I can’t say anything that would do justice to the event last night that was Rufus Wainwright, Live at the Ryman, but it was probably one of the more incredibly entertaining things I’ve seen in my whole entire life. Oh, Rufus! I guess I went into it expecting a fairly straightforward show; I’d never seen him live before last night and didn’t really have much of a clue as to his on-stage persona.. I did not expect costume changes. Rufus in a sparkling patchwork suit, Rufus in lederhosen, wearing a tennis bracelet and a diamond necklace. And the best part of the night? Rufus in full-on Judy Garland a la Summer Stock drag, lipstick and hat and hotpants and high heels and all, lip synching to his version of the Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler/JG classic, “Get Happy.” Rufus did a few Judy covers in his show - these were definitely high points of the evening for me. I know that he did the entire shebang Judy @ Carnegie, 1961 concerts last year, and I found out today that he’s actually set to do Judy at the Hollywood Bowl later this year, and I think it’s a perfect marriage. He sings the JG material so beautifully. Anyway, so he did Judy Garland, which was perfection. The other beautiful moment was the duet with his sister Lucy, where they sang the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah.” He has this perfect mix of innocence and anguish and hope and such a beautiful soft quality to everything that he does. It’s perfect. I’ve actually not even heard any of the most recent album, but judging from what I heard last night, I think I’ll really love it.
I missed A Fine Frenzy, but caught most of Neko’s set, which was enjoyable. Even though I think her voice is pretty much perfect, I haven’t ever really been able to get into her music.. Which makes me an indie rock sinner, I guess. I do like her stuff with the New Pornographers, though.
I had an excellent time.. Thank you again, Alison, for the ticket!! I owe you bigtime.
And, from youtube - Rufus as Judy:
Aaaand.. Judy as Judy!
The Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall recording has been a favorite of mine this summer. Hopefully later in the week I can do a post on that.
love, celine
I went for Neko, but thought the Rufus show was amazing. My thoughts as a non-musician: He tried some very innovative stuff on stage and pulled it off.
um… i have been way too far out of the rufus loop. haven’t bought an album since “want one,” haven’t seen him live since 2001ish. thank you for re-alerting me to this wonderment. he has such nice legs!!
I know, right? I actually only had Poses and the self-titled. But the new one goes into the CD player today, for sure.
you owe me three buttsmacks, to be given at a time of my choosing.
It was great getting caught up with your delight of seeing Rufus for the first time! I too felt the same way when I saw him for the first time in Oxford, England and he dressed up for the ‘Gay Messiah’ song. I was fortunate to see Rufus do the Judy show at Carnegie Hall and meet him afterwards at the after party - wow was that a night to remember!
I am seeing Rufus at both concerts in London in October and I just can’t wait to see his show again.
Thanks ever so too for posting the Judy singing ‘Get Happy.’