Donald Rubinstein

"IF I WERE A SMARTER HUMAN BEING I WOULD NOW INVENT A WORD THAT WOULD EXPLAIN EXACTLY HOW FREAKIN COOL AND ORIGINAL IN THOUGHT AND EXECUTION DONALD RUBINSTEIN IS WITH HIS MUSIC. THIS NEW WORD WOULD HAVE TO EMBODY THE TALENT THAT YOU HEAR WITHIN THE FIRST 30 SECONDS OF YOUR FIRST DONALD RUBINSTEIN SONG, THAT PUTS YOUR BRAIN ON SOME NEW RAILS YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW EXISTED BETWEEN YOUR EARS. HIS MUSIC IS INSPIRATIONAL AND AT THE SAME TIME MELANCHOLY, AND HE WIELDS HIS ORIGINAL TONAL CREATIONS LIKE A TRUE MASTER HITTING YOU WHERE YOU WEREN'T LOOKING. FOLK, JAZZ, ROCK, CLASSICAL, THIS DUDE CAN DO IT ALL. HIS MUSIC IS THREE DIMENSIONAL. YOU CAN TOUCH IT AND IT WILL TOUCH YOU BACK…HIS PROLIFIC DISCOGRAPHY IS SOMETHING YOU SHOULD TAKE THE TIME TO EXPLORE, TO DISCOVER THE GENIUS LANDSCAPE THAT DONALD RUBINSTEIN HAS SCULPTED OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES….HE HAS JUST RELEASED A NEW ALBUM ENTITLED, "WHEN SHE KISSES THE SHIP ON HIS ARM"...A PIECE OF AUDIO ARTISTRY THAT WILL BE STUCK IN YOUR CARS CD PLAYER TIL ABOUT LATE NOVEMBER UNTIL THAT ONE ANNOYING FRIEND OF YOURS WILL ASK TO LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC. BUT IT'S OKAY CUZ ONCE THEY GET OUT YOU WILL JUST PUT RUBINSTEIN'S CD BACK INTO THE PLAYER. "WHEN SHE KISSES THE SHIP ON HIS ARM" IS A COLLECTION OF 13 VERY IMPORTANT SONGS. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I EVER USED THE WORD "IMPORTANT" TO DESCRIBE AN ALBUM. YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE SONGS." AUGUST, 2009 BY GROOVEY - ADOBE AIRSTREAM MAGAZINE - FULL REVIEW AT: http://adobeairstream.com/elements/article/155-donald-rubinstein-

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE at http://www.donaldrubinstein.com and for download at iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, Napster, MusicNet, eMusic and others. The CD features 13 original songs with guest artists Terry Allen, Craig Eastman, Sharon Gilchrist, Ron Helman and Hank Roberts. You can hear a sample above: "I Cracked Up From Loneliness."

New Review of recent "Knightriders" release on Perseverance Records: “The quality and grace with which Donald Rubinstein fuses classical, traditional, medieval, folk, jazz fusion and rock is flawless...His music is superb.” Mark R. Hasan, Music 4 Film. http://www.kqek.com/cd_lp_reviews/j2l/CD_0137_Knightriders1981.htm

NEW INTERVIEWS: The first with Brian Hardgroove of "Public Enemy," on his show "Fuse Box." The second, with Gabe Gomez on "Junk Drawer," can be heard at http://www.project1015.com/sound_bytes/view/session/donald_rubinstein/85/

Donald and Ed Harris pen "Ain't Nothin' Like a Friend," performed by Donald Rubinstein for the soundtrack CD and DVD of Ed's directed feature, "Appaloosa" on Lakeshore Records. “Special mention should be made of Donald Rubinstein’s song “Ain’t Nothin’ Like A Friend.” ...this beautifully lyrical number is a cool last bit of rural atmosphere to send APPALOOSA off into the musical sunset with.” Daniel Schweiger, Film Music Magazine

Donald is currently recording his 18th and 19th full length CDs + lookout for the first OFFICIAL release of Donald's cult classic score for the George Romero feature KNIGHTRIDERS, available now at perseverancerecords.com. "Donald Rubinstein followed up his jazz vampire score for George Romero’s MARTIN with an equally alternative rock-orchestral score. “Medieval” scoring has never been more different than for the director’s Renaissance Faire-on-motorcycle-steeds flick: ...ascent to cult film and score status." Daniel Schweiger, IF Magazine.

