The Light Fantastic

Cara Luft is a Calgary, Alberta folk and roots performer whose music draws from both traditional acoustic music and rock and roll. She began playing autoharp and dulcimer at age four in her family’s band, growing up in a home shaped by folk-musician parents, spiritual music, house concerts, folk clubs, and festivals. Her musical direction widened when she was given an acoustic guitar and discovered Led Zeppelin, a contrast that helped define the blend of folk tradition, strong guitar work, and rock-edged energy that would later mark her solo career.

An accomplished guitarist, singer, songwriter, and interpreter of traditional material, Luft developed a reputation as a confident and engaging live performer, combining original songs, traditional material, and storytelling. Her first full-length album, Tempting the Storm, recorded in 2000, earned a Prairie Music Award nomination for Outstanding Roots Recording.

In early 2002, Luft co-founded The Wailin’ Jennys and spent three years recording and touring with the group. She was part of the trio’s early rise within the Canadian roots music scene and contributed to the development of 40 Days, which won the Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. After leaving the group, she returned to her own songwriting and solo work.

The Light Fantastic was recorded and mixed between February and April 2006 after Luft’s departure from The Wailin’ Jennys. Produced by Neil Osborne of 54-40, the album brought together a strong group of Canadian folk and rock musicians, including Hugh McMillan of Spirit of the West, Richard Moody of The Bills, Winnipeg drummer and percussionist Christian Dugas, and mix engineer Warne Livesey. The album ranges across country, folk, roots rock, traditional song, and modern spiritual material, with Luft’s original writing supported by detailed arrangements and strong ensemble playing.

The Light Fantastic was released in Canada by Black Hen Music and in Europe by CRS on March 27, 2007.