Rufus Wainwright: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

We'd never tried to squeeze a piano behind the Tiny Desk, but when I saw a chance to have Rufus Wainwright play here, I wouldn't - and he probably wouldn't - have had it any other way. Somehow, we managed to fit a glossy black Yamaha upright against my full bookshelves. Then we tuned it and waited for some glorious moments.
Wainwright was touring behind his new album, Out of the Game, and had scheduled a more formal appearance at Wolf Trap in Virginia that evening. Here, sporting a T-shirt and shorts, he performed three songs. By the middle of his closer, "Montauk," few dry eyes remained among the NPR employees and guests.
"Montauk" is Wainwright at his best. The piano lines flow with forward motion in a Philip Glass way, and there's also a hauntingly beautiful story. Wainwright sings to his daughter Viva, whom he raises with his husband and whose biological mother is Lorca Cohen. Cohen is Leonard Cohen's daughter; Wainwright is the son of Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III. As if there weren't enough family ties already, the song imagines Viva grown up and visiting her two fathers in Montauk, a small community on the eastern tip of Long Island.
Wainwright plaintively sings:
One day you will come to Montauk
And you will see your dad wearing a kimono
And see your other dad pruning roses
Hope you won't turn around and go
"Montauk" is the story of a modern family filled with old family worries, an emotional range familiar to the singer-songwriter.
Set List:
"The Art Teacher"
"Respectable Dive"
"Montauk"
Credits:
Producer and Editor: Bob Boilen; Videographers: Michael Katzif, Bob Boilen and Nick Michael; Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault; photo by Claire O'Neill/NPR

[@tlbrooklyn]

He has a voice like a cello. ❤

[@marieburnett4896]

He's so special and different than any other musician. He gives me feelings of hope and love.

[@dionst.michael5818]

Can’t put my finger on it but he manages to capture my soul when I see or hear him sing and play. He has always been my guilty pleasure in that I grew up singing, playing and listening to bluegrass, Americana and classic country music. No joke. Even went to one of his concerts and I was in awe for the entire evening. It was breath taking. Despite being a heterosexual man I fully admit to having a straight up guy crush on him if that makes sense! Lol

[@yourinnerlawyer4035]

@@dionst.michael5818 I can't listen sometimes bc it makes me bawl. I don't always feel like crying lol. When I saw CSNY on their very last tour I cried silently throughout the ENTIRE THING. It was an unforgettable event but I wish I could've composed myself lol.

[@louern123]

Montrealer here , i’ve seen him live several times and was in Montauk two weeks ago before his birthday show - would have loved to have been there … i literally planned the whole expensive Montauk trip all because he lives there. he is one of my favourite human beings on earth ❤❤❤

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

I'm into all kinds of music but he's definitely outside of my usual genres (old school HipHop, classic & some modern Rock, early Blues)... saw him at Humboldt State University with my mother and we were absolutely *STUNNED* the entire show at his brilliance. We were in the fourth row and you could feel his voice in your chest. It's undoubtedly one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed - and I've seen some soul-shaking concerts!

[@thrak9]

hip-hop is NOT music you fool.@@Jimmy1982Playlists

[@lexy67flc]

When Rufus sings, it commands respect. You should sit still and enjoy it and just be in the moment and bask in the beauty of his voice.

[@jamiewilson1880]

had the pleasure of finally seeing him live in edinburgh a few months ago. Literally couldnt breath for the entirety of the show. Not often you get to be in the presence of greatness. I love this man so much.

[@dionst.michael5818]

You completely described the night I went to see him live as well. Felt like I couldn’t breathe for the entire evening. It was truly magical. No joke. It will stay with me always.

[@leif1075]

Why do youbsay that? Was the air very thin lol. No seriously Why though I'm curious?

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

_Amen!_ I'm a HipHop/Rock/Blues obsessive who knew very little about him and my mother, already a fan, asked if I wanted to go see him live and I went on a lark. We were 5th row center 😁 I had an out-of-body experience that whole show. He was touring for the very album he was promoting for this NPR Tiny Desk. His voice and his piano went straight thru my chest. He is a *MUST-SEE.* Indescribable.

[@susanfarron2284]

In my house, Rufus sings ALMOST 24/7 even if i'm out...you see my kittykat loves him as well...he is part of our lives.

[@themysticmuse1111]

Susan Farron subbed

[@deich31]

Cats love Rufus. That's a fact.

[@Asha_Viczsarai]

One of those musicians with a voice that's even more sublime live.

[@caitlinji]

The Art Teacher floors me every time I hear it.

[@IvyFox1]

Same!!!

