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.

[@Asha_Viczsarai]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@caitlinji]

The Art Teacher floors me every time I hear it.

[@IvyFox1]

Same!!!

[@VinOnline]

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

[@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.

[@jamarsu]

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

[@zendragon4037]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@katspe]

I love Rufus, his voice is so perfect 💖

[@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.

[@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.

[@kpdelaney6460]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 !

[@emilygraham6196]

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

[@jennn3881]

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

[@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.

[@barbf.5985]

God his voice is such a gift!

[@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

[@lilMissmAlice]

We Love You Rufus

[@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

[@Squeaky1423]

Just Rufus and the piano - the best.

[@CheekyThrill]

My God, he's amazing...

[@oldbro415]

Montauk makes me cry, every time.

[@rainey1987]

I still listen to this and cry.

[@tanyanightingale9105]

Sublime. 'Montauk' breaks my heart..

[@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.

[@wufflemann]

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

[@LukeTaylorOfficial]

He makes his vibrato sound ridiculously effortless!

[@jenjoku1]

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

[@coibyo]

Montauk is Everything!

[@echamber]

Paul Gibbs it is!!!!!

[@user-qv6rd3eo1r]

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

[@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.

[@catalinabusla1151]

Incredible Talented Artist! Great performer! Amazing Rufus

[@adolfonava2666]

made my eyes water

[@shaunjacobs489]

Rufus is so incredibly talented

[@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.

[@maggilloyd-davies7539]

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

[@themysticmuse1111]

An all around gem of an incredibly talented human

[@KimAustin1957]

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

[@julyann2010]

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

[@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.

[@Shananigan11]

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

[@dylanmorris6003]

What a treasure this man is

[@catalinabusla1151]

Agree

[@blakrumba]

What a voice. Love love love that voice.

[@gagahdantas]

mountak is a deadly serious hymn

[@micheller79]

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

[@misterblitzer]

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

[@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 ;-)

[@yuko888]

大好きな曲ばっかり💗 メロディーがほんとに美しい…✨

[@CathrineBeaunae]

Thank you so much NPR for this wonderful bit of Rufus

[@misterblitzer]

Amazing, thank you so very much Tiny Desks Concerts and NPRMusic for letting me discover awesome music !!!!

[@SilveryScream]

watching this all the time

[@robinchanteusedylan8326]

Absolutely love this awesome man!

[@dardarfisher]

Nothin gets me singing louder than Rufus in my car!

[@rufus1646]

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

[@irisodeya9145]

love him to bits

[@shnootch]

love his stuff.

[@jhoff1]

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

[@TruthLove333]

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

[@davidgeorgemarksergeant4373]

Magnificent singer- songwriter

[@barbf.5985]

Thank YOU very much!

[@Valkyri3Z]

oh so beautiful. Made me sit still ..

[@jimtuffield9741]

love this neoclassical genius

[@chrishale3977]

Brilliant.

[@patriciofernandez2711]

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

[@renaudlegal8946]

talent !

[@DaisieJJ]

Magnifique !

[@SilveryScream]

only everything

[@purplevolution]

he's so cool

[@juice2620]

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

[@daBonez]

Respectable Dive - That was my fave!

[@laurencelebacq4294]

Superbe chanson !!!❤😍👌

[@drewroberts948]

such an icon

[@ewetoo]

a voice to willingly drown in

[@Kento_nanami_the_2nd]

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

[@yourinnerlawyer4035]

Oh God I forgot about these, they're incredible.

[@lilaquickel1819]

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

[@picks4u2]

We just saw the Wainwright Family Christmas show at UCLA, and it was very inspiring. Great music, unrehearsed and off-the-cuff. Sublime.

[@TheBluv12]

rufus is such a boss

[@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! 💕

[@catalinabusla1151]

May 2021: Rufus Is the same Great 💚STAR!

[@TheNellamaria]

charming!

[@JPammo]

love Love LOVE --->> Rufus

[@chickenjeanz]

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

[@doriianmusic]

Never have I turned since then...

[@wesmccomas]

Edwin Burgos never

[@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🔥

[@themysticmuse1111]

This is brilliant.

[@sebastian4451]

cocteautwinned i love your name

[@davidmiller3190]

thanks!