Rufus Wainwright I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Wainwright Does Weill 2LP

TAS Rated 5/5 Music, 5/5 Sonics in the March 2026 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

Rufus Wainwright's I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Wainwright Does Weill is a compelling tribute album that delves into the rich and complex songbook of German-American composer Kurt Weill. Known for his theatrical flair and vocal prowess, Wainwright brings a unique interpretation to Weill's compositions, which are celebrated for their fusion of classical, cabaret, and jazz elements. Premiering in May 2023 at New York City's Café Carlyle, "Wainwright Does Weill" marked Wainwright's first extensive exploration of Weill's repertoire.

Rufus Wainwright's fascination with Kurt Weill's music goes back for decades — in his early twenties he wore out the vinyl grooves of Teresa Stratas' famous Weill album. While Weill's musical influence can be heard in Wainwright's own songs, he had never dedicated an entire evening to singing the German musician's songs, until now. With the Pacific Jazz Orchestra under the baton of Chris Walden, he has expanded the orchestral palette for his approach to Kurt Weill.

"The songs of Kurt Weill have long haunted my imagination and remain solidly mysterious. Be it the opening trap of 'Mack the Knife' or closing explosion of 'Lost in the Stars,' this wondrous musical journey began, continues and will never end." – Rufus Wainwright

Pairing Wainwright with the superlative 40-piece Pacific Jazz Orchestra, it's a high-energy concert recording before an appreciative audience. Casual listeners will recognize such Weill staples as 'Mack the Knife' and the elegiac ballad 'September Song,' but Wainwright digs deep into the German composer's catalog. He sings the heartbreaking French-language ballad 'Je ne t'aime pas,' the German-language ballad 'Fürchte dich nicht,' and the bawdy barroom tango 'Zuhälterballade,' a playful duet with actress and singer Viola Odette Harlow. Three-time Grammy-nominated Wainwright's tenor range effortlessly draws emotion from such classics as 'Surabaya Johnny' and 'Lost in the Stars' (with the Metropole Orkest). Many artists turn to the Broadway songbook at some point in their careers, but for Wainwright, the boards feel like home.