International star, singer and actress Ute Lemper‘s career is vast and varied. The German-born performer, who has lived in New York for many years, has made her mark on the stage, in films, in concert and as a unique recording artist. Lempe has been universally praised for her interpretations of Berlin Cabaret Songs and the works of Kurt Weill, Astor Piazzolla and many others, as well as her own compositions.

Lemper joined WBGO’s Doug Doyle to talk about her latest release and upcoming gigs at 54 Below on May 27 and May 29.

“The evening really brings these you beautiful songs. You will certainly enjoy this homage to this incredible composer who died in 1950.”

The Audiophile Society

Now, Ute Lemper is out with a new album Pirate Jenny, celebrating the music of the late great composer Kurt Weill for his 125th birthday. Lemper stresses she wants to make sure everyone is exposed to Weill’s brilliance.

“The performance at 54 Below will be different from my new album, it will just be me with the piano. I go straight down to the human soul and tell the stories. The album has eight of my favorite songs, some from Kurt Weill’s German repertoire, “Solomon Song” and “Mac the Knife, and “Pirate Jenny” is a brilliant song and of course the Great American Songbook songs that work well this groove. It takes it out of the theater and just brings it into this atmospheric groove. You’ll want to listen to it from the beginning to the end because it has like conceptual sound to it.”

C/O Of The Artist

Ute’s portrayals in musicals and plays on Broadway, in Paris, Berlin and in London’s West End have also thrilled audiences.

Lemper became a jazz fan when she was just a teenager.

You can SEE Doug Doyle’s entire interview with Ute Lemper here.