[@donutspanker]

I clicked on this video and said to myself, "Please play Art Teacher, PLEASE PLAY IT." First song that plays... I am happy :D

[@darthanddedeu2580]

Seriously, the art teacher is a devastating song. But it's done so beautifully.

[@jwbucklin]

I’ve been thinking about this song lately. Stumbling around KZbin and came across Rufus. Had no idea he was gonna play it here!

[@j.c7719]

Love that song, makes me cry, that voice is a gift.

[@curtandoscar]

Still such a magnificent voice to this day - full and rich and beautiful and deep. I was lucky enough to see Rufus 3 times starting way back in 2002 or 2003, in Toronto at Roy Thompson Hall, and in an ivy league college gym in Brunswick, Maine believe it or not. We were right at the front, just feet away from him. Amazingly the person who originally had this primo spot walked away for some reason just before the show began, so we immediately filled it. He had his whole then-band. I will never forget when they sang and all harmonized on Grey Gardens, which was my favorite of his songs - truly magic. I remember a guy in the crowd in between songs yelled "I would date you!". Rufus laughed and said, "it's illegal!" (in case the guy was underage.) After Rufus and his band exited the stage I leapt on (it was only about 1 foot up) and grabbed his setlist off his piano. I still have it.

[@jamarsu]

I adore this man and his music. He's brilliant.

[@VinOnline]

He is one of the nicest sounding singers I've ever heard.

[@TheDistractionTrap]

If I could sing like him, and play as well as him on piano, this is exactly how I would sing and play.. this touches my soul, timeless moments, melancholy, sad, happy, peaceful and every single other emotion that we have - he touches them with a gracefulness and effortless way, bravo sir, bravo.

[@zendragon4037]

our home grown Montreal, Quebec, Canada artist...So proud...you are so talented...love you eternally

[@thelonious1234]

We went to see him last night in Tarrytown NY. One-man show, switching between piano and guitar. Slayed. I love Rufus and I went in with high expectations, all of which he exceeded completely. He was so committed, and it all came out so perfectly whole. Dude is beast.

[@poppyseed890]

I think the commitment is what's most striking with Rufus. He sings and plays as if it's about life and death. The live experience is absolutely singular. The power of his voice draws you in completely. Thankfully he still plays in smallish venues which makes the experience all the more worthwhile and memorable.

[@Elise__Mae]

I'm slated to see him at the City Winery in Boston in the next few weeks. I so much hope that he'll be primarily on piano. The only other time I've seen him was at a summer tent, with a large band; Rufus was mostly on guitar. I admire his multi-instrumentalist abilities, but felt disappointed to miss him melting into the piano. His piano voicings and the way that his melodies combine with him are completely unique and so compelling -- and his voice has a laser precision.

[@teresacollins7763]

I love this man, every time he sings I travel to a different world...a really sweet and beautiful world.Thank you Mr.Wainright.

[@arothko8939]

Saw him for the first time a few weeks ago at a small venue in Albany, New York. I went in skeptical because thats the way I am. But he floored me. One man show. Went from piano to guitar and back again. Aside from his music he had great interactions with the audience. I agree he’s brilliant.

[@acestorms5256]

unbelievable... The Art teacher.... lost for words.... I've always loved this song, but starting off with it totally caught me off guard...

[@blauvampyroski]

Mesmerizing chap, so talented, so stylish, so handsome, lovely voice.. Seems like a good family dude.... ahhh just a standard issue Rufus crush ... :)

[@valeriejordan32]

PC pizza

[@kpdelaney6460]

I love "Another Believer" from him. Now I'm seeing what other music he's made.

[@katspe]

I love Rufus, his voice is so perfect 💖

[@ZojaChmielarczyk]

you can see him hearing the horn solo in his head when he plays art teacher..... i love him so much that i feel i may perish

[@poppyseed890]

I still remember watching this tiny desk concert for the first time (it seems like ages ago ;-), and arriving too late for work eventually because my eyes, and heart and pretty much everything else were glued to the screen ;-) which is something that rarely happens to me...

[@garry_wshld]

Very beautiful comment, you got me

[@lilacheaven222]

If I had his voice I would literally never stop singing!

[@bebesmith5814]

He's got good genes. I've always loved Kate and Anna McGarrigle and it's amazing to watch Martha and Rufus Wainwright. What an example of how we carry our families forward.

[@prissymissyb]

if Jeff Buckley and Elton John ever had a vocal love child, his name would be Rufus Wainwright.

