DUBBED one of the greatest of today s crop of torch singers, Martha Wainwright tackles the legacy of mighty French chanteuse Edith Piaf at the Barbican next week. In a show co-created by producer Hal Wilner for New York, Wainwright featured many of Piaf s

DUBBED one of the greatest of today's crop of torch singers, Martha Wainwright tackles the legacy of mighty French chanteuse Edith Piaf at the Barbican next week.

In a show co-created by producer Hal Wilner for New York, Wainwright featured many of Piaf's rarer songs in a performance recorded for DVD by Jamie Catto.

This is the London debut of that show, featuring New York musicians including pianist Thomas Bartlett, electric guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Doug Wieselman, and bassist Brad Albetta.

Wainwright, the daughter of American folk/blues musician Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle and sister of baroque popster Rufus Wainwright, has become known in recent years for powerful renditions of Edith Piaf's Adieu Mon C�ur during her live sets.

Her last album, I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too, featured contributions from Pete Townshend, Donald Fagen and Garth Hudson - as well as brother Rufus.

"I think it was Rufus who played me mom's records of Piaf's when we were kids," says Martha.

"I must have been eight or so, and ever since then she has lived in a little apartment in my heart. A French apartment, of course."

Martha Wainwright Sings Piaf at the Barbican at 8pm on Wednesday, November 11. Tickets cost �18.50-�22.50 from www.barbican.org.uk or 020 7638 4141