SELECTED QUOTES

"One of the top 100 coolest soundtracks of all time (the film 'Martin')...haunting, minimalist jazz penned and performed by pianist-poet Donald Rubinstein. Elevates the horror score into high art."
Lois Wilson, Mojo

“Sitting behind the piano, playing his beautiful tunes, he reaches a sort of serenity...devoid of transitory trendiness.”
F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times

"Martin and Pollock both represent the striking musical vision of composer Donald Rubinstein, a man to whom conformity is as much an anathema as a crucifix is to a vampire, or an art critic is to a painter. Preferring to color his own work with relatively smaller ensembles, experimental jazz, exotic instruments, haunting voices and instantly memorable themes, Rubinstein’s novel cinematic approach has been dictated as much by creativity as budgetary restraints...all are distinguished by a singular “indie” voice-a cool, rebellious vibe developed long before that term was fashionable, a hypnotic sound that joins the outcast characters of Martin and Pollock almost 25 years apart.”
"Donald Rubinstein’s Works of Art" by Daniel Schweiger

“Songwriting genius...Donald Rubinstein's music really amazes me...incredibly creative stuff.”
Derek Sivers, Founder, President CD Baby

“Donald Rubinstein may have the strangest muse in the world, but also one of the best. He’s got enough weird poetic/musical genius in his brain to rival Jim Morrison. / An extraordinary life and an equally extraordinary body of work.”
Jonanna Widner/Gabe Gomez, Santa Fe Reporter

"D (Donald Rubinstein) doesn't do shit for the fuck of it. He does shit from the heart. His heart, your heart. The amazing thing is that he can see and hear your heart. He says things you've been wanting to say. And he makes you feel less of an asshole for wanting to say them. Because when he says them, they suddenly make sense. Validation, man. I'm not the only sucker on this planet. There's this other guy, D, who's been suckered in, too. And he's here to explain how, why, and what happened to us all. D rules!"
George A. Romero, Director.

"For sheer variety and entertainment, Donald Rubinstein's novel, unpredictable one-man show is hard to match. Rubinstein incorporates piano, guitar pieces, theatrics, storytelling and poetry to comb the light and dark stands of his life as an artist, telling of broken relationships, sad parting and bumming it on the road. A raw, heartfelt spirit permeates the evening and contributes to Rubinstein's unpretentious appeal...Yet Rubinstein knows how to sucker-punch his audience with unexpected humor. From one rueful segment he suddenly breaks into a stunning, house-shaking harmonica solo, an outrageous guitar solo about breast implants, and a hauntingly beautiful lullaby.”
Lovell Estell III, LA Weekly

"Donald is crazy. Like Charlie Parker was crazy. Like Kerouac and Bob Dylan are crazy. Perfect crazy. Full of surprises. I can't say anything better about anybody. 'Crazy' on this idiot planet is as good as it gets. Donald is even better. A monster artist. (Not bad for a Yankee.)"
Terry Allen

“A poet in a Dylanesque vein, Rubinstein’s singing voice reminds me of a tired, more world-weary Bruce Springsteen…in the singer/songwriter vein, I’d much rather hear Rubinstein than any of the other, more popular artists.”
Robert Iannapolo, Cadance Magazine

"Rubinstein sings like an animal, his grizzled voice cracking with half-ironical desperation or descending to a conversational murmur...His tunes are instantly iconic."
Mark Fefer, Seattle Weekly

"The word “versatile” doesn’t even begin to describe Donald Rubinstein’s life as a musician. One minute, he sounds like Bob Dylan. Heavy-duty rock also rages in his soul. Some instrumental works seem to reflect a particular mood, feeling or visual image."
Emily Van Cleve, Albuquerque Journal

“Donald Rubinstein is a composer and songwriter of stellar proportions. His compositions are beyond John Williams, more like in the realm of Aaron Copland and his songs, Elton John wished he wrote.”
John Densmore (The Doors)

