MARTHA WAINWRIGHT SINGS EDITH PIAF
SUNDAY, JUNE 27 • 8 PM
PANTAGES PLAYHOUSE THEATRE
$35 (Plus Agency Fees)
Part ingénue, part punkster, strong and vulnerable all at once, with a hugely expressive voice and an arsenal of powerful songs, Martha Wainwright is a beguiling entertainer and a refreshingly different voice in music.
Martha is the daughter of folk legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and sister of acclaimed singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. Born in New York City and raised in Montreal, Martha was totally captivated by French chanteuse Edith Piaf as a child, having listened to her music since the age of eight. “There are certain things about her that I have always been influenced by,” says Martha. “The emotive sensibility of her voice. She’s an incredibly emotional singer and I’ve always been an incredibly emotional singer and pained singer.”
For her latest record, Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers, A Paris, Martha passionately sings and romantically interprets a beautiful selection of rare and acclaimed Piaf songs. The album was recorded over three intimate performances in New York’s Dixon Place Theater last June. Produced by Hal Willner, Martha Wainwright assembled a unique band of musicians including long-time collaborator Brad Albetta, who produced Martha’s first two albums, pianist Thomas Bartlett, and electric guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Doug Wieselman to capture the French chanteuse’s venerable catalogue, beautifully coupled with Martha’s unique, evocative, and characterful voice.
Martha and her group will recreate the performance for her very special concert at this year’s festival.
