On a recent visit to Morning Becomes Eclectic, time ran out before Jose Gonzalez could play his cover of a song that he holds dear — “How We Walk On The Moon” by avant garde artist Arthur Russell.
A studio version of the cover was included on a benefit compilation for the HIV/AIDS awareness organization Red Hot.
In the liner notes, Gonzales said the track is “one of those songs that I’d heard but didn’t pay that much attention to before, but once I started listening with the cover in mind it really grew on me. I began to hear the potential in the simplicity.”
Arthur was a key part of the NYC music scene in the late 70s and early 80s and considered a quiet , experimental genius by many. This song in particular is so minimalist yet the percussion and lyrical repetition makes it a pop gem.
He died of AIDs-related causes in 1992 in relative obscurity, but clearly made an impact on many.
Check out the full compilation here.
Jose returns to LA for a show at Campbell Hall at UCSB on Thursday, March 10, 2016.