For more about Billy: thephoenix.com/Boston/music/110963-billy-ruane-saying-goodbye-to-a-whirlwind/

Photographs by John Soares (johnsoares.com). Animated & edited by Jeff Mellin (jeffmellin.com). Based on a project originally orchestrated for Sublingual Records (sublingual.com) by Roger Miller (Alloy Orchestra alloyorchestra.com).

Music: “Sugarbuzz” by JV McDonough with River City Rebels (myspace.com/therivercityrebels)

In March of 1998, Jonathan LaMaster was starting the SUBLINGUAL RECORDS label for avant/improv. music in Boston. The first release was a compilation called BOSTON UNDERBELLY. Roger Miller suggested that John Soares photograph Billy Ruane for the back cover. Billy wanted to conduct Branca's 6th Symphony during the shoot. He wasn't drinking alcohol at the time, but guzzled Coca-Cola non-stop, and, with his baton, "air-conducted."

The first set of shots showing Billy silhouetted in his classic sport-coat made it to the back of the CD. Three Billys collaged on top of each other, "Charlie's Angels" style. The last set, showing Billy in a white shirt, was never used, but captured the internal Billy; the bird/angel. Roger kept the contact sheet ever since, knowing it would have to be used for something someday.