[@paulmumford3397]

With Thom Yorke as midwife

[@gregattraf]

No but he is the love child of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle (both freakishly amazing talents)

[@darthanddedeu2580]

@@gregattrafyeah, but Loudon was absent, Kate Raised him & his sister.

[@alexanderleeart]

yeah Thom definitely got his genes in there somehow

[@lemmingbcn]

Elfus Buckwright. That's a good artistic name.

[@LukeTaylorOfficial]

He makes his vibrato sound ridiculously effortless!

[@coibyo]

Montauk is Everything!

[@echamber]

Paul Gibbs it is!!!!!

[@anthonysullivan6472]

saw him for the first time at the Philarmonic Hall Liverpool on 13th July '15 - he was absolutely brilliant - top voice great musician and a great stage presence - top bloke !

[@wesmccomas]

Here I am in this uniformsh pantsuit sort of thing..

[@pumpkinomom4446]

wes mccomas wow i just read it while he was singing it!

[@cornerentertainmentbad4902]

If you ever wanna learn how to master vibrato, just listen and sing along to Rufus Wainwright. It’s amazing.

[@barbf.5985]

God his voice is such a gift!

[@adolfonava2666]

made my eyes water

[@emilygraham6196]

I really really love him and Martha like how talented is their family

[@gagahdantas]

mountak is a deadly serious hymn

[@Squeaky1423]

Just Rufus and the piano - the best.

[@CheekyThrill]

My God, he's amazing...

[@jennn3881]

Listening to this in 2018 and I forgot how much I love Rufus!!

[@user-qv6rd3eo1r]

Thanks my mom for she have gave me this ear to hear rufus

[@dylanmorris6003]

What a treasure this man is

[@catalinabusla1151]

Agree

[@misterblitzer]

Playing the art teacher again and again and again damn .....

[@dardarfisher]

Nothin gets me singing louder than Rufus in my car!

[@oldbro415]

Montauk makes me cry, every time.

[@poppyseed890]

I've been listening to his music for about 10 years, but now that I've seen him live for the first time in Vienna, I became COMPLETELY OBSESSED by these songs and this voice. These acoustic versions are breathtaking, especially Montauk and Respectable Dive are soooo much better than the album versions, imho!

[@wezlam]

I feel the same... strange isn't it. Hypnotic voice.

[@poppyseed890]

I really fell in love with his voice (and everthing else ;-) big time. As odd as it sounds, it's no exaggeration ;-)

[@lilMissmAlice]

We Love You Rufus

[@rainey1987]

I still listen to this and cry.

[@tanyanightingale9105]

Sublime. 'Montauk' breaks my heart..

[@jenjoku1]

Just rediscovering my love for Rufus.. Such a force!!

[@spluper2968]

Saw him in 2005 in Tulsa.. was magical. People talk about his voice, which they should! But I’m also amazed at what a great musician he is (I’m very jealous of those who can play music and sing at the same time). Here I am almost 20 years later watching him on KZbin

[@shaunjacobs489]

Rufus is so incredibly talented

[@catalinabusla1151]

Incredible Talented Artist! Great performer! Amazing Rufus

[@julyann2010]

He has gotten me thru the last two years. Im late but. Never late haha

[@rufus1646]

What can I say?.....His voice mooooooves me

[@wufflemann]

Amazing! I was lucky enough to see him a few weeks ago on Long Island. So very talented.

[@blakrumba]

Oooooh man, his voice reminds me so much of my youth. Although, at the time I had no idea he was Canadian. I thought he was English ☺️ Between him and Keane, I had a lot of good memories.

[@KimAustin1957]

8 years on and I'm still loving this! Some great music to help see this virus out.

[@kflangan]

Last month Rufus and Lucy came to Durham, NC, what a show! I really didn't know what to expect, but I was really wowed by the show.

[@Shananigan11]

"Out of the Game" really is a good mix of genres, and absolutely kicks ass.

[@CathrineBeaunae]

Thank you so much NPR for this wonderful bit of Rufus

[@writedmc2012]

They forgot to write in the introduction that Montauk sounds as filled in as an orchestra. The pitter-patter of the enchanted ballet beat has the lilt of a lullaby. But not for a child. It's a family album for those who steal the luxury of a wild, emotional, overwhelming life.

[@catalinabusla1151]

Immenso Rufus🔥

[@lilaquickel1819]

This is so perfect if you need a "Rufus fix".

[@maggilloyd-davies7539]

He is just so amazing. Could listen to him for ever.

[@thegazetteyt]

So far in my life I have seen him in concert about 5 times. Most were back when he was $20 a ticket :)

[@rblfrmthewstdwn]

thegazette im jealous!!! He is coming to my city Sept 27th Im finally getting my chance!!! A week before my birthday no less!

