Rufus Wainwright's 2014 concert album
Live from the Artist's Den features the acclaimed singer/songwriter performing at the historic N.Y.C. church turned theater space on May 17, 2012. Backed by a live ensemble replete with keyboards and horns,
Wainwright runs through a hefty cross section of material from throughout his discography. Much of the material on
Live from the Artist's Den is drawn from
Wainwright's '70s-influenced 2012 studio album,
Out of the Game. However, he has crafted a nicely flowing set list that includes songs from as far back as 2001's
Poses. Joining
Wainwright here are several notable guest artists including longtime friend guitarist/vocalist
Teddy Thompson (son of
Richard & Linda Thompson), vocalist
Krystle Warren, and producer/vocalist
Mark Ronson.
Wainwright's distinctive, resonant voice is in fine form here, especially on such emotionally charged tracks as covers of his father's (
Loudon Wainwright III) "One Man Guy" and his mother's (the late
Kate McGarrigle) "On My Way to Town." This is an organic, gorgeously produced concert with full arrangements of
Wainwright's often classically influenced compositions. ~ Matt Collar