The incomparable Rufus Wainwright, one of the musical world’s true original contemporary artists, is returning to New Zealand to play Auckland's magnificent Civic Theatre with his full band on Friday 21st September 2012, following the release of his acclaimed new Mark Ronson-produced album, 'Out of the Game'.
But his adoring New Zealand audiences are in for an extra treat – joining Rufus on stage as part of his band include his friends: gifted folk-jazz-soul singer and songwriter Krystle Warren – who recently completed an Australian solo tour with great panache, following her appearance there last November for 'Way to Blue: The Songs of Nick Drake.' Joining Krystle in the Rufus Wainwright band is Teddy Thompson, the rich-voiced and much-loved songwriter, son of the great British musical pairing of Richard and Linda Thompson. Krystle will also be the opening act for the New Zealand show.
Of course, Rufus has been in the spotlight most recently gathering acclaim for his latest studio offering, 'Out of the Game.' With grace and humor, craft and confidence, the album is a remarkable return to the pop world for Rufus Wainwright. The scope of sounds and styles are unified by both his incomparable voice and the lucidity of his vision.
Several critics decided not to mince words (PopMatters:"It's his best since 2003's ornate Want One". And Mojo Magazine: "Ronson and Wainwright have dressed these songs to kill, not just to impress."
The last few years have been quite a journey for Rufus Wainwright. Creatively, he put pop music aside and concentrated on his other interests, from his Grammy-nominated recreation of Judy Garland's fabled Carnegie Hall concert to the 2009 premiere of his opera, Prima Donna. Wainwright's personal life has been even more dramatic, witnessing the birth of his daughter, Viva; the death of his mother, singer/songwriter Kate McGarrigle; and his engagement to partner Jorn Weisbrodt.
All of these experiences inform 'Out of the Game,' his seventh studio album, along with the input of a new collaborator, celebrated producer Mark Ronson (winner of the 2008 Grammy for 'Producer of the Year,' known for his work with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Christina Aguilera). The results are the loosest, most accessible music of Wainwright's career, retaining his distinctive narrative sense and wry wit while adding classic pop pleasures.
For this Australasian tour, Rufus looks forward to recreating the studio experience live on stage. It will certainly be the kind of aural feast that led Paste Magazine to write, "On 'Out of the Game,' Wainwright does not disappoint: whirling string sections and a chorus of women exhale grief behind the brash songwriter who knows no shade of blue that eludes him."
Make sure you see Rufus Wainwright on this exciting run of dates this September - and find out, or rediscover, why Rufus has been affectionately referred to by Elton John as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and praised by The New York Times for his "genuine originality."
Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation - and his live show is always an absolute blast!
"His prodigious talent and music appeals to smooching couples, beardy musos, middle-aged women and billionaire football club owners alike. This was an extraordinary concert... backed by an obscenely talented eight-piece band." - The Telegraph UK, April 2012
"Masterful... this new album marks a return to the pop chops and killer hooks that initially made Wainwright so celebrated." - Boston Globe 2012
"Rufus reins in his extravagant tendencies for a subtly shaded, seductive album that radiates warmth and contentment." - Uncut 2012
Tickets for NZ show only go on sale Monday 11th June.
