Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall

A unique collection of world famous standards

No doubt Rufus Wainwright's voice and talent of a songwriter make a priceless contribution into the world of music. Canadian-American singer has always been renowned for his love of classic music, but of late he can be more often heard accompanied by rather rock guitars instead of his favorite piano. His last studio album Release The Stars, for instance, has demonstrated Wainwright's ability to combine most varied styles in his songs, including rock and orchestra work. Yet, one of the episodes in his creative work has almost remained unnoticed – in summer 2006 he made the exact reproduction of Judy Garland's concert of 1961 at Carnegie Hall that was a real furor in its time. This year Rufus Wainwright has decided to make a present to all those who failed to see his performance releasing an audio version of the concert that got called Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall. This presents a unique collection of world famous standards performed by Wainwright which is a must have for all who values a really good music.

A grandiose action on Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall

The songs are all in the consequence as it was more than forty years ago at Judy Garland's concert, which many rightfully consider one of the best shows in history. The concert was also made an audio version that remained on charts for 73 weeks. Twenty six marvelous songs will remind the listeners of the 60s and please with incredible tunes, embraced by a perfect orchestra sounding that adds the feeling of a grandiose action. The album's opener Overture: The Trolley Song… is a brilliant beginning of a long journey into the world of music, refined with all instruments possible, without any singing. Rufus performs the famous hymn to a smile When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) in his typical romantic manner, whereas complex composition Medley: Almost Like Being In Love… is refined with Rufus' speaking with the audience making it laugh. A real highlight is Do It Again which lets the singer demonstrate his best vocals with high notes, and Just You Just Me is a rhythmic composition again full of Rufus' sparkling humor. Songs like San Francisco, Come Rain Or Come Shine, You're Nearer are all performed brilliantly, as well as amazing That's Entertainment! One of Judy's most emotional compositions Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart connected with her father's death is again made alive by this artist with a delicate sensuality. His performance of song Over The Rainbow from the film The Wizard of Oz that made the actress world famous is also worth a praise. The closer Chicago is again full of emotions and ends with never ending loud ovations of the content and grateful viewers.

Rufus Wainwright's tribute to his idol

Although Judy Garland has played much more roles in her short life than a girl named Dorothy who finds herself in a Fairyland, the majority remembers her exactly like that, and of course, there was also the concert at Carnegie Hall. Rufus Wainwright has undeniably managed in recreating the atmosphere that prevailed on that luxurious secular event. He has not deviated from the performance's script, and even his talking to the viewers practically coincides word for word with those moments when Judy did it herself. A tribute to his idol, and a good way to reveal his talent, record Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall has proved to be one of the singer's most meaningful works. From now on he will be even more wanted on the elite parties as he has dared to perform more than once such a complicated concert. Yet the success of this action has raised the requirements while estimating his creative work. Now if he wants to outdo himself Rufus has to work really hard. Let's hope he is well aware of that and his next full work will not turn out a disappointment.