hushed folk narrative. It stands as a pivotal moment in Broderick’s discography, showcasing his skill as an interpreter and his ability to inhabit the emotional world of his influences.