It doesn’t matter who you’re a fan of these days, it takes a while for new music to emerge. It’s certainly not like the old days where an album, sometimes two arrived every year. One of the singer/songwriters that I love is Martha Wainwright. Her DNA is a rich one having come forth from Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, both celebrated songwriters. Her brother is Rufus Wainwright. But honestly, to me, she beats them all in quality and intensity. I love her and anxiously await her music.
Recently, Martha Wainwright has released two singles with nary a mention of a new album. Her last album, Goodnight City was issued in 2016. Her Zöe Records (Rounder) catalog is stunning, first to last. Together she has five full-lengths to enjoy! She has a beautiful performance of “El Condor Pasa” sung with her half-sister, Lucy Wainwright Roche (here) as The Wainwright Sisters. (The video is incredibly presented.)
Her two recently released singles includes one as a contribution to a compiled covers album intended as a relief set for the devastating Australian fires. (The album is called Songs For Australia, a 15-track compilation. released digitally on March 5, and will be physically available in June.) The Martha Wainwright contribution is a cover of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds‘ “The Ship Song”.
Out of the blue, Martha Wainwright released a new single, “Wolves”, with vocal contributions by Rufus Wainwright. No word on an upcoming album.
We wait, but we have two new gems to enjoy. If you’re unaware of Martha Wainwright, I encourage you to investigate.