Rufus Wainwright & Friends

Multi-talented Wainwright certainly knows how to put on a show, and how to put together a band too. Musically the stage was awash with talent, talent that surfaced in the first number sung a capella by candlelight, rumbling voices in the lower registers and a soaring soprano swooping across the top. We knew then that we were in for a great night.

Wainwright is an extraordinary song writer and performer, his fascination with so many musical forms makes for an eclectic evening, and this time he had chosen a selection of songs from across his repertoire, pop, rock, folk and one from the stunning ‘All Days Are Night’ as well as a couple from his mother, Kate McGarrigle, and father, Loudain Wainwright III’s canon which other members of this rock solid ensemble performed beautifully, particularly Crystal Warren. He also brought back to the stage Adam Cohen to perform one of his father’s songs. Over two hours on stage Wainwright, dressed like Rupert Bear (his admission), was in full voice and party mood. We all wanted a number from the Judy Garland set and we got one with Harold Arlen’s ‘The Man That Got Away’. Finally, in pantomime style the party went crazy, the audience cheering for more and getting it with Rufus re-appearing dressed as Greek god Rufus Apollo. Truly a night to remember.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 24 November 2012

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