“Singer/songwriter, pianist, jazz experimentalist, soundtrack composer, beat-style poet -- Donald Rubinstein has somehow juggled all those hats over the lengthy span of his creative career.”
Steve Huey, All Music Guide

"Donald Rubinstein fascinates and captivates our attention. His songs are haunting in text and blend jazz, blues, folk and soul in their rendering. His sad, sultry, slightly raspy voice has the quality of a man worn down. The sounds and images linger long after."
Dave DePino, Dramalogue

“A cure for normalcy.”
Jazziz Magazine

“Plays like the after hours musing of a (much) hipper John Hiatt.”
Keven McAlester, New Times Los Angeles

"With only the quiet power of Bill Frisell's guitar providing a backdrop for the most part, Donald Rubinstein has created an awesome display of the hold that music can have....I've had this playing over and over for many months and it changes with me, like the best expressions do. “Time Again” is able to be majestic and deeply personal, displaying a solitary reflection that embraces humanity. It speaks so beautifully. Frisell's guitar is the perfect companion throughout, in fact your never quite sure if it's the guitar or the vocalist who's guiding you here; the match is that solid. A treasure.”
Bryant Baker, Gajoob Magazine

“I'm so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him in all kinds of situations over the years. I've learned a lot from him. He is a total artist who uses everything - a guitar, a whistle, a symphony orchestra, spoken word, song, drawing, painting, dance, acting, etc., etc., whatever. There are not limits. These days it's reassuring to know there's someone like him around. He's still on that path, and still an inspiration.”
Bill Frisell

"A terrific collection of 13 wildly diverse tunes by the multi-talented Donald Rubinstein and friends, performed on instruments ranging from harmonica to computer, from tenor sax to baroque violin. Each song heads off in a different, and usually unexpected, direction, but they're all held together somehow by a subtly dark and sometimes eerie vibe...It's a rich and satisfying piece of work."
Splendid-e-zine (Maya)

SOME HISTORY
Donald Rubinstein— Composer, singer/songwriter and visual artist—made his musical debut at age 25, by scoring George A. Romero’s cult classic film "Martin" which Mojo in 2002 named “One of the Top 100 Coolest Soundtracks of All Time.” Since then he has released 18 CDs, ranging from Jazz, to Americana, to Classical/experimental; scored several feature films and main titles for two television series; performed and/or recorded with numerous world renowned jazz, rock and country artists; and been commissioned for dance and by musicians from the Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic Orchestras.

Jazziz magazine included a Donald Rubinstein-Bill Frisell duet, “Fingers” on their 20th anniversary limited edition CD, "Celebration of the Modern Era", with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Cassandra Wilson, Charlie Haden, and others. He received an ASCAP Special Award for Theater Arts in 1998 and an Ascaplus Award for jazz/popular composition in 2007 and 2009.

His multimedia and visual work have premiered in both New York City and Los Angeles and been exhibited at: The Museum of Modern Art and The Whitney Museum of American Art (both in collaboration with Kiki Smith); Gallery 68, Austin; Linda Durham Contemporary Art, and The Center for Contemporary Art, Santa Fe, amongst others. The City of Albuquerque recently purchased, for their permanent collection, Donald's multi-media drawing, "Sometimes He Could See Through Space"

In addition to film, television scores and visual art, Donald has written over 250 songs; numerous concert works; 4 multi-media performance pieces; and six books of poetry and drawing. Rubinstein has collaborated with artists as varied as George Romero, Kiki Smith, Bill Frisell, Ed Harris, John Densmore, Hani Naser, Terry Allen, Robin Holcomb, Anthony Jackson, Emil Richards, Vince Bell, Natalie Goldberg, Gordon Gottlieb, Brother Blue, Janice Meyerson, Bob Moses, Anna Halprin, and many others.

