Drawing on the influences of his musical upbringing (Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle are his parents), Rufus's dramatic, piano-driven pop is steeped in the traditions of classic American song - Stephen Foster, Tin Pan Alley, Brian Wilson - but his rich baritone and seductive melodies are undeniably contemporary. His self-titled debut features string arrangements by Van Dyke Parks and instrumental support from drummer Jim Keltner and keyboardist Benmont Tench.