London Free Press

A refined guitarist and compelling vocalist, this Winnipegger masters the musical art form with ease and pleasure. Perhaps her lineage plays a part -- everyone from her mother to her great-grandfather (a vaudevillian tenor) has performed.

In turn, Luft has dedicated herself to the pursuit, picking up the mandolin, clawhammer banjo and a Spirit of the West member along the way. Luft's sound is harmonized by Hugh McMillan's vocals, guitar, lap steel, octave mandolin and bass.

Once a member of the Juno Award-winning Wailin' Jennys, Luft returned to her place as a solo artist. This year, she released her 13-song sophomore title, The Light Fantastic, which was produced by notable Canadian rocker Neil Osborne and includes the talents of several seasoned folk and roots musicians -- plus the sounds of a viola, violin and pedal steel.

On stage, Luft is known for sharing humorous stories in between performances, while her lyrics -- stemming from social issues, her imagination and spiritual reflection -- are even more engaging.

-Lori Mastronardi