During 2007 The Center for Contemporary Art, Santa Fe, presented a ‘thus far’ large-scale celebration of Donald’s work, including a screening of films he scored, art exhibit and a concert performance with special guests Terry Allen and John Densmore. It also included Donald’s directing premiere, “Tales From the Edge,” a short animated film based on his drawings. Rhombus Records released "Acceptance," featuring Bill Frisell, and “Tangled Up in Bob,” the soundtrack for the feature documentary based on Bob Dylan’s early life. Donald’s own Black Starlight Records released his avant synth, piano and voice excursion, "Circus Boy."

Perseverance Records released a third pressing of Donald's score for "Martin" as well as his "Unused Score for Pollock." (commissioned for the Ed Harris feature, “Pollock,” though never used in the film). After years of bootlegs selling for hundreds of dollars on Ebay, Perseverance Records will offer the first official release of Donald’s score for the George Romero feature, “Knightriders,” summer 2008.

Also in 2008 Spacebar Recording has released a new CD of progressive rock tunes entitled “Take the Dark Away.” The CD is by ‘Painted Stranger,’ comprised of Donald and Steve Deutsch, and features mixes by Tchad Blake (Pearl Jam, Tom Waits). A new CD of original songs, "When She Kisses the Ship On His Arm" is currently in progress and slated for release on Bare Bones Records Records in April, 2009. Donald has just appeared in the invitational art show at Hahn-Ross Gallery in Santa Fe, “Serial Boxes.” As well Donald has penned the main title theme for the upcoming “Austin-centric” talk and variety show, “The Lance Van De Kamp Show, Starring Maggie Duval.”

June 2009 will see the premiere of a work for modern ballet based on Donald’s music and drawings, written and choreographed by Ray Kurshalls (formerly with Twyla Tharp, Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor) and Moving People Dance Theatre.

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"They deferred to Donald Rubinstein, who strummed his guitar and sang melodiously."
Bernard Holland, New York Times

"The music was composed and played by pianist Donald Rubinstein...minimal, sad, lovely, melancholy and touching. Perfect for a moody flick."
New York Downtown Music Gallery

"Circus Boy" is basically a solo set of piano and electronic antics by Donald Rubinstein...Mixed into all this are short, evocative piano solos and bits of two processed females voices repeating the words, “lies” and suck.” The meaning of all this is obscure but on sheer sonic evidence Rubinstein’s concoction is pretty, sad, and moving.” Cadence

"A wistful slice of melancholia...pieces play out like scenes from an unmade David Lynch movie."
Jazzreviews.com (Circus Boy)

“This is the soundtrack to every solitary late-night drive you've ever taken. Rubinstein’s rather like a less talkative Leonard Cohen, or maybe a less-animated Warren Zevon, with moments of John Hiatt and David White thrown in. A veteran of movie soundtracks, Rubinstein is accustomed to creating evocative works; when he's set free to score the movies in his mind, the results are often picture perfect.”
George Zahora, Splendidezine (A Man Without Love)

“What really knocked me out is the music for [the film] Martin, a showcase for Donald Rubinstein’s jazz chops.”
Gary Giddins, Author and Jazz Critic

"Sigmeund Freud on music...emotionally demonstrative, pain-stakingly recorded material for the soul.
MRO (Maya)

"Thank you so much for this. I just listened to all the songs...all in a row. Donald I can't tell you how much your music moves me. NO wait, I'm going to give it a shot. Listening I feel like my soul is a man dancing in a dusty road with the dirt kicking up all around him, getting dirty with lifes blissful sorrow, lifes harrowing happiness, the mad beauty of being human. Oh Lord, God Bless you Donald Rubinstein, your music helps me to fall into myself."
Sarah

“This isn't background music. It's cool. It's night. It's looking for an audience in a theatre of alleys...I find it freeing and relaxing. Beautiful pieces which defy labeling. A ghost in a sometimes dead world of music baying at the moon and ass cheeks. Worth relishing."
Ben Ohmart, Music Dish(Maya)

"Donald Rubinstein's haunting score, with its somber female operatic chorus and stark piano strings, has a timelessness that Morricone at his best is able to capture."
DVD Empire

"Rubinstein opened with a haunting, original ballad - his voice was raw and he played piano beautifully...real eccentric things you wouldn't ordinarily think of. It inspires you to do something that stirs within."
KYPA, Los Angeles