OFAM is pleased to announce the addition of Rufus Wainwright to its 2003-04 Now Hear This series. Wainwright appears at The Shedd Friday, December 12, 2003 with special guests Martha Wainwright & Teddy Thompson. Purchase tickets this and to other 2003-04 Now Hear This concerts at the OFAM Ticket Office, 687-6526.

The unflinching self-examination of Rufus Wainwright's new album Want One leaves him open to all sorts of scrutiny. But so does his insistence on being a cultural maverick. Pop records like this one don’t grow on trees; indeed, very few artists in any idiom possess the vocal, compositional or psychological wherewithal to create a work of this quality.

Wainwright’s work is unique among the artists of his generation and, in fact, unlike anything currently orbiting the pop universe. But he has consistently managed to find eager allies, specialists equipped to help him realize his singular vision. His debut album featured contributions from esteemed composer/musicologist Van Dyke Parks; Poses bore the stamp of longtime Wainwright collaborator Pierre Marchand and received a cover of the title track by frequent OFAM artist Dave Douglas.

DreamWorks Records principal Lenny Waronker (who signed Wainwright and is well known for his work with Randy Newman [another recent OFAM artist]) suggested that Marius deVries – highly respected for his work with Björk, Madonna and David Bowie – produce the new album. Among the other artists lending their skills to the record are Charlie Sexton, Levon Helm, and Kate McGarrigle, (Wainwright’s mother, played the banjo and accordion).

To hear Want One and the full Wainwright canon join us at The Shedd Friday, December 12, 2003.