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Rufus Wainwright, born in New York although holding both American and Canadian citizenship, brings together many varied genres including, pop, opera, baroque, rock, classical and ragtime into a unique style. He cites a wide variety of musical influences such as Judy Garland, Edith Piaf and Al Jolson, along with his many operatic favourites. As well as writing commercial pop music, Wainwright has also written operas and much music for soundtracks.
So far in his career, Rufus Wainwright has released 10 albums between 1998 and 2012. The debut album in 1998 was simply titled Rufus Wainwright. This first album was met with great critical acclaim. Rolling Stone magazine hailed Wainwright as the Best New Artist that year citing this album as one of the best of 1998. The album also won several awards from the Gay & Lesbian American Music Awards and a GLAAD Media Award. The nine albums which followed were: Poses in 2001, Want One in 2003, Want Two in 2004, Release the Stars and Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall both in 2007, Milwaukee at Last!!! in 2009, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu in 2010, House of Rufus in 2011 and Out of the Game in 2012.
Wainwright has collaborated and toured with many different artists, musicians and producers. His fifth album included performances with his sister and his mother Martha Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle, Richard Thompson, Neil Tennant, Julianna Raye, Joan Wasser, and Toby Dammit. He has toured with Sting, Guster, Ben Folds and Tori Amos as well as headlining his own tours. For his seventh album Wainwright teamed up with popular dance and pop producer Mark Ronson to generate a more accessible musical format without compromising his distinctive style - the result was Out of the Game.
I was there to see Jose Gonzalez. Wasn't sure I'd stay for Rufus Wainwright - so glad I did!! I am now a new fan!! He was simply amazing. And what a terrific sense of humor! He was a riot!
Opening act was wonderful. Rufus was as terrific as ever. Despite a balcony seat next to the wall, sound was perfect and a clear view of stage. Facility immaculate. Covid Safety 100% efficient.
Rufus Wainwright and Jose Gonzalez were both superb at The Orpheum in Boston. First off, the Orpheum was spotless given the COVID conditions of the last 18 months. Staff was welcoming. Smooth process entering. No problems getting to seats. I sat on the Left side of Orchestra with excellent views of the stage. This was my fifth time seeing Rufus live and he always is excellent live. Last time in Boston, he performed the 20th anniversary of his first two albums, Rufus Wainwright and Poses. That was a concert for the books. This time the focus was on his new album Unfollow the Rules, both a blessing and curse. My rating of four stars instead of five is because there was a little too much focus on the new album. His first two albums are my favorites and he only performed Poses from those two albums during the concert. And it was in the middle of the set on solo piano. While the new songs are good from Unfollow, I don't think the material matches his earlier work. My favorite part of the concert was the performance of two incredible covers sung in duet with Jose: Harvest by Neil Young and So Long Marianne by Leonard Cohen. Just wonderful. His voice is stronger than ever. and with only a four piece band, no drums, nothing drowning him out. Jose Gonzalez opened with a strong hour long set. Highlight was an Al Green cover and cover from his old band Junip. Performed solo. Great stage presence. Again, excellent show. 4 stars easy. But would have enjoyed some of the Rufus Standards which made him big.
We came in from the burbs so it was a hike...but worth it. Going through security was a new experience but they had it down perfectly. No delays, professionalism with a smile. Our first time in this old theater...loved it. You can feel the ghosts of happy audiences and great performers all around you. Jose started his set right on time and played for an hour. His guitarwork is phenomenal and his voice is like soft breezes coming through an open window. However, I felt he was overmiked and it was difficult to hear his words. After a short intermission, the diva walked out in his new concert outfit complete with red sparkly shoes, tossed his trademark hair back and started to charm his audience. He sprinkled personal stories and comedic remarks in-between his beautiful songs. His voice was clear and powerful and his range is incredible. He and his voice have aged, but like good wine, better than ever. He is still gorgeous, still funny, and can still cast a net of songs around his audience that will satisfy them until his next concert. I can't wait. Bravo, Rufus Wainwright!!!
