The son of acclaimed singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Rufus Wainwright has earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan base over the course of his career.

Although he has been performing since childhood, it was his self-titled debut in 1998 and its follow up, 2001's "Poses" that established his unique aesthetic voice and inagurated him as a critic's darling and burgeoning force in music. Wainwright's legion of fans has only continued to grow as he has taken on ambitious projects like his two-album series, "Want One" and "Want Two," 2007's lauded "Release the Stars" and multiple live releases.

In his songwriting and musicianship, Wainwright blends elements of opera, classical, classic pop, indie rock and folk, while vocally he has developed a distinctive tenor influenced by Edith Piaf, Al Jolson and Judy Garland, whose music he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2007.

His sixth and latest release, "All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu," is a dark and intimate collection of songs that exemplifies Wainwright's extensive knowledge of both classical and popular guitar, piano and vocal arrangements. Martha Wainwright is currently on tour with her brother to provide backup vocals.

Rufus Wainwright stopped by the Current studios yesterday for a live performance.

Songs performed: "The Art Teacher", "Sonnet 20" and "Martha."

Related

• Rufus Wainwright's official website