Monday Magazine

The second solo album from this Wailin’ Jennys co-founder, The Light Fantastic wisely shines a musical spotlight on the album’s two biggest strengths: Luft’s sweet voice and her songwriting prowess. Anyone who enjoyed her work with the Jennys won’t be disappointed by this great solo disc; there are still strong harmonies at work here (courtesy of bandmates like Spirit of the West’s Hugh McMillan and producer Neil Osborne of 54/40 fame) and some outstanding musical contributions by the likes of Richard Moody (The Bills) and Christian Dugas (Alana Levandoski), but it’s mainly Luft who steps to the fore with her heart-twanging vocals and foot-tapping guitar playing. The Light Fantastic is a little bit country, a whole lot of folk and a surprising dollop of rock from an artist who’s quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the stars of the Canadian roots scene. If you thought it was a drag when Luft left the Jennys, check out The Light Fantastic and see what she’s been doing since. You won’t be disappointed.

-John Threlfall