I was there to see Jose Gonzales. Kinda odd double bill. Was really dismayed to see so many audience members not wearing masks. We have an indoor mask mandate in Boston. Orpheum did nothing to enforce it.
RUFUS IS MY FAVORITE ARTIST OF ALL TIME AND THAT IS SAYING A LOT BECAUSE I’’VE SEEN MANY CONCERTS OVER MY 75 YEARS. THE ACOUSTICS WERE SPECTACULAR PERFECT FOR RUFUS’ HIGHS AND LOWS, HIS SOARD TOTHE HEAVENS AND THE CROWD ROARD! I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT OF JOSE BUT HIS VOICE IS SO GENTLE AND LOVELY THAT I PLAN ON PURCHASING HIS CD”S THEY WERE SO SWEET TOGETHER AND LOVED THE LITTLE GESTURES FROM.RUFUS TO JOSE LIKE ITS YOUR TURN NOW, I THOUGHT THAT YOU WERE MAD AT ME. I COULD GO ON AND ON. VENUE PLUS THE GUYS=OTHERWORLDLY
I'm big fan of Jose Gonzales and he was fantastic! Rufus Wainwright was so fun and amazing!
Loved it! Rufus his voice is amazing, and I loved his three-man back-up group. They were great also.
From the opener, Jose Gonzales, to Rufus and his band's encore. It was a wonderful evening going over his catalogue of music and with some new pieces inspired by his family and experiences. A wonderful lyricist and performer, I believe the entire audience was swept away by the evening.
The headliner Jose Gonzalez opened the show so we missed the first few songs of his set. Neither the venue nor Ticketmaster updated anyone about this being changed either via email, text or on social media. We had a great time either way. After seeing Jose at the Kauffman two years ago this was a nice treat.
I had sears in Section A ..under speakers..i went to guest services and they changed our seats and were fantastic . Aimee Mann was great..Rufus sang too many new songs gor too long but very talented
Both Aimee and Rufus need to balance their new material with the songs people love to hear. Aimee did not to “Keep It Down Now” and Rufus did not do ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Across the Universe”, or “Over the Rainbow”. Many people commented as leaving a sense of disappointment. Take a hint from the Big Stars, give them what they want as well as your new stuff.
Rufus Wainwright's voice really must be experienced in person, if you love his music you will be even more surprised by what an amazing performer he is, indescribably beautiful time.
What an amazing night by an amazing performer. He was on his game and didn't disappoint. We have seen Rufus many times and for our first live show in almost two years...AWESOME!
Flawless performances. Enjoyed thoroughly. The Birchmere is a wonderful venue.
Rufus is a gorgeous man with a gorgeous voice and gorgeous soul. Always great live, and he will always be my favorite.
Rufus was in fine form at the Birchmere, as always! His voice is unlike any other- so beautiful. He sang a mixture of his standards and some cuts from his new album which is coming out in April. The new material was wonderful, so looking forward to the new album! Rufus is such a joy to watch- never disappoints! A true artist!! Can't wait until he returns to the DC area!
Very pleasant program. We love Loudan, and he passed on musical DNA with his talented ex wife.One song by an outside artist was depressing. Rufus has a wonderful voice, rich and emotional, and inherited his father’s wit. His sister Martha has a great voice. Both get better as they get older.
From the moment he stepped on stage to the three encore songs, Rufus held the audience in the palm of his hand. His sweeping high notes and his bottom of aged oak barrel low notes captivated everyone. He was funny. He was thoughtful. He shared his views on the world respectfully. Rufus for President! His talent is without equal. Going from piano to guitar effortlessly, it was spellbinding. I can’t believe I actually saw Rufus Wainwright in my own city.
Rufus is amazing. Magical. Bottom line. Go see him if you ever have the chance.
