Rufus Wainwright/Imogen Heep

The Supper Club, NYC

-photo and review by j bloomrosen

If you haven't heard of Rufus Wainwright... he's the son of Loudon Wainwright and Kate MacGaragle. There.. that helped you, right? Well, in case you don't know - his folks are famous folkies from the sixties, but there the similarities end. Rufus was more influenced by the likes of Harry Nilsson and Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson and Edith Piaf, than by any folkies around. He also happens to be openly gay and boy does he flaunt it, live. Relishing every moment on stage, Rufus even commented that he "...remembers about four years ago, sitting right over... there, watching Beck play... and wishing it was me up here. Well... here I am New York!!!"

With only one CD to his name, he performed a good amount of that disc, including a stunning opener, "Danny Boy." No.. not that "Danny Boy." Rufus has the cajones to write his own version. "Matinee Idol," "In My Arms," his infectious song "April Fools," that sticks in your head like glue, "Millbrook" and more, all were delivered with panache and style that has not been witnessed in any male singer of his generation.

Actually, Rufus (pictured left) is almost uncategorizable. An anachronism. Certainly not a rock and roller, he comes closer to a crooner of old than anything else around today. Playing mostly grand piano, in white tux pants and a pink shirt with a corsage, Rufus does make quite an impression. Referred to by one critic as "the gay Harry Nilsson," one hopes that Rufus does not end up living and dying as severely unappreciated as Harry did. Though not typical in any way himself, Rufus makes you feel as if you've heard each song of his many times before... an old friend knocking at your door... all you have to do is be willing to open it and invite them in.

His sister Martha sang some gorgeous harmonies throughout the show, their two voices blending as only sibling's voices can. And when their dad, Loudon, walked onstage and did a number with them, taking center stage himself for a moment, the trio was unparalleled. The three voices soared together, merging effortlessly, or seemingly so, at least, taking all witnessing it to a higher level entirely.

With characters and stories, Rufus managed to transport, and silence, this NYC crowd, not an easy task by any means. Certainly not one that opener Imogen Heep could accomplish. Though she tried valiantly, and performed a moving thirty-minute set, most of the audience never heard a word of her smart lyrics, or her in between song, hilarious banter with those of us up front, listening intently as she practically begged the crowd to "shut up," to no avail. Songs like "Candlelight," "Come Here Boy" (about a relationship she had with a fifty year old man as a sixteen year old) and "Rake it In" displayed a fine songstress, wonderful pianist and very funny, personable young woman with a fine repertoire to her name. I recommend you try and catch either of these artists, or pick up both their CDs, whenever you can; as long as you are ready to give some truly alternative music a shot.