Cara Luft - 'The Light Fantastic'

Cara Luft was an original founding member of Canadian folk supergroup the Wailin' Jennys, which became one of the most beloved Canadian folk groups of the early 2000s. As a solo artist, Luft is decidedly more resolute, packing her album The Light Fantastic (released originally in 2007) with songs about life, light, and gratitude.

What's 'Fantastic' About 'The Light'

The title track, buried toward the end of the disc, is a cathartic, powerful song. However, listeners shouldn't rush through the disc. "There's a Train" is a broken-hearted country song about how the traveling life impacts one's personal life.

"Black Water Side" is a romp of a tune punctuated by clapping and stomping, and Luft's dexterous guitar skills. Along with "Lord Roslyn's Daughter," this is one of the brightest moments on the disc. Luft is a skilled arranger and instrumentalist and her talents are strongest here, where she's able to innovate and update these traditional folk songs. The latter's harmonies call to mind the exquisite harmonies of the Wailin Jennys—a part of the group's identity for which Luft helped lay the foundation.

The Bottom Line

Solo since 2005, Luft has had some time to herself to put together The Light Fantastic. It comes in the wake of establishing her career as a force in the Canadian folk music scene, and it has been a highly anticipated debut. Certainly, unsurprisingly, the disc delivers.

There's no question of whether or not Luft will manage to impress as many people as a solo artist as she did with the Jennys. Indeed, if The Light Fantastic is any indication, her solo career should be long and full of fantastic light.