Having wowed audiences and critics alike in New York, London, Paris and L.A, Rufus Wainwright’s brilliant revival of Judy Garland’s legendary 1961 Carnegie Hall show is released as a must-have 2-disc live CD, January 21st. The first of his acclaimed tribute shows, it took place at Carnegie Hall, June 14th & 15th, where this live performance was recorded.Produced by Phil Ramone with Rufus as Executive Producer, the eagerly anticipated live CD boasts all 27 dazzling songs, including orchestra adaptations of the original score by Jon Charles & Christopher Jahnke.Conducted by Stephen Oremus (‘Wicked’/‘Avenue Q’) - who plays piano on ‘A Foggy Day’, ‘You’re Nearer’ & ‘If Love Were All’ - the show boasts a stunning 36-piece orchestra.The concert was produced by Jared Geller & David J.Foster (Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway) and the excitement begins with the very first notes of the dazzling overture. Featuring special guest appearances by Martha Wainwright (‘Stormy Weather’), Kate McGarrigle (‘Over the Rainbow’, piano) and Lorna Luft, it’s a riveting tour de force.Highlights include: ‘San Francisco’, ‘The Man That Got Away’, the Noel Coward classic ‘If Love Were All’, ‘Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart’, ‘Foggy Day’, ‘Do It Again’ (sung in its original key) & the rousing finale ‘Get Happy’.For Rufus Wainwright, this was a true labour of love. The full range and depth of his extraordinary voice is revealed throughout the performance, which was delivered with his inimitable wit and charm.
The impressive 36-piece orchestra boasts a powerhouse rhythm section, with legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, plus John Oddo (piano), Richard Sarpola (bass) and James Saporito (drums).