[@lizbrian5288]

Now, occasionally you can get a ticket in the $50-60 range, but I want the best seats I can get. I have tickets for a concert in Brooklyn in April for which I paid $104 each. Good for you, Rufus!

[@themysticmuse1111]

An all around gem of an incredibly talented human

[@user-vq2zu1qb9u]

He finds emotion and vibrato in equal ease and measure, and it’s my favorite thing ever. I can’t play piano very well, nor guitar AT ALL, but I’ve always wished to play my cello with him on anything he wanted it for. It would be a dream realized.

[@SilveryScream]

only everything

[@juice2620]

Unusual and different but I can't shut it off. I have a feeling he's going to be a favorite.

[@davidgeorgemarksergeant4373]

Magnificent singer- songwriter

[@blakrumba]

What a voice. Love love love that voice.

[@lulucottontails]

There's nobody like Rufus, a brilliant & sexy, come back to London soon Rufus (bring the band too) I love you!

[@catalinabusla1151]

Please come back brilliant STAR Rufus! Great Artist & Gorgeous Person! We love you! 💕

[@purplevolution]

he's so cool

[@TruthLove333]

Discovered him in the Leonard Cohen documentary, “I’m your man”, his voice makes me cry -- I love him. So much feeling ❤️

[@patriciofernandez2711]

4th time that i'm watching this in in the span of 30 hours

[@doriianmusic]

Never have I turned since then...

[@wesmccomas]

Edwin Burgos never

[@ewetoo]

a voice to willingly drown in

[@echamber]

God I love him

[@catalinabusla1151]

I love him too🔥

[@the_musiccellar]

Doesn’t even have to look at the keys, I’m more impressed with this man the more I explore his repertoire

[@SilveryScream]

watching this all the time

[@karenschalker1960]

but yeah, Art Teacher is amazing, amazing..

[@jimtuffield9741]

love this neoclassical genius

[@chrishale3977]

Brilliant.

[@Kento_nanami_the_2nd]

As if his music weren't good enough his laugh has to go and be impressive too.

[@irisodeya9145]

love him to bits

[@drewroberts948]

such an icon

[@micheller79]

so glad to find this, love me some rufus! Beautiful voice and lovely man to look at.

[@Valkyri3Z]

oh so beautiful. Made me sit still ..

[@TheBluv12]

rufus is such a boss

[@chickenjeanz]

I can’t believe I had never heard of Rufus Wainwright until today his music is like a missing piece in my brain

[@gregaroller]

lol how??? I make records for a living and they are complicated and painstaking efforts to squeeze every ounce of passion out of them. this guy just plugs in a couple mics no reverbs just him. and WOW! captivating.

[@joywolfe.]

It was recorded in a small book room, and I'm sure he didn't even mix it, someone else did. Have you heard the original? if not, quit speaking out of your ass. If so, appreciate how much better that one is.

[@Velvet0Starship2013]

Welcome to Das Internet: one fan heaps lavish praise on singer, other fan hurls abuse at praise. Huh? Yep.

[@PomBare]

It annoys me a little actually. To possess that kind of talent, argh makes me feel inadequate as a musician. I can't sing without reverb, or really sing at all. Wish I had the gift of that rich voice, and everything else in his armor.

[@gregaroller]

I'm learning that the secret is to be well rehersed, then... sing passionately without care.

[@masparasol]

Rufus is a phenom.

[@christinecauseimanevilcar4073]

I can't stop listening to art teacher!!!

[@renaudlegal8946]

talent !

[@yuko888]

大好きな曲ばっかり💗 メロディーがほんとに美しい…✨

[@catalinabusla1151]

May 2021: Rufus Is the same Great 💚STAR!

[@robinchanteusedylan8326]

Absolutely love this awesome man!

[@shnootch]

love his stuff.

[@karenschalker1960]

felt the same way about Montauk.

[@jhoff1]

I love rufus!! Saw him on tour during poses album. amazing!!!

[@emilcearbo339]

HACE AÑOS QUE TE SIGO Y JAMAS ME HE SENTIDO DEFRAUDADA DE TU TALENTO,SIEMPRE DANDO UN PASO MAS ,CON LAS LETRAS DE TUS TEMAS,INOLVIDABLES.EMI ARBO TE SALUDA OH MAESTRO.

[@daBonez]

Respectable Dive - That was my fave!

[@DaisieJJ]

Magnifique !

[@themysticmuse1111]

This is brilliant.

[@sebastian4451]

cocteautwinned i love your name