Rufus Wainwright Live
Powerful voices, amazing harmonies and obnoxious fans
Rufus Wainwright
Ravinia (live)
Released on Nov 30, -0001
Once in a while things will happen in life that can be considered a "treat." One of those "treats" is going to a show only knowing the headliner, and finding out that one of the opening bands is one in which you enjoy quite a bit.
Rufus Wainwright took the stage at Ravinia Saturday, August 25th - and engulfed a crowd with selections that spanned his entire catalog. Rufus himself has one of those voices that sounds exactly the same live as it does recorded; it could possibly be the closest I've ever heard someone sound to their recordings. His strong voice made the show enjoyable all by itself - and it didn't hurt that he is quite hilarious in his between song banter. However, Rufus wasn't the highlight of the night.
I had no idea who the opening bands were. I assumed it was just Rufus playing by himself. I'd never been to Ravinia; so I wasn't actually sure how it "worked." The second band to take the stage were former favorites of mine, The Magic Numbers. I say they're former favorites because I'd completely forgot that they existed. I wore out their first album for about six months; and then moved on in my fickle music ways. Well, the London based group is back in the US touring with Rufus and promoting their new album.
I'd never heard a group who can harmonize with each other while singing completely different things. The Magic Numbers consist of two brother/sister sets, so there is no denying that chemistry exists. It was mind numbing to sit back and listen to them. Not being able to see them only added to the mystery of how exactly they were harmonizing so well.
I always thought that I would pick an awful band to play before my band if I was a headliner. I wouldn't want anyone stealing my spotlight. Everybody was there to see Rufus, but I'm thinking many people left talking about The Magic Numbers.
Lastly, I may have possibly misheard (although I'm 99% sure I didn't) someone during the beginning of Rufus' set; but I'm quite sure someone on the lawn decided it would be a good idea to yell "fag" as loud as they could towards the stage. Good to know people pay money to try and ruin the experience for others. I guess there is always going to be "that guy" at shows, though.
High Point
Low Point
Posted by Wes Soltis on Aug 26, 2007 @